This document discusses hazardous location classification systems and ATEX zones. It explains that the first step is to determine the class - whether the hazard is gases/vapors, dust, or fibers - and then the division based on how often the substance is present. Division 1 means the substance is continuously present, while Division 2 means it is only present occasionally. It then defines the three ATEX zones - zone 0 for continuous hazards, zone 1 for long-term hazards, and zone 2 for occasional hazards. Finally, it lists some common industries that use ATEX zones like chemical manufacturing, oil and gas, and pharmaceuticals.

1. NEC IEC/ATEX
Which type of hazardous
location classification system
does your company use?
First determine the Class:
What type of hazadous
substance is present?
Now determine the
division: How often is the
hazardous substance
present?
Gases/Vapors
(Class I)
Dust
(Class II)
Fibers or flyings
(Class III)
How often is the
hazardous substance
present
Gases/Vapors
(zones 0, 1, or 2)
Dust (zones
20, 21, or 22)
What type of hazardous
substance is present?
On a normal basis -
continously or for
long periods
Only in abnormal
circumstances -
when the substance
escapes from a
closed container
Division 1 Division 2 Gases/Vapors
zone 0
Dust: zone 20
Gases/Vapors
zone 1
Dust: zone 21
Gases/Vapors
zone 2
Dust: zone 22
Continuously or
for long periods
in normal
operations
Not likely in
normal
operations
Likely that it will
be present
some of the
time in normal
operations
Area in which an explosive atmosphere with a mixture of
air and flammable substances in the form of gas, vapour
or fog is present, either constantly or in the long term.
ZONE
Flammable Explosive
ChemicalManufacturing Oil & Gas Pharmaceutical
Area in which it must be assumed that an explosive
atmosphere with a mixture of air and flammable
substances in the form of gas, vapour or fog arises
during normal operation.
ZONE
Area in which it must be not assumed that an explosive
atmosphere with a mixture of air and flammable substances
in the form of gas, vapour or fog arises during normal
operation and if so, then only rarely and for a short time.
Gas
Dust
ZONE
Area in which is must be assumed that an explosive
atmosphere in the form of a cloud of flammable dust
in air sometimes occurs during normal operation.
ZONE
ZONE
Area in which there is an explosive atmosphere in the
form of a cloud of flammable dust in the air, constantly,
in the long term or frequently.
ZONE
Area in which is must not be assumed that an explosive
atmosphere in the form of a cloud of flammable dust in
air sometimes occurs during normal operation, and if
this happens, then only for a short time.
ZONE
What industries use ATEX zones?
Email - info@visionid.ie
Website - www.visionid.ie
Telephone - 1850 923 633
Flammable Explosive
Flammable Explosive
Flammable Explosive
Flammable Explosive
Flammable Explosive