1. Overview of Explosion Protection
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TI 33Q01J30-01E
1.2
Explosion Protection Standards
ATEX Directive
In Europe, European Community (EC) directive 94/9/EG (March 23, 1994) was issued. This is a
new directive about explosion protection in Europe. On all the EC countries, it puts an obligation
to pay attention and assure the safety and health mainly for persons. This directive goes by
the name of ATEX. As one of the CE marking adaptation directive, it has been compulsory
since July 2003. ATEX means “Atmospheres Explosibles” in French, and “Potentially Explosive
Atmospheres” in English.
The target of this regulation is also the usage of equipments that are used at hazardous area,
and the explosion protection electric equipments/accident prevention systems that are used in
potentially explosive atmospheres. Since July 1, 2003, in EC area, although the product complies
with ATEX explosion protection standard, in addition to this, it should comply with “ATEX
directive” about CE marking, and should have a specific indication. Unless it complies with the
directive, the explosion protection products are not allowed to be launched on the market in EU
countries. In order to comply with this directive, EN standard is undergoing revisions.
Mar. 26, 2015-00
