This presentation will throw light on the markings observed on IECEx flameproof equipment.

2. Overview
● Introduction
● What is the ATEX Directive?
● What is the IECEx Directive?
● Classification of ATEX and
IECEx Markings
● Conclusion

3. Introduction
● The use of electrical equipment can be dangerous in a potentially
hazardous environment containing flammable gases, dust, liquids,
fibres, or vapors
● One way to prevent danger is utilising equipment that has been
approved as suitable for that environment and is unlikely to cause a
fire or explosion
● Equipment intended for use in hazardous sites must be certified in
accordance with ATEX directives in the European Union

4. What is the ATEX Directive?
● ATEX is the European regulatory framework for production,
installation, and use of equipment in explosive environments
● It largely relates to employers and also covers the selection,
installation, inspection and maintenance of equipment in explosive
environments
● The ATEX directives are legally mandated for both electrical and
non-electrical equipment marketed or placed in the EU market, that
may be used in potentially hazardous atmospheres

5. What is the IECEx Directive?
● The IECEx was essentially created to simplify the worldwide trade of
equipment used in potentially hazardous environments while
retaining the required level of safety.
● They facilitates international trade by deducting manufacturers’
testing and certification costs and time to the market, encouraging
international confidence in the product evaluation process.
● Unlike ATEX that applies to both electrical and non-electrical
equipment.

6. Classification of ATEX and IECEx
The marking systems of ATEX and IECEx are quite similar. Let us break
down the markings and understand what each component means:
● Explosion Protection: The EX in the marking demonstrates the
equipment is explosion protected
● European Detective: The CE mark shows that the producer has
evaluated the product and determined that it complies with EU
safety, health, and environmental protection standards
● Equipment Group: Whether the equipment can be used in mines
or in all other areas is distinguished by equipment group

7. Classification of ATEX and IECEx
● Equipment Category: The equipment’s category is determined by
the hazardous location Zone in which it is to be utilised. Lower
equipment category numbers indicate the need for greater ignition
protection.
● Environment: Environment represents whether the atmosphere
contains gases, mist, vapors or dust hazardous in nature.
● Equipment Protection Level: EPL identifies the level of protection
a device offers. It is based on estimating the likelihood of a
flammable environment and the danger of an ignition source forming
on the device.

8. Conclusion
We hope this presentation has helped you understand the basics of
markings on IECEx equipment. If you want to know more about the
topic, you can checkout our dedicated blog on Bharat Flameproof’s
website.
We are the leading manufacturer of flameproof and explosion-proof
products in India. Our range of products are Flameproof panels,
Junction boxes, Flameproof control station, Flameproof fans,
Flameproof distribution board, Flameproof lights, and much more.