The risk of an explosion within a dust environment, such as mills, extraction plants etc, has necessitated an approval for equipment used within these areas. The ATEX directive covers this requirement and became mandatory in July 2003.

ATEX (This page helps to explain what ATEX is, where ATEX is applied and who should use ATEX)(guidance only -see .gov site listed below for full details)
EQUIPMENT AND PROTECTIVE SYSTEMS
INTENDED FOR USE IN POTENTIALLY EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERES
(ATEX) DIRECTIVE 94/9/EC

Subject Area (ATEX)
The Directive applies to both electrical and mechanical equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres below ground, on the surface, and on fixed offshore installations. These include: equipment and protective systems for use within potentially explosive atmospheres; devices for use outside potentially explosive atmospheres, but which are required for or contribute to the safe functioning of equipment and protective systems located inside such atmospheres; and components relating to the above.

Coverage (ATEX)
The potential for explosive atmospheres can exist in locations such as mines, factories, agricultural silos, and oil and gas platforms. There is a wide range of products intended for use in such areas, including control equipment and sensors, transformers, fans, pumps, compressors, flour mills, fork lift trucks, locomotives, lights and beacons.

Intention of Legislation (ATEX)
To remove the need for documentation and testing for each individual European market. Manufacturers may CE mark their products only once to show compliance with the Directive. Since 1 March 1996 properly CE marked products have been able to be traded freely throughout EU markets.

© DTI: Full details can be found at: .gov.uk website

Synatel Instrumentation Ltd.
Staffordshire WS11 9TB UK
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www.synatel.co.uk * e-mail: sales@synatel.co.uk
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