ATEX and IECEx

TEX and IECEx are both certification standards for equipment used in explosive atmospheres, but they have different regulatory frameworks and geographic applications.

1. What is ATEX?
ATEX (Atmosphères Explosibles) is a European regulatory framework for ensuring the safety of equipment used in explosive atmospheres. It consists of two main directives:

ATEX 2014/34/EU (Product Directive) – Covers equipment and protective systems intended for use in hazardous areas.
ATEX 1999/92/EC (Workplace Directive) – Focuses on safety measures for workers in hazardous environments.

Key Features of ATEX:

✅ Mandatory in the European Union (EU)
✅ Requires compliance with EU-specific regulations
✅ Manufacturer self-certification is allowed for lower-risk equipment (Zone 2,22)

 

IECEx (International Electrotechnical Commission Explosive Atmospheres) is a global certification system that provides a standardized approach to equipment safety in hazardous areas. Unlike ATEX, IECEx is recognized internationally but is not legally required.

Key Features of IECEx:

✅ Used in countries like Australia, Canada, USA, and others
✅ Focuses on third-party testing and certification
✅ More detailed conformity assessment compared to ATEX

Key Differences Between ATEX and IECEx

Feature	ATEX	IECEx
Region	European Union (EU)	International (Global)
Legal Requirement	Mandatory in the EU	Not mandatory but widely accepted
Certification Process	Allows self-certification for lower-risk products	Requires third-party certification
Documentation	CE Marking + ATEX Certification	IECEx Certificate of Conformity
Testing and Approval	May involve manufacturer’s declaration	Independent testing required
Acceptance	Valid only in the EU	Accepted worldwide

 

ATEX vs. IECEx 

? ATEX – Focuses on safety compliance in Europe
? IECEx – Provides a standardized international certification

Certification Markings (basic)
ATEX Marking: Ex II 2G Ex db IIB T4 Gb (European classification)
IECEx Marking: Ex db IIB T4 Gb (International classification)

Our most popular Ex linear LED light fittings type PSF LED and PSF LED-E is now certified according to the IECEx

The certificate covers the following types of luminaires;
– PSF 28 LED-1 (28W, Amb.tem. -30°C ÷ +55°C)
– PSF 52 LED-1 (52W, Amb.tem. -30°C ÷ +55°C)
– PSF 28 LED-2 (37W, Amb.tem. -30°C ÷ +40°C)
– PSF52 LED-2 (70W, Amb.tem. -30°C ÷ +40°C)
– PSF 28 LED-E (28W, Amb.tem. -20°C ÷ +40°C, 3 hours autonomy)
– PSF 52 LED-E (56W, Amb.tem. -20°C ÷ +40°C, 3 hours autonomy)