Understanding ATEX and IECEx 

An Introduction to Certification, Levels and Zones for Instrumentation in Hazardous Areas 

Safety of equipment and personnel operating in potentially explosive atmospheres is crucial across various industries, including oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, food processing, and chemical manufacturing. 

Two prominent safety standards that govern the design, manufacturing and use of equipment in hazardous environments are ATEX and IECEx (International Electrotechnical Commission System for Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in Explosive Atmospheres).  

This blog post will provide an overview of ATEX and IECEx in relation to instrumentation, covering their history, objectives, regional differences, certification bodies and types or levels of certification. 

Both ATEX and IECEx are responses to the need for standardized safety regulations and certifications in potentially explosive environments. While ATEX is a European directive aimed at harmonizing safety standards within the European Union, IECEx is an international certification system that seeks to simplify and streamline the certification process for hazardous area equipment on a global scale. By understanding both ATEX and IECEx, manufacturers and users can be confident their equipment is safe, compliant and suitable for use in hazardous environments around the world. 

A brief history of ATEX and IECEx 

ATEX 

ATEX was developed to ensure the safety of equipment and protective systems used in potentially explosive atmospheres within the European Union. The term "ATEX" is derived from the French phrase "ATmosphères EXplosibles", which refers to explosive atmospheres. Before ATEX, each European country had its own set of regulations governing equipment used in hazardous areas. This fragmentation made it difficult for companies to understand and comply with varying requirements across different regions.

The first ATEX directive (ATEX 100a) was introduced in 1994, and it was later replaced by the ATEX 137 directive (now known as ATEX 1999/92/EC) in 1999. ATEX 137 focuses on the protection of workers, while ATEX 114 (formerly ATEX 95 or 94/9/EC) focuses on equipment and protective systems. 

IECEx 

IECEx is an international certification system developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) to harmonize and simplify the certification process for hazardous area equipment globally. Established in 1996, the IECEx System aims to facilitate international trade in equipment and services for use in explosive atmospheres while maintaining the required level of safety. The IECEx System comprises three certification schemes: IECEx Certified Equipment Scheme, IECEx Certified Service Facilities Scheme, and IECEx Scheme for Certification of Personnel Competence. 

Summary: ATEX and IECEx were developed to address the need for standardized safety regulations in potentially explosive atmospheres. ATEX is a European directive that harmonizes safety standards within the EU, whereas IECEx is an international certification system that simplifies the certification process for hazardous area equipment globally. 

What are ATEX and IECEx? 

ATEX and IECEx are sets of directives and certification systems, respectively, that establish safety requirements for equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. While ATEX is specific to the European Union, IECEx is recognized internationally, making it applicable to a broader range of countries. 

ATEX

There are two main ATEX directives:

1. 1.) ATEX 1999/92/EC (ATEX 137): This directive focuses on the safety and health protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres. It requires employers to classify areas where explosive atmospheres may occur into zones and implement appropriate safety measures. 



2. 2.) ATEX 2014/34/EU (ATEX 114): This directive deals with equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. It sets out essential safety requirements that manufacturers must meet before placing their products on the market. ATEX 114 also establishes conformity assessment procedures to ensure products meet these requirements. 

IECEx

The IECEx System consists of three certification schemes:

1. 1.) IECEx Certified Equipment Scheme: This scheme covers the certification of equipment for use in explosive atmospheres. It requires manufacturers to demonstrate that their products meet the applicable IEC standards. 



2. 2.) IECEx Certified Service Facilities Scheme: This scheme addresses the assessment and certification of organizations that provide services such as repair, overhaul, and modification of equipment for use in explosive atmospheres. 



3. 3.) IECEx Scheme for Certification of Personnel Competence: This scheme focuses on the certification of personnel who work in explosive atmospheres. It requires individuals to possess the necessary knowledge, skills and competence to perform specific tasks safely and effectively. 

Summary:While ATEX is a European directive, similar regulations exist in other regions, such as NEC and CEC and the IECEx System internationally. Differences in classification and protection methods persist between regions, necessitating familiarity with regional requirements. 

Certification Bodies 

Certification bodies are organizations that assess and certify that products comply with the safety requirements set out in the relevant ATEX directives or other regional standards. 

ATEX 

In Europe, these certification bodies are called Notified Bodies. They are designated by EU Member States and must meet strict criteria demonstrating their competence and impartiality. Notified Bodies play a crucial role in the ATEX certification process by evaluating equipment and protective systems, conducting tests, and issuing ATEX certificates. They also perform periodic audits of manufacturers' quality management systems to monitor ongoing compliance. 

IECEx 

For international certifications, such as IECEx, certification bodies must be accredited by the IECEx System. These accredited bodies are responsible for issuing IECEx certificates, demonstrating compliance with international standards. 

