ATEX explosion-proof directive: 2014/34/EU


As we all know, the new ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU was released in 2014 and will be enforced on April 20, 2016, with no transition period in between.

On March 23, 1994, the European Commission adopted the Directive on Equipment and Protection Systems for Potential Explosive Environments (94/9/EC). This directive covers both mine and non-mining equipment. Unlike previous directives, it includes mechanical and electrical equipment that extends potentially explosive atmospheres into dust and flammable gases, flammable vapors and mists in the air. This directive is a "new method" directive commonly referred to as ATEX 100A, the current ATEX explosion-proof directive. It specifies the technical requirements to be applied to equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres – basic health and safety requirements and conformity assessment procedures that must be used before the equipment is placed in the European market.

It is named after the French word "Atmosphere Explosible".

Manufacturers of equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, applying the ATEX Directive and attaching the CE Mark, can sell their explosion-proof equipment anywhere in Europe without considering the application of additional requirements.

The directive applies to a wide range of equipment, generally including fixed offshore platforms, petrochemical plants, flour mills and other equipment suitable for use in potentially explosive environments. In the European market, an estimated purchase of 3 billion euros per year is required.

There are three prerequisites for applying this directive:

1. The equipment must have its own ignition source;

2. Expected to be used in potentially explosive atmospheres (air mixtures);

3. Under normal atmospheric conditions.

The ATEX directive divides the equipment into three categories based on the level of protection of the installed equipment:

Category 1 - very high level of protection

Category 2 - High level of protection

Category 3 - normal level of protection

If the device is used in Zone 0, 1 or 2, the category number is followed by a letter G (gas/vapour/mist):
Zone 0 Zone 1 Zone 2
1G equipment 2G equipment 3G equipment

If the device is used in Zone 20, 21 or 22, the category number is followed by a letter D (dust):
District 20, District 21, District 22
1D class equipment 2D class equipment 3D class equipment

Explosion-proof ATEX certification command mode

Mode category Specific content (see command attachment) mode
EC type examination

EC type test

Annex 3 B
EC type examination

Explosion-proof system certification

Annex 4 D
Product verification

Product verification

Annex 5 F
Conformity to type

Form conformity

Annex 6 C
Product quality assurance

Product quality assurance system

Annex 7 E
Internal control of production

Internal production control

Annex 8 A
Unit verification

Unit certification

Annex 9 G


Explosion-proof ATEX certification directive standard


EN 1127-1:1997 Explosive environment - Prevention and protection of explosions - Part 1: Basic concepts and methods

EN 1127-2:2002 : Explosive atmospheres - Prevention and protection of explosions - Part 2: Basic concepts and methods (for mining)

EN 1755:2000 Safety of industrial vehicles - Operation in potentially explosive atmospheres - for flammable gases, vapor mists and dust

EN 1834-1: 2000 Reciprocating diesel locomotives - Safety requirements for the design and construction of locomotives for use in potentially explosive atmospheres - Part 1 : Group II locomotives for use in flammable gases and vapours

EN 1834-2: 2000 Reciprocating diesel locomotives - Safety requirements for the design and construction of locomotives for use in potentially explosive atmospheres - Part 1 : Group 1 locomotives for use in underground workplaces containing methane and/or flammable dust

EN 1834-3: 2000 Reciprocating diesel locomotives - Safety requirements for design and construction of locomotives for use in potentially explosive atmospheres - Part 1 : Group II locomotives for flammable dusts

EN 12874: 2001 Flame arresters - performance requirements, test methods and usage limits

EN 13012:2001 Gasoline filling stations - Structure and performance of automatic oil guns used on tankers

EN 13463-1:2001 Non-electrical equipment for use in potentially explosive atmospheres - Part 1: Basic methods and requirements

EN 13821:2002 Potentially explosive atmospheres - Prevention and protection of explosions - Determination of minimum ignition energy of dust / gas mixtures

EN 13980:2002 Potential explosive atmosphere - application procedures for quality systems

Explosion-proof standards developed by CENELEC:

EN 50014:1997 Electrical equipment for potentially explosive atmospheres - General requirements

Amendment to EN 50014:1997 A1:1999

Amendment to EN 50014:1997 A2:1999

EN 50015:1998 Electrical equipment for potentially explosive atmospheres - oil immersion "O"

EN 50017:1998 Electrical equipment for potentially explosive atmospheres - sand filling type "q"

EN 50018:2000 Electrical equipment for potentially explosive atmospheres - flameproof "d"

Amendment to EN 50018:2000 A1:2002

EN 50019:2000 Electrical equipment for potentially explosive atmospheres - increased safety "e" + errata 2003.4

EN 50020:2002 Electrical equipment for potentially explosive atmospheres - intrinsically safe "i"

