We offer testing, certification and product inspection services under the ATEX Directive and the IECEx Certified Equipment Scheme. We provide expert assessment of the compliance of your products to help you ensure their suitability and explosion protection according to the requirements needed for obtaining the Distinctive Community Mark (Ex in hexagon), CE Mark, and approval for other international markets.
ATEX Certification
All EU countries require CE and ATEX markings on products used in hazardous locations. The use of harmonized EN standards gives the manufacturer the “presumption of conformity” to the “Essential Health and Safety Requirements (EHSRs)” and a basis on which to issue a declaration of conformity (DoC) for the ATEX Directive.
We provide seamless testing, certification, and product inspection services under the ATEX Directive, via an innovative Harmonized International Ex Testing Program. The program harmonizes test processes, engineering skill sets, and administration to ensure a consistent approach in securing all recognized approvals for potentially explosive atmosphere and hazardous locations. The program also cuts significant time off the certification process, rendering approvals in weeks instead of months.
MET offers certification services to the following EU ATEX standards:
- EN 60079-0 Electrical Apparatus for Explosive Gas Atmospheres Part 0: General Requirements
- EN 60079-1 Electrical Apparatus for Explosive Gas Atmospheres Part 1: Flameproof Enclosures “d”
- EN 60079-2 Electrical Apparatus for Explosive Gas Atmospheres Part 2: Pressurized Enclosures “p”-Second Edition
- EN 60079-7 Electrical Apparatus for Explosive Gas Atmospheres Part 7: Increased Safety “e”-First Edition
- EN 60079-11 Electrical Apparatus for Explosive Gas Atmospheres Part 11: Intrinsic Safety “i”
- EN 60079-15 Electrical Apparatus for Explosive Gas Atmospheres Part 15: Electrical Apparatus with Type of Protection “n”
- EN 60079-28 Explosive Atmospheres. Protection of Equipment and Transmission Systems Using Optical Radiation
- EN 60079-31 Explosive Atmospheres. Equipment Dust Ignition Protection by Enclosure “t”
What is the ATEX Directive?
The ATEX Directive is a European Union directive that outlines the requirements for equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. It sets out the standards and regulations that manufacturers must adhere to ensure workers’ safety and prevent explosions in hazardous environments within the European Union and the United Kingdom. .In the UK, the ATEX equivalent is referred to as “UKEX.”
The directive covers a wide range of industries, including chemical plants, oil refineries, and mining operations, where the presence of flammable gases, vapors, or combustible dusts could pose a serious threat to safety. By following the guidelines set out in the ATEX Directive, companies can minimize the risks associated with working in explosive atmospheres and protect their employees from harm.
What does ATEX stand for?
ATEX Certification is a certification given to equipment that is used in potentially explosive atmospheres. ATEX stands for Atmosphères Explosibles, which stands for explosive atmospheres. This certification ensures that the equipment meets specific safety requirements to prevent the risk of causing an explosion in hazardous environments.
This certification is mandatory in many industries where flammable gases, vapors, or dust are present, such as oil and gas, chemical, pharmaceutical, and mining industries. By having ATEX certified equipment, companies can ensure the safety of their workers and prevent accidents that could result in serious injuries or damage to property.
What industries require ATEX certification?
Industries that commonly require ATEX certification include oil and gas, chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, mining, food and beverage, and manufacturing. These industries often involve the use of flammable gases, vapors, or dusts, making them susceptible to potential explosions if proper safety measures are not in place.
By ensuring that equipment used in these industries meets ATEX temperature classification requirements, companies can mitigate the risks associated with operating in hazardous environments. Additionally, compliance with ATEX regulations is often a legal requirement in many countries to ensure the safety of workers and the surrounding environment. Overall, ATEX certification is crucial for industries where the potential for explosive atmospheres exists, as it helps to prevent accidents and protect both personnel and assets.
What are ATEX Zones?
ATEX Zones are specific areas within a facility where the presence of flammable gases, vapors, or dust is likely to occur. These areas are categorized according to the regularity and length of time these dangerous materials are present.
Zone 0 (for gases and vapors) and Zone 20 (for dust) are areas where hazardous substances are present continuously or for prolonged periods of time. Zone 1 (for gases and vapors) and Zone 21 (for dust) are areas where hazardous substances are likely to be present occasionally during normal operation. Zone 2 (for gases and vapors) and Zone 22 (for dust) are areas where hazardous substances are not likely to be present but may occur in abnormal conditions.
It is important for companies to properly classify their facilities into ATEX Zones and use ATEX certified equipment accordingly to ensure the safety of their workers and prevent potential explosions. Failure to follow ATEX regulations can result in serious consequences, including fines, legal action, and most importantly, the risk of harm to personnel and damage to property.
What is ATEX temperature classification?
