Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is ATEX or the ATEX Directive?
ATEX applies to connectors intended for safe operation in and around potentially explosive atmospheres and was originally a European Union Directive, although it is now recognized in many parts of the world, including North America. ATEX is the 'Directive on Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres' (94/9/EC), which went into force on March 1, 1996.
The Directive is commonly referred to as the 'ATEX' Directive ('ATmospheres EXplosibles'), but may also be called the ATEX Equipment Directive or ATEX 95. The Directive applies to electrical and/or mechanical equipment used on the surface, below the ground and on fixed offshore installations. Specifically, the Directive covers:
- All equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres and which are capable of causing an explosion through their own potential sources of ignition.Protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.
- Protective systems are defined as units which are intended to halt incipient explosions immediately and/or to limit the effective range of explosion flames and explosion pressures.
- In the case of Pei-Genesis connectors it is “components”, which are defined as any item essential to the safe functioning of equipment and protective systems but with no autonomous function.
Q. What is intrinsic safe?
Intrinsic safety is widely used in Europe as a means of installing equipment in hazardous areas, and ATEX deals extensively with intrinsic safety.Intrinsic safety is a protection standard employed in potentially explosive atmospheres. Devices that are certified as intrinsically safe (IS) are designed to be unable to release sufficient energy, by either thermal or electrical means, to cause ignition of flammable material (gas, dust, particulates, etc.)
Q. Definitions of Zones
- Rugged: Rugged technology is specifically designed for life on the road and work in the field. Computers that are weather-proof, drop-proof, extreme altitude and temperature capable, and just plain tough will allow you to work or play wherever you want.
- Zone0: A place in which an explosive atmosphere is present continuously, for long periods or frequently.
- Zone1: A place in which an explosive atmosphere is likely to occur in normal operation, occasionally.
- Zone2: A place in which an explosive atmosphere is not likely to occur in normal operation but, if it does occur, will persist for a short period only.
Q. I want to replace non-ATEX equipment certified according to the previous method on an existing installation. What should I do?
We advise you to replace the old products with ATEX-certified equipment.
Q. How do i know ATEX is a certified product?
Once certified, the equipment is marked by the ‘CE’ (meaning it complies with ATEX and all other relevant directives) and ‘Ex’ symbol to identify it as approved under the ATEX directive.
With the introduction of the ATEX Directive manufacturers now have an opportunity to introduce more innovative products than was possible under the old Explosive Atmospheres Directive. The ATEX Directive sets a number of technical and quality objectives that must be complied with to the satisfaction of a notified body, but once these have been met, a manufacturer is entitled to display the distinctive European Mark 
which is recognized throughout the European Union. Full advantage of the ATEX Directive can be taken by manufacturers that choose notified bodies with broad technical experience in wide ranging disciplines. Make sure that your consulting firm works with the full cooperation of such an organization providing a means of taking full advantage of the ATEX Directive. All equipment will require CE Marking.