WHAT IS ATEX?

      ATEX  is “ATmosphere EXplosible”.ATEX is the name commonly given to the two European Directives for controlling explosive atmospheres: 1) Directive 99/92/EC (also known as ‘ATEX 137’ or the ‘ATEX Workplace Directive’) on minimum requirements for improving the health and safety protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres working in hazardous area industries. The ATEX Zones for lighting products are designated either Zone 1 or Zone 2 depending on the exposure threat to flammable gases or vapours – accordingly these hazardous area lighting systems must be correctly specified according to the level of explosion. Classifying hazardous areas into Zones.

      ATEX Lighting

      ZONE 1 V ZONE 2

      HAZARDOUS AREAS

      Zone 1: is a hazardous area classified by ATEX in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture with air of flammable substances in the form of gas, vapour or mist is likely to occur in normal operation occasionally.

      Zone 2: is a hazardous area classified by ATEX in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture with air of flammable substances in the form of gas, vapour or mist is not likely to occur in normal operation but, if it does occur, persists for a short period only.