ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU (ATEX 114)
The European ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU sets requirements for equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. The Directive has been applicable since 20 April 2016 and establishes the framework for placing ATEX equipment on the European market.
ATEX 114 specifies the Essential Health and Safety Requirements (EHSRs) and the conformity assessment procedures manufacturers must follow to demonstrate that their products can be safely used in potentially explosive gas and dust atmospheres.
When Does ATEX 114 Apply?
The Directive applies to, among other things:
- Electrical and non-electrical equipment with its own potential ignition source, intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.
- Protective systems, such as explosion suppression and explosion isolation systems.
- Safety, controlling and regulating devices located outside potentially explosive atmospheres but required for explosion safety.
- Components specifically intended for incorporation into ATEX equipment or protective systems.
Not all equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres automatically falls within the scope of ATEX 114. For equipment, one of the determining factors is whether it has its own potential ignition source.
ATEX 114 addresses product safety and manufacturers' obligations. Requirements for employers and end users are covered by ATEX 153 (Directive 1999/92/EC), including explosion risk assessments, hazardous area classification and the Explosion Protection Document.
Equipment Groups and ATEX Categories
ATEX 114 distinguishes between two equipment groups:
- Group I: equipment intended for use in mines susceptible to firedamp or combustible dust, divided into categories M1 and M2.
- Group II: equipment intended for use in other potentially explosive atmospheres, divided into categories 1, 2 and 3.
For Equipment Group II, the following categories and protection levels apply:
- Category 1G / 1D: very high protection level, suitable for Zone 0 (gas) and Zone 20 (dust).
- Category 2G / 2D: high protection level, suitable for Zone 1 (gas) and Zone 21 (dust).
- Category 3G / 3D: normal protection level, suitable for Zone 2 (gas) and Zone 22 (dust).
Category 1 equipment must remain safe during normal operation, expected malfunctions and rare malfunctions. Category 2 equipment must provide protection during normal operation and expected malfunctions. Category 3 equipment provides protection during normal operation.
Equipment of a higher category may also be used in less hazardous zones, provided that other characteristics, such as gas or dust group, temperature classification and ambient conditions, are suitable.
More information about equipment identification can be found on our page about ATEX marking.
ATEX Conformity Assessment and Certification
The applicable conformity assessment procedure depends on the equipment type, equipment group and category. Not all ATEX equipment requires certification by a Notified Body.
For Equipment Group II, the following procedures generally apply:
Category 1G / 1D
EU-type examination by a Notified Body is required, combined with a prescribed production control procedure. Alternatively, conformity based on unit verification by a Notified Body may be applied.
Category 2G / 2D – Electrical Equipment and Internal Combustion Engines
EU-type examination by a Notified Body is required, combined with the applicable production control or quality assurance procedure. Unit verification is also an alternative.
Category 2G / 2D – Non-electrical Equipment
The manufacturer may perform the conformity assessment and declare conformity without an EU-type examination. However, the technical documentation must be lodged with a Notified Body.
Category 3G / 3D
The manufacturer may perform the conformity assessment and declare conformity without mandatory involvement of a Notified Body.
Separate conformity assessment procedures apply to autonomous protective systems.
The complete procedures are specified in Article 13 of ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU.
Technical Requirements and Documentation
Manufacturers must demonstrate that their products comply with the applicable Essential Health and Safety Requirements of ATEX 114.
European harmonised standards are commonly applied for this purpose, such as the EN IEC 60079 series for electrical equipment and EN ISO 80079-36/-37 for mechanical ATEX equipment.
The application of harmonised standards is not mandatory. However, their correct application provides a presumption of conformity with the requirements covered by those standards.
Compliance must be supported by technical documentation, including risk assessments and Ignition Hazard Assessments, design drawings, calculations, relevant test results, equipment markings and instructions.
For equipment complying with the Directive, the manufacturer must draw up an EU Declaration of Conformity and affix the required CE and Ex markings. Different marking and conformity documentation requirements apply to ATEX components.
ATEX Requirements for Machines and Assemblies
Complete machines, skids and assemblies consisting of multiple components may also fall within the scope of ATEX 114.
The use of individually ATEX-certified components does not automatically mean that the complete assembly complies with the Directive. Interactions between components and any additional ignition hazards must also be assessed.
How Can MIBEX Assist You?
MIBEX supports manufacturers and machine builders in the assessment and explosion-safe design of equipment, machines and assemblies.
Our services include Ignition Hazard Assessments, advice on suitable types of protection, technical design assessments and the preparation of ATEX technical documentation, operating instructions, equipment markings and EU Declarations of Conformity.
We also provide ATEX conformity assessment and certification support, both for manufacturer self-assessment procedures and for certification processes involving a Notified Body.
Do you have questions about ATEX 114 or the conformity assessment of your equipment? Please feel free to contact us.