CE MARKING: ATEX DIRECTIVE

The ATEX Directive came into effect on a voluntary basis on March 1, 1996. Mandated compliance to this "new approach" directive is required by July 1, 2003 for all products placed on the European market.

Currently, manufacturers still have the choice of complying with either the "new" or old approach requirements until June 30, 2003. In addition, Certificates of Conformity issued under the old approach directive and marked with the Epsilon-x (Ex) will remain valid until June 30, 2003.

Scope of the Directive
This directive covers electrical and mechanical equipment and protective systems, which may be used in potentially explosive atmospheres.

The term "equipment" is defined as "any item which contains or constitutes a potential ignition source and which requires special measures to be incorporated in its design and/or its installation in order to prevent the ignition source from initiating an explosion in the surrounding area."

The term "equipment" also incorporates safety and control devices installed outside the hazardous area but having an explosion protection function.

"Protective Systems" are defined as items that prevent an explosion that has been initiated from spreading or causing damage. These include flame arresters, quenching systems, pressure relief panels, and fast-acting shut-off valves.

The directive explicitly excludes the following types of equipment:

• Medical devices
• Products for use in the presence of explosives
• Products for domestic use
• Sea-going vessels and mobile off-shore units
• Military equipment
• Means of transport, except vehicles for use in potentially explosive atmospheres

The ATEX Directive specifies the Essential Health and Safety requirements. The essential requirements must be met by equipment and protective systems intended to be used in potentially explosive atmospheres.

The Essential Safety Requirements (ESR) can be divided basically into three groups:

1. Common requirements
2. Requirements for equipment
3. Requirements for protective systems

Annex II of the ATEX Directive provides a fully detailed list of the ESR.

Depending upon the category of equipment and the ones for which the equipment is intended to be used, the manufacturer might also be required to have a quality system in place, such as ISO 9003 or ISO 10005. More specifics on this issue can be found in the directive.

Equipment covered by the ATEX Directive must also meet the requirements of other relevant directives such as the EMC Directive, Low Voltage Directive, and Machinery Directive.