Summary: Certification bodies, such as Notified Bodies in Europe or accredited bodies under the IECEx System, assess and certify that products meet relevant safety requirements. They also conduct audits to ensure ongoing compliance. 

Levels of Certification 

ATEX and IECEx certification levels are determined by the equipment's intended use in various hazardous zones. These zones are classified based on the likelihood of an explosive atmosphere being present. The equipment is then assigned an Equipment Protection Level (EPL) for ATEX or an Equipment Protection Method (EPM) for IECEx, which indicates the level of protection provided against potential ignition sources. 

ATEX 

1. 1.) EPL Ga/Gb/Gc for gas hazards 
2. 2.) EPL Da/Db/Dc for dust hazards   
3. 3.) EPL Ma/Mb for mining equipment 

IECEx

1. 1.) EPM Ex ia/ib/ic for gas hazards
2. 2.) EPM Ex ta/tb/tc for dust hazards
3. 3.) EPM Ex Ma/Mb for mining equipment

Summary: ATEX and IECEx certification levels are based on the equipment's intended use in hazardous zones, with different Equipment Protection Levels (EPLs) or Equipment Protection Methods (EPMs) indicating the level of protection provided against potential ignition sources. EPLs and EPMs exist for gas hazards, dust hazards, and mining equipment. 

Understanding Zones 

Both ATEX and IECEx divide hazardous areas into zones based on the likelihood and duration of the presence of a potentially explosive atmosphere. As shown in the table below, the zones for gases and vapors are similar for both systems, while the zones for dusts are slightly different. 

ATEX and IECEx markings  

The ATEX directive requires specific identification marking which indicates the equipment group, category, and flammable atmosphere. Additional ATEX and IECEx markings indicate protection types, gas/dust groups, temperature classifications, and equipment protection levels. Examples are shown in the Tables below. 

Global view

In addition to ATEX, IECEx, NEC and CEC, there are many more local standards. Below, we summarize some of those that are supported by selected PST products. Please contact us for more details. 

Brazil: In Brazil, the National Institute of Metrology, Quality, and Technology (INMETRO) is responsible for setting standards and certifying products. INMETRO has established standards for electrical equipment and hazardous locations that are similar to ATEX and IECEx, such as ABNT NBR IEC 60079-0 and ABNT NBR IEC 60079-1. 

China: The Chinese standard for explosive atmospheres is the GB 3836 series, which is based on the IEC standards. The GB 3836 series includes different parts that cover specific aspects of explosive atmospheres, such as classification, equipment protection levels, and testing methods. 

India: In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is responsible for setting standards and certifying products. BIS has established standards for electrical equipment and hazardous locations that are similar to ATEX and IECEx, such as IS/IEC 60079-0 and IS/IEC 60079-1. 

Japan: In Japan, the equivalent standards for ATEX and IECEx are referred to as "Japanese Industrial Standards" (JIS). JIS covers a wide range of products, including electrical and electronic equipment, hazardous materials, and more. For hazardous locations, JIS has established standards that are similar to ATEX and IECEx, such as JIS C 0920 for explosion-proof electrical equipment.  

Middle East: The Middle East standard for explosive atmospheres is the IECEx scheme, which is recognized in many countries in the region. However, some countries also have their own national standards for explosive atmospheres, such as the UAE's ADNOC standard and Saudi Arabia's SASO standard.  

EAC and GOST: These standards cover Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan; again, they are intended to harmonize conformity to European and international standards. 

South Korea: Equivalent standards for ATEX and IECEx are known as "Korean Standards" (KS). KS covers a wide range of products, including electrical and electronic equipment, and hazardous materials. For hazardous locations, KS has established standards that are similar to ATEX and IECEx, such as KS C IEC 60079-0 and KS C IEC 60079-1. 

Ukraine: Use the Ukrainian Technical Regulation №1055 which is closely harmonized with EU Directive 2014/34/EU and assessed by the Ukrainian certification and conformity assessment Body “Tecko”. 

Conclusion 

ATEX, IECEx and equivalent local standards play critical roles in setting a safety and protection standard for equipment and personnel operating in potentially explosive atmospheres. By understanding the directives, regional differences, certification processes, and levels of certification, companies can better navigate the complex landscape of hazardous area equipment and ensure the safety and compliance of their products. With their roots in European regulations and international standards, ATEX and IECEx have helped harmonize safety standards across different regions and streamline the certification process for hazardous area equipment on a global scale. 

Adhering to both ATEX and IECEx directives and obtaining the necessary certifications is crucial for manufacturers and users of equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. Compliance with these standards not only helps prevent accidents and protect workers, assets, and the environment, but also allows companies to gain access to global markets and ensure the compatibility and interoperability of equipment and systems across different regions. 

Related Blogs

Why You Need Hazardous Area Rated Humidity & Temperature Instrumentation

Achieving Pure Nitrogen Production On-Site Safely for Hazardous Areas