ATEX and IECEx: What Are the Differences?
ATEX 114 and IECEx 02 both establish requirements for electrical and non-electrical equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. However, there are important differences in legislation, conformity assessment, certification procedures and international acceptance.
ATEX 114 is a European product directive, whereas IECEx 02 is an international certification scheme. Both systems largely use the same technical standards, but the procedures for demonstrating conformity differ.
ATEX 114 – European Legislation
The ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU establishes Essential Health and Safety Requirements (EHSRs) for equipment and protective systems placed on the EU market.
Manufacturers may apply harmonised European standards, such as the EN IEC 60079 series and EN ISO 80079-36/-37, to demonstrate compliance with these requirements.
The application of harmonised standards is not mandatory. Manufacturers may use alternative technical solutions, provided they can demonstrate compliance with the applicable requirements of the Directive.
IECEx 02 – International Certification
IECEx 02 is an international certification scheme for explosion-protected equipment, based on IEC and ISO standards.
Unlike ATEX, IECEx requires demonstration of compliance with the specific standards and editions listed on the certificate.
IECEx certification is performed by an approved IECEx Certification Body (ExCB). This applies to both electrical and non-electrical equipment and to all equipment protection levels.
Differences in Conformity Assessment
An important difference concerns the mandatory involvement of an independent certification body.
Under ATEX 114:
- Manufacturers may independently assess and declare conformity for Category 3G/3D equipment.
- Manufacturers may also independently assess Category 2G/2D non-electrical equipment, provided the technical documentation is lodged with a Notified Body.
- For other equipment categories and certain equipment types, involvement of a Notified Body is mandatory according to the applicable conformity assessment procedure.
Under IECEx 02:
- Assessment and certification by an ExCB are always required.
- Technical assessments and tests are documented in an IECEx Test Report (ExTR).
- For regular product certification, the manufacturer's quality management system is assessed and documented in a Quality Assessment Report (QAR).
- An IECEx Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is issued based on the required assessments.
IECEx also provides unit verification for individual items of equipment or limited production series. A QAR is not required for this procedure.
Quality Assurance and Marking
For regular IECEx product certification, assessment of the manufacturing quality management system according to ISO/IEC 80079-34 is generally part of the certification process.
Under ATEX, the required production control depends on the equipment category and the selected conformity assessment procedure. A Quality Assurance Notification (QAN) is therefore not mandatory in all cases.
Equipment marking also differs:
- ATEX: CE marking, the specific Ex symbol, equipment group and category, together with the relevant Ex marking.
- IECEx: Ex marking according to the applicable standards, including the Equipment Protection Level (EPL) and reference to the IECEx certificate.
Equipment complying with both systems may carry both ATEX and IECEx markings.
International Acceptance
ATEX 114 provides the legal framework for placing equipment within the scope of the Directive on the European market.
IECEx aims to facilitate international recognition of certification results. An IECEx certificate can simplify national approval procedures, but does not automatically replace local regulatory requirements.
For manufacturers supplying equipment both within and outside Europe, combined ATEX and IECEx assessment may therefore be beneficial.
How Can MIBEX Assist You?
MIBEX supports manufacturers and machine builders with the application of both ATEX 114 and IECEx 02.
We provide advice on conformity assessment procedures, applicable standards and suitable types of protection. Our services also include Ignition Hazard Assessments, preparation of technical documentation and certification support involving a Notified Body or ExCB.
Further information is available on our page about ATEX and IECEx certification.
Do you have questions about the differences between ATEX and IECEx, or do you need equipment assessed for international markets? Please feel free to contact us.