A potentially explosive atmosphere exists when a mixture of air, gases, vapours, mists or dust combine in a way that can ignite under certain operating conditions. In this kind of atmosphere, special attention should be given to the equipment and protective systems that are being used for operational purposes as they might cause an explosion through friction, hot surfaces and many other methods.
Equipment and protective systems used in explosive atmospheres should be assessed through Ignition Hazard Assessment (IHA). They must fulfill the essential health and safety requirements, which implies that they shall be assessed according to their ability to prevent them from becoming ignition sources and their ability to protect against the consequence of an explosion.
Test purpose
The purpose of the test(s) is to fulfill the requirement in order to receive ATEX certification.
ATEX (ATmosphere EXplosibles) is a set of European Union regulations that are established to protect employees from explosion risk in areas with an explosive atmosphere.
Equipment and protective systems to be used in potentially explosive atmospheres must fulfill the essential health and safety requirements as described in the ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU before they can be placed on the European Market. More specifically, this implies that equipment and protective systems shall be assessed according to its ability to prevent it from becoming an ignition source and its ability to protect against the consequences of explosions.
Gexcon’s testing solutions
- Ignition Hazard Assessment (IHA) including the test of all kinds of equipment and protective systems used in explosive atmospheres under the ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU commonly referred to as the ATEX Product Directive.
- Drop and mechanical impact test in accordance with ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU. This test is performed to assess the robustness of equipment and its resistance to damage following external mechanical impact.
- Declaration of conformity for Category 2 & 3 EX-equipment for EX-zone 1/21 & 2/22 respectively.
- Testing for ATEX certification of Category 1 equipment for zone 0/20. We conduct ATEX testing for manufacturers (pre-testing or design testing) before they go through the certification process with the notified body.
- Test to determine the electrostatic properties of non-electrical (mechanical) equipment used in explosive atmospheres based on ISO 80079-36:2016. This test is performed to make sure that such equipment can prevent electrostatic discharge.
Steps of the test
- Identifying relevant ignition sources of the equipment
- Appraising each of the relevant ignition sources
- Assessing the type and details of the safety measures that are currently implemented
- Determining the category rating of the tested equipment
- Determining the conformity of the equipment to the requirements in relevant standards
- Delivering report
The benefits
We understand that every client has a different test preference. We offer:
- Detailed price transparency
- Customised testing
- Detailed testing report
Test preparation and cost
The cost and the preparation depend upon many factors, such as the type of equipment that is to be tested. Please let us know your preference by sending a quotation request via the enquiry form below.
Enquiry form
Do you have any questions about the test? Please submit them through the form below.
