ATEX 114
MIBEX provides guidance and advice on ATEX 114 certification of electrical or non-electrical equipment and protective systems. For specific questions regarding ATEX 114, please contact MIBEX. Below you will find some general information regarding ATEX 114.
| ATEX derives its name from the French title of the 2014/34/EU directive: Appareils destinés à être utilisés en ATmosphères EXplosibles. The ATEX directive consists of two EU directives describing what equipment and work environment is allowed in an environment with an explosive atmosphere. From June 1, 2003, organizations with potentially explosive atmospheres must comply with the EU directive 1999/92/EC, known as ATEX 153 (ATEX 137 before). A second is the corresponding directive 94/9/EC, known as ATEX 95, which is intended for equipment used in explosive atmospheres. From April 20, 2016, new equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres must comply with ATEX 114 directive 2014/34 / EU. |
The ATEX 114 Directive (Directive 2014/34/EU) describes the requirements to fullfill the Essential Health and Safety requirements (EHSRs) for equipment (electric and non-electric) and protective systems in places ("zones") where dust or gas explosion hazard may occur. This directive describes the Essential Health and Safety requirements. Specific requirements are included in European and international standards such as EN-IEC 60079-0.
The ATEX 114 Directive divides equipment in groups and categories depending on the scope and protection provided.
Equipment groups and categories
The Directive distinguishes two equipment groups: Group I (Mining) and Group II (above ground).
Then distinguishes three categories, which are related to the level of protection of the equipment:
- Category 1: Equipment with a very high level of protection;
- Category 2: Equipment with a high level of protection;
- Category 3: Equipment with a normal level of protection.
The category can be related to the zone in which the equipment may be used.
- Category 1 is suitable for use in Zone 0 (category 1G) or zone 20 (category 1D)
- Category 2 is suitable for use in Zone 1 (category 2G) or zone 21 (category 2D)
- Category 3 is suitable for use in Zone 2 (category 3G) or zone 22 (category 3D)
Certification
The procedure for ATEX 114 certification is depending on the type of equipment and the category. The guideline gives a schematic overview of the different conformity procedures. This schematic can be downloaded here. Below an explanation for each category:
- For all equipment (both electrical and non-electric) according to Category 1 for use in zone 0/20; certification of products (EC Type examination certificate) and production processes (QAN) by an ATEX Notified Body is legally required.
- For electrical equipment according to Category 2 for use in zone 1/21; certification of products and production processes by an ATEX Notified Body is legally required.
- For non-electrical equipment according to Category 2 for use in zone 1/21; establishment of a Technical Construction File at an ATEX Notified Body is required. Certification of products and quality system is not necessary in this case.
- For all equipment (both electrical and non-electrical) according to Category 3 for use in zone 2/22; "self-certification" is allowed, hereby the manufacturer performs a construction evaluation, hazard analysis and any necessary testing. Certification of products and quality system is in this case not necessary.