Last edit: 09/05/2023
Directive 2014/34/EU, which came into force on 20 April 2016, aims to provide the requirements to be met by equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. Compared to the previous Directive 94/9/EC, the "process" to be followed (New Legislative Framework of 2008) leading to the verification of the compliance of equipment with the Directive is better clarified.
Depending on the type of equipment (electrical or non-electrical) and the ATEX Zone in which it is to be installed, there is a need or not for a notified body to mark it. The principle applied is as follows:
| Electrical equipment | Non-electrical equipment | |
| Zone 0 (20) | Notified body REQUIRED | Notified body REQUIRED |
| Zone 1 (21) | Notified body REQUIRED | NO Notified body needed |
| Zone 2 (22) | NO Notified body needed | NO Notified body needed |
CE marked equipment suitable for operation in ATEX zones bears the symbol shown in the figure.
ATEX equipment marking
The marking consists of two parts. The first part is required by the Directive, the second part by the technical regulations.
Regarding the first part of the marking, in addition to the CE and Ex mark, the following information must be included:
– Number of the notified body (if applicable)
– Group to which the hazardous substance being considered belongs.
– Category of the environment in which the equipment is placed (M1, M2 for mines or 1,2,3 in environments other than mines).
– The type of dangerous substance in the environment (G=gas, D=dust)
