ATEX lighting

What is ATEX lighting and where is it used?

Examples of places where ATEX lighting should be used include:

• chemical industry plants, 
• refineries, 
• fuel stations, 
• technical gas storage facilities, 
• halls where hazardous substances are stored.

It is worth emphasizing that the term ATEX defines a category of equipment that meets EU safety requirements. Every luminaire marked with this symbol has undergone rigorous testing and certification confirming ignition resistance and the ability to operate safely in difficult and risky conditions. ATEX lighting must be designed to minimize the risk of sparks and excessive heating.

Using lighting that does not meet the ATEX standard in Ex zones can lead to serious consequences such as:

• fire, 
• explosion, 
• a direct threat to the health and lives of employees,
• financial penalties, 
• the need to suspend the company's operations until lighting that complies with ATEX standards is implemented. 

Therefore, investing in certified ATEX lighting is both a matter of regulatory compliance and a key element of the employer’s responsibility toward the team and production infrastructure. Remember that if you have questions or need help putting together the right equipment set, the 4safety team is at your disposal. 

ATEX standards and certificates – what do they mean and how to read them?

The basis of European regulations consists of two directives:

• ATEX 2014/34/EU, which concerns manufacturers and specifies design requirements for equipment and protective systems, 
• ATEX 1999/92/EC, addressed to users, that is, owners and managers of industrial plants. 

Both regulations create a coherent system in which safety begins already at the stage of designing safety zones in the enterprise and ends with the proper operation of equipment in the facility. So if you intend to conduct activity burdened with the risk of an incident, make use of expert help. Don’t wait and contact the 4safety team.

The markings of explosion hazard zones are of key importance:

• For gases, categories 0, 1 and 2 are used.
• For dusts – 20, 21 and 22. 

Each of them specifies the frequency and probability of the occurrence of an explosive mixture. Certificates also include:

• Ex symbols (explosion-proof design), 
• the IP code indicating the level of protection against dust and water, 
• temperature groups, 
• gas classification (e.g. IIA, IIB, IIC), which indicate the device’s resistance to ignition of specific substances.

An example of an ATEX certificate notation may look like this: “Ex II 2G Ex d IIB T4 Gb”. This means that you are dealing with a device:

• intended for operation in a gaseous atmosphere (2G), 
• in flameproof design (Ex d), d
• adapted to the IIB gas group, 
• with a maximum surface temperature of 135°C (T4),
• in protection category Gb. 

The ability to read such markings is essential for OHS specialists and technicians responsible for purchasing. If any doubts arise, trust the experience and knowledge of 4safety specialists. Call us or send us a message, and we will guarantee you comprehensive support in equipping your enterprise.