EN 50021:1999 Electrical equipment for potentially explosive atmospheres - protection type "n"

EN 50054:1998 for the detection and measurement of flammable gases - basic requirements and test methods

EN 50055:1998 for the detection and measurement of flammable gases - performance requirements for group I equipment indicating that methane in air is not more than 5% (v/v)

EN 50056:1998 for the detection and measurement of flammable gases - performance requirements for group I equipment indicating that methane in air is not more than 100% (v/v)

EN 50057:1998 for the detection and measurement of flammable gases - performance requirements for group II equipment with a lower explosion limit not exceeding 100%

EN 50058:1998 for the detection and measurement of flammable gases - performance requirements for group II equipment with flammable gas content not exceeding 100% (v/v)

EN 50104:1998 for the detection and measurement of oxygen - performance requirements and test methods

EN 50241-1:1999 Specification for open channel equipment for the detection of flammable or toxic gases and gases - Part 1 : Basic requirements and test methods

EN 50241-2:1999 Specification for open channel equipment for the detection of flammable or toxic gases and vapours - Part 2

EN 50281-1-1:1998 Electrical equipment for use in flammable dusts - Part 1-1: Electrical equipment for protection of enclosures - Structures and tests + errata 1999.08

Amendment A1:2002 to EN 50281-1-1:1998

EN 50281-1-2:1998 Electrical equipment for use in flammable dusts - Part 1-2: Electrical equipment for protection of enclosures - Selection, installation and maintenance + errata 1999.12

Amendment A1:2002 to EN 50281-1-2:1998

EN 50281-2-1:1998 Electrical equipment for use in flammable dusts - Part 2-1: Test methods - Method for determining minimum igniting temperature of dust

EN 50284:1999 Particular requirements for the construction, testing and marking of Group 1G electrical equipment installations

EN 50303:2000 Group I M1 equipment for maintaining normal function in methane and/or coal dust hazardous environments

EN 62013-1:2002 Cap lamps for use in mines containing methane - Part 1: Basic requirements - Structures and tests involving explosion hazards


ATEX certified product range


1. Products covered by ATEX certification

ATEX certification The range of equipment available is particularly large and generally includes fixed offshore platforms, petrochemical plants, flour mills and other equipment that may be present in potentially explosive atmospheres.

1) ATEX certified electrical equipment:

Electrical equipment refers to equipment that contains electronic components for generating, storing, distributing, and converting electrical energy.

Or electrical energy as a control device

2) ATEX certified non-electrical equipment

Only mechanically moving equipment, these moving parts can generate detonating sources (such as: hot surfaces, friction sparks, etc.) such as gearboxes, fans, compressors, brakes, mixers, non-electrical equipment is usually connected with electrical equipment to provide kinetic energy.

2. Products not covered by ATEX certification:

1) Medical devices intended for use in medical settings

2) Explosion hazards are solely due to those equipment and protective systems caused by explosive substances or unstable chemicals;

3) Equipment intended for use in domestic and non-commercial environments where less than potentially explosive gases are formed;

4) If it happens, it is only the result of a gas leak accident;

5) Personal protective equipment included in Directive 89/686/EEC;

6) nautical vessels and mobile offshore installations together with equipment thereon;

7) means of transport, ie by air or by road, rail or water transport network, dedicated to transporting passenger vehicles and their trailers, and designed to be used in the air,

A means of transporting goods by road or rail network or waterway. Vehicles intended for use in explosive environments will not be included


Certification data preparation


Product Description: Function, structure composition, model difference analysis table, etc.

Specification sheet, list of key technical parameters

Assembly drawing and detailed parts drawing

Electrical part schematic and component list

Explosion-proof certificate for electrical components

Design calculation book

testing report

Product nameplate

Quality Control Certificate (ISO9001 Certificate)

Declaration of conformity

Detonation source risk assessment report (according to EN 13463-1)


Certification process


1. The basic information of the product is provided by the customer to determine the applicable standard of the ATEX certified product, and to determine the product's certification mode, such as the product model list, materials, specifications, performance, characteristics and uses.

2. Develop training, testing, and audit plans based on the certification model and negotiate and determine the details of the certification.

3. Training and initial evaluation of product standards and production management systems to customers.

4. Conduct sample type test, factory audit, quality management system audit (determined according to certification mode).

5. The ATEX Potential Explosive Environmental Directive CE certification is issued by the certification body.

6. Follow-up product supervision and quality management system supervision (determined according to the certification model).


Test items


Test items vary according to different products, explosion-proof design and standards used, and may generally include the following test items:

Electrical test of non-conductive materials

Impact test

"dry running" test for lubricated seal assembly

Fall test

Thermal test (temperature test)

Anti-explosion test

Flame conductivity test

function test

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