The ATEX Directive

The ATEX Directive, derived from the French “ATmospheres EXplosibles” and formerly known as 94/9/EC, contains the ESR (Essential Safety Requirements) to which electrical equipment and protective systems used within potentially explosive atmospheres must conform.

The new ATEX directive currently in place within the European Union was made mandatory on 1st July 2003. Primarily intended for manufacturers of hazardous area equipment for use in the presence of flammable gases, vapours fumes or dusts, the new directive requires a quality management system to be implemented. Procedures for the design, manufacture and verification of products are to be approved by a notified body (i.e. Sira, Baseefa 2000, CESI, Demko, Kema) and all equipment conforming to the new directive will feature Ex and CE marking.