What is ATEX?

ATEX or as sometimes known ‘intrinsically safe’ equipment conforms to a European Union directive that all two-way radios must adhere to if they are to be used in explosive or potentially explosive atmospheres. This new standard came into effect in 2003 and replaces the previous Factory Mutual (FM) and CECELEC standards that cannot now be supplied within the E.U.

ATEX covers 3 areas of protection

   Gas Protection
   Dust Protection
   Mining Protection

Each ATEX approved unit must display which areas of protection are covered and to what level.

GAS PROTECTION

8 codes show the type and level of protection provided

First code – Equipment Group

   II = Group II used in applications other than mining

Second Code – Equipment Category

   1 = Very high level of protection
   2 = High level of protection
   3 = Normal level of protection

Third Code – Potential Threat

   G = Gas

Forth Code – Certified Standard

   E = Certified to European ATEX Standard

Fifth Code – Type of Equipment

   Ex = Explosion-proof equipment

Sixth Code – Type of Intrinsic Safety Protection

   ia = Intrinsically safe with two faults.
   ib = Intrinsically safe with one fault

Seventh Code – Explosion Group

Group II sub divided into A, B, C dependent on gas and max temperature of device surface

   IIA = Temperature < 450C
   Gases Acetone, Ethane, Ethyl Acetate, Ammonia,
   Benzene, Acetic acid, Carbon Monoxide,
   Methanol, Propane, Toluene.
   Temperature < 300C
   Gases Ethyl alcohol, I-amyl acetate, n-butane, n-butyl
   alcohol
   Temperature <200C
   Gases Benzine, Diesel fuel, Aircraft fuel, heating oil,
   n-hexane
   Temperature < 135C
   Gases Acetaldehyde, Ethyl ether

   IIB = Temperature <450C
   Gases Town Gas (Coal Gas)
   Temperature <300C
   Gases Ethylene

   IIC = Temperature <450C
   Gases Hydrogen
   Temperature < 300C
   Gases Acetylene

Group IIC includes Groups IIA and IIB – Group IIB includes Group IIA

Eighth Code – Temperature Class (max case temperature)

   T6 = 85C
   T5 = 100C
   T4 = 135C
   T3 = 200C
   T2 = 300C
   T1 = 450C

Example

   II 2 G E Ex ib IIC T4

DUST PROTECTION

3 codes show the type and level of protection provided

First Code – Equipment Group + Zone

   II 1D = Applications other than mining, Zone 20 (explosive dust occurs constantly, frequently or for long periods)

   II 2D = Applications other than mining, Zone 21 (explosive dust occurs occasionally in normal operation)

   II 3D = Applications other than mining, Zone 22 (explosive dust does not normally occur or occurs only briefly)

Second Code – Dust Protection

   IPXY = see explanation of IP codes in faq’s

Third Code – Maximum Temperature of Device Surface

   T--C = T plus maximum temperature in degrees C.

Example

   II 3D IP5X T60C

MINING PROTECTION

6 codes show the type and level of protection provided

First code – Equipment Group

   I = Group I used in applications for mining

Second Code – Equipment Category

   M1 = Equipment that must operate when potential
   explosive atmosphere present
   M2 = Equipment that does not operate when potential
   explosive atmosphere present

Third Code – Certified Standard

   E = Certified to European ATEX Standard

Forth Code – Type of Equipment

   Ex = Explosion-proof equipment

Fifth Code – Type of Intrinsic Safety Protection

   ia = Intrinsically safe with two faults.
   ib = Intrinsically safe with one fault

Sixth Code – Explosion Group

   I = Methane

Example

   I M2 E Ex ib I

ACCESSORIES

ATEX approved accessories must only be used with the radios for which they have been approved. If ATEX accessories are approved for use with one make or model of ATEX radio are then fitted to another make or model of ATEX radio this may expose the user to potential risk if used in explosive atmospheres. Always ensure that any accessories are fully ATEX approved for the specific make or model of radio used.

Some radios only conform to ATEX standards when used with a case, please check before using.

This information is for guidance only please check with your safety officer if in any doubt; we will always help where possible.