ATEX
There are many substances that can form an explosive atmosphere; for example, gases (natural gas, butane, propane, acetylene,
etc.), liquids (propellants, solvents, oils, paints, etc.) and solids (wood, coal, cereal grains, metal powder) and therefore many
installations and activities that must be evaluated according to regulations.
Directive 99/92/CE provides that the employer must take the appropriate measures to prevent the formation of explosive atmospheres
or, where the nature of the activity does not allow that, to prevent the ignition of explosive atmospheres, and mitigate the adverse effects
of an explosion so as to ensure the health and safety of workers.
To classify the areas, you must follow and take into account the international standards (UNE/IEC 60079-10) and the physical and
chemical parameters of the substances liable to cause explosive atmospheres. It is therefore possible to identify the site based on the
characteristics of the substances in the facility.
Classification of site areas
AREA FOR GASES, AREA FOR
TYPE OF AREA VAPOURS AND COMBUSTIBLE SOLID
MIST DUST
Work area in which an explosive atmosphere is always or frequently
0 20
present, or for a prolonged period of time.
Work area in which the occasional formation of an explosive atmosphere
1 21
is likely under normal operating conditions.
Work area in which the formation of an explosive atmosphere is unlikely
under normal operating conditions. If an explosive atmosphere forms, it 2 22
only remains for a short period of time.
To classify the areas, you must follow and take into account the international standards and the parameters of the substances liable to
cause them. It is therefore possible to identify the location based on the characteristics of the substances in the facility.
In addition to identifying hazardous areas, companies with ATEX areas must protect electrical and non-electrical
equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. Similarly, they must guarantee a certain level of safety depending
on the area of the facility and therefore must have undergone specific tests and certification tests carried out by recognised
organisations.
How do you know which ATEX marking an ATEX luminaire should have?
GROUPS
GROUP DETAIL
I FIREDAMP Mining equipment
II Equipment for surface installations
CATEGORY
AREA EQUIPMENT TYPE
0/20 1
1/21 2
2/22 3
ENVIRONMENT
SIGN MEANING AREAS
G GAS 0,1,2
D DUST 20,21,22
GD GAS AND DUST 0/21-1/21-2/22
PROTECTION MODES FOR ELECTRICAL DEVICES
MODE SYMBOL STANDARD
Flameproof d UNE-EN 60079-1
Increased safety e UNE-EN 60079-7
Restricted breathing n UNE-EN 60079-15
Surround t EN 60079-31
GAS SUBGROUP
SUBDIVISION DESCRIPTION COMPATIBILITY
IIA Butane, hexane, methane, acetone, fuel-oil… IIA, IIB, IIC
IIB Ethylene, cyclopropane, dioxane… IIB, IIC
IIB + H2 Any of the above + Hydrogen IIB+H2, IIC
IIC Hydrogen, acetylene, carbon disulfide IIC
Subgroup IIC covers IIB+H2, HB and IIA
DUST SUBGROUP
SUBDIVISION DESCRIPTION MATERIALS PERMITTED GROUP
IIA Inflammable particles IIA, IIB, IIC
IIB Non-conductive dust IIB, IIC
IIC Conductive dust IIC
Subgroup IIIC covers IIIB and IIIA
GAS TEMPERATURE CLASS
Temperature class Maximum surface temperature of the equipment
T1 450°C
T2 300°C
T3 200°C
T4 135°C
T5 100°C
T6 85°C
The self-ignition temperature T6 covers T1 to T6
DUST TEMPERATURE CLASS
Temperature class Maximum surface temp. of electrical equipment
T85°C Máx 85°C
T100°C Máx 100°C
T135°C Máx 135°C
T200°C Máx 200°C
T300°C Máx 300°C
T450°C Máx 450°C
The self-ignition temperature T85 covers T85 to T450
LEVEL OF PROTECTION
MODE EPL GAS EPL DUST MEANING AREA
d Gb Db Very high protection 1/21
e Gb Db High protection 1/21
nR Gc Dc Medium protection 2/22
DEGREE OF PROTECTION IP
DUST PENETRATION WATER PENETRATION
0 No protection 0 No protection
Protection from vertical
1 Protection from objects larger than 50 mm 1
dripping
Protection from dripping at
2 Protection from objects larger than 12.5 mm 2
an angle 15º
3 Protection from objects larger than 2.5 mm 3 Protection from spraying
4 Protection from objects larger than 1 mm 4 Protection from splashes
5 Protection from dust 5 Protection from water jets
Protection from constant
6 Totally dust-proof 6
water jets
The IP69K rating is the highest level of protection available and is compatible with Protection from temporary
7
high-pressure cleaning and steam cleaning equipment. immersion
DUST PENETRATION WATER PENETRATION
Protection from permanent
8
immersion
DEGREE OF PROTECTION IK
IK code and impact energy
IK code IK00 IK01 IK02 IK03 IK04 IK05 IK06 IK07 IK08 IK09 IK10
Impact energy
* 0.15 0.20 0.35 0.50 0.70 1 2 5 10 20
(joules)
