ATEX Directive for Hazardous Location Electrical Equipment and links to Haz-Loc info sites: Swansea Consulting, Canada

Notes on the ATEX, Directive 94/9/EC

(see also links at bottom of page)

The directive 94/9/EC concerns equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres and is applicable in countries of the European Economic Community (European Union), on a voluntary basis from 1 March 1996 and compulsory from 1 July 2003.

The new ATEX directive 2014/34/EU will be mandatory for manufacturer on 20 April 2016

Major aspects are summarized here:

Degree of Harmonization. Total harmonization is mandatory.

Scope. All equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres and auxiliary items.

Areas of use. All potentially explosive atmospheres - flammable gases, vapors, mists, or dusts - with specific exceptions like medical and home environments, ships, and public transport.

Combustible Dust Hazards. Technical requirements for equipment and protective systems where the risk arises from combustible dust are covered by the Essential Health and Safety Requirements.

Equipment Categories. Equipment is divided into two groups:

I. Coal-mining (two subcategorize);
II. Others (three subcategories).

Technical Requirements. This is a "New Approach" Directive. It specifies the Essential Health and Safety Requirements (EHSR's) which must be met, but accepts compliance with other harmonized standards.

Conformity Assessment. Adopts various procedures ranging from EC-Type Examination to control of production by the manufacturer.

Marking. The "CE conformity marking" is mandatory. In special cases, the ID number of the Notified Body is also required. Other markings may be required.

Documentation. Manufacturers are required to maintain technical records of all matters relating to explosion safety of equipment. All quality-system documentation must also be available.

Links: More information on ATEX may be found at:

Europa ATEX guidance documents

Extronics - What is a potentially explosive atmosphere certification and why you may need it!

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Updated June 1, 2015