ATEX temperature classification is a system used to categorize equipment based on the maximum surface temperature that the equipment can reach during normal operation. This classification is important because it helps to ensure that equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres is designed to prevent ignition sources that could lead to an explosion.
The ATEX temperature classification system consists of six different temperature classes, ranging from T1 (the lowest maximum surface temperature) to T6 (the highest maximum surface temperature). Equipment must be designed and certified to meet the specific temperature class requirements for the hazardous area in which it will be used. This helps to ensure that the equipment is safe to use in potentially explosive atmospheres and reduces the risk of ignition and explosion. By understanding and adhering to ATEX temperature classification requirements, companies can further enhance the safety of their workers and minimize the potential for accidents in hazardous environments.
How does ATEX certification improve safety?
The ATEX Directive, a regulation from the European Union, sets out the standards for equipment and protective systems designed for use in potentially explosive environments. ATEX certification improves safety by ensuring that products have undergone rigorous testing to meet strict safety standards.
This certification helps to minimize the risk of explosions in potentially hazardous environments, protecting both workers and the surrounding area. By using ATEX certified equipment, companies can have peace of mind knowing that their operations follow regulations and that they are taking necessary precautions to prevent accidents.
Overall, ATEX certification plays a vital role in enhancing safety measures and reducing the likelihood of incidents in industries where explosive atmospheres are a concern. It provides a level of assurance that equipment is safe to use in these environments, promoting a safer work environment for all involved.
What is ATEX Certification?
ATEX certification is a European Union directive that sets out the requirements for equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. It ensures that products designed for use in such environments meet specific safety standards to prevent the risk of explosions.
What Does ATEX Certification Mean?
ATEX certification signifies that a product has undergone rigorous testing and meets the safety requirements for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. It aims to reduce the risk of ignition sources and promote safety in environments where flammable gases, vapors, liquids, or combustible dusts may be present.
How to Get ATEX Certification?
To obtain ATEX certification, manufacturers need to follow the relevant ATEX directives. The process typically involves assessing the equipment’s design, manufacturing, and documentation to ensure compliance with ATEX requirements. You can get in contact for us to start the certification process.
What Is an ATEX Certificate?
An ATEX certificate is an official document issued by a notified body, confirming that a specific product or system complies with the ATEX directives. It includes details about the certified equipment and the conditions under which it can be safely used in potentially explosive atmospheres.
What Is ATEX Certification Used For
ATEX certification is used for equipment and systems designed for use in environments where explosive atmospheres may occur. This includes industries such as oil and gas, chemical, pharmaceuticals, and mining, where the presence of flammable substances poses a risk of explosion.
Difference Between ATEX and IECEx Certification
ATEX and IECEx are two different certification systems. ATEX is specific to the European Union, while IECEx is an international standard. IECEx is often recognized globally, including in countries like Australia. The main difference lies in their geographical scope, but both certifications aim to ensure the safety of equipment in explosive atmospheres.
IECEx Certification
The IECEx Scheme is the CB Scheme for electrical equipment used in explosive atmospheres (hazardous locations). We are an Explosive Atmosphere Test Laboratory (ExTL). MET performs local IECEx testing in North America (a rare capability among U.S.-based labs), cutting significant time off the certification process and rendering approvals in weeks instead of months.
We offer testing and certification services to the following IECEx standards:
- EN/IEC 60079-0: Part 0: Equipment – General requirements
- EN/IEC 60079-1: Part 1: Equipment protection by flameproof enclosures ‘d’
- EN/IEC 60079-2: Part 2: Equipment protection by pressurized enclosures ‘p’
- EN/IEC 60079-5: Part 5: Equipment protection by powder filling ‘q’
- EN/IEC 60079-6: Part 6: Equipment protection by oil immersion ‘o’
- EN/IEC 60079-7: Part 7: Equipment protection by increased safety ‘e’
- EN/IEC 60079-11: Part 11: Equipment protection by intrinsic safety ‘i’
- EN/IEC 60079-15: Part 15: Equipment protection by type of protection ‘n’
- EN/IEC 60079-18: Part 18: Equipment protection by encapsulation ‘m’
- EN/IEC 60079-26: Part 26: Equipment with equipment protection level (EPL) Ga
- EN/IEC 60079-28: Part 28: Protection of equipment and transmission systems using optical radiation
- EN/IEC 60079-31: Part 31: Equipment dust ignition protection by enclosure ‘t’
- IEC/TS 60079-46: Edition 1 Explosive atmospheres – Part 46: Equipment assemblies
- ISO 80079-36: Part 36: Non-electrical equipment for explosive atmospheres – Basic method and requirements
- ISO 80079-37: Part 37: Non-electrical equipment for explosive atmospheres – Non electrical type of protection constructional safety ‘c’, control of ignition source ‘b’, liquid immersion ‘k’
