Overview

ATEX Compliance of Non-electrical Equipment

Instead, in most cases, compliance is demonstrated via a self-declaration route, and by creating a technical file of relevant information on the product to support this declaration. In certain cases this file needs to be stored with a Notified Body (scroll down to see the various routes to conformity).

The Standards Used

The list of harmonised standards for ATEX define the EN ISO 80079 series (parts 36 and 37 of the standards) be used in most cases to facilitate compliance to the EHSRs of the directive (Annex II). EN ISO 80079-36:2016 is the generic standard which should be used as the basis, with part 37 concerning types of protection constructional safety “c”, control of ignition sources “b” and liquid immersion “k”.

Non-Electrical Equipment meeting the requirements of EN ISO 80079-36:2016 shall be marked with the Ex-marking code “h”; non-electrical equipment meeting the requirements of EN ISO 80079-37:2016 supplemental to those of EN ISO 80079-36:2016 shall also be marked with the Ex-marking code “h”.

There is no additional marking with regard to the specific Type(s) of protection applied. In accordance with EN ISO 80079-36:2016 – clause 9, and EN ISO 80079-37:2016 – clause 10, the description of the type(s) of protection, e.g. “c” (constructional safety), applied is given in the instructions manual of the equipment.

We Are Here to Help!

From the early days of ATEX up to the present day, we’ve helped hundreds of manufacturers of mechanical equipment ensure compliance of thousands of products. The below references provide an overview of the relevant conformity routes that your product may fall under.

In most cases, there is no legal requirement for a Notified Body to check or review compliance as the responsibility to ensure compliance falls solely on the manufacturer. We can however, as an accredited body, support you in this process by talking through the requirements before you start, or by reviewing and commenting on your technical file once it’s complete, and before you store it.

These optional services are explained in our datasheet on technical files.

Conformity

Routes to Conformity

Category 1 Non-electrical Equipment

If the equipment is to be used in a Zone 0/20 environment, the manufacturer must gain an ATEX EU-Type Examination certificate from a Notified Body, and Quality Assurance issues apply. See our ATEX certification section for more information on routes to compliance.

Category 2 Non-electrical Equipment

For category 2 non-electrical equipment (for use in Zones 1/21), the completed technical file needs to be submitted to a Notified Body for their storage (for at least 10 years after the last piece of equipment is manufactured). Please note that a Notified Body will not review the file, they will just store it, meaning that full responsibility for compliance lies with the manufacturer.

Category 3 Non-electrical Equipment

If the equipment is only to be used in a Zone 2/22 environment, the manufacturer can declare compliance (on completion of the technical file) and label the product accordingly. There is no legal requirement for the technical file to be submitted to a Notified Body in this case.

The Technical File

The technical documentation should comprise of:
  • A general description of the product
  • Conceptual design and manufacturing drawings
  • Descriptions and explanations necessary to understand the drawings and operation of the equipment
  • A list of standards applied in full or in part and descriptions of solutions adopted where the standards have not been applied
  • Results of design calculations and examinations carried out
  • Test reports
  • An Ignition Hazard Assessment of the product, against the relevant standards
  • Declaration of conformity

Technical File Services

As there is no legal requirement for a Notified Body to check or review the technical file, it is the responsibility of the manufacturer to ensure that the equipment is fully compliant, and that they have compiled the technical file accurately and completely.

We understand however that you may not have the time, resource or compliance knowledge to compile a file on your own, so we can work with you to ensure your product achieves compliance. This can be by an initial assessment session, training and/or reviewing your technical file and risk assessment for completeness.

Please contact us for more information on these services.

Learn more about Product

Datasheet: Non-Electrical Equipment & Atex

Read about the compliance requirements for non-electric equipment

Download

Datasheet: Submission Of Technical Files

Understand the route to submitting an ATEX technical file.

Download

‘EX’ Wallchart

Explains standards, conformity routes and product markings

Download