ATEX intrinsically safe tablet T101EX

Learn about ATEX and IECEx, the different hazardous environments in which products with these certifications can be used, and how ATEX intrinsically safe tablet T101EX can help you.

WHAT IS ATEX CERTIFICATION?

ATEX is an abbreviation from the French, ATmosphère EXplosible (or explosive atmospheres, translated into English), a term which appears in the name of the EU directive 94/9/EC (now replaced by ATEX DIRECTIVE 2014/34/EU), which relates to devices used in explosive atmospheres. ATEX certifications/standards signal a product’s level of suitability for use in hazardous environments.

HOW TO GAIN ATEX CERTIFICATION

ATEX certification is given to equipment that has gone through rigorous testing outlined by European Union directives. Products that are ATEX compliant have been proved safe to use in specific environments with explosive atmospheres, according to the zone/s they are certified to be used in.

The European Union has mandated that ATEX compliance is necessary wherever a potentially explosive atmosphere exists in order to keep workers safe. These atmospheres are characterized by possessing three things.

•     • air
•     • an ignition source
•     • one of the following three substances:
•             • flammable gases
•             • mists or vapor
•             • combustible dust

Products that have received ATEX certification will have the official “Ex” badge, indicating they are safe in explosive atmospheres.

Non-ATEX/IECEx safe computing devices used in hazardous areas could be an ignition source, so it is critical that ATEX/IECEx certified computing devices are used in those areas.

Products that have received ATEX certification will have the official “Ex” badge, indicating they are safe in explosive atmospheres. （ATEX intrinsically safe tablet T101EX Passed rigorous certification tests）

WHAT DOES IECEX CERTIFIED MEAN?

Similar to ATEX certification, IECEx certification is given to products that have been thoroughly tested and proven to work safely in environments with explosive atmospheres.

IECEx certification is an internationally accepted method that demonstrates compliance with IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) standards. IEC standards and assessments are recognized internationally as a benchmark for fields of electrotechnology.

ATEX AND IECEX CLASSIFICATION

ATEX and IECEx products are classified and grouped into various categories as well as further subdivided into Zones, Groups, Protection Types, and Equipment Protection Levels (EPLs).

Below is a sample marking for ATEX products. Certain classifications are only featured on ATEX equipment and not on IECEx products.

ATEX CERTIFICATION VS. IECEX CERTIFICATION

Equipment with either or both ATEX and IECEx certifications have met stringent requirements and are tested and certified to work in explosive environments. The main difference comes down to geography. ATEX certification is well-known, but it is specific to the European Union, while IECEx certification is accepted in other regions.

ATEX ZONES AND EQUIPMENT CATEGORIES

Explosive atmospheres are found in different environments, such as mines, factories, oil and gas rigs, and flour and wood mills, to name a few. Hazardous area zones have been defined according to the frequency of the presence of explosive materials in specific areas. Each zone has specific categories of equipment allowed.

Zone 0, 1, 2 – These are zones specifically for atmospheres with hazardous gases, vapors, and mist.

•  • Zone 0 – Explosive mixtures are present continuously. Category 1 equipment required.
•  • Zone 1 – Explosive mixtures are present intermittently. Category 2 or 1 equipment required.
•  • Zone 2 – Explosive mixtures are present abnormally or infrequently. Category 3, 2, or 1 equipment required.

Zone 20, 21, 22 – These are zones for areas in which dust clouds are or might be present.

•  • Zone 20 – Explosive mixtures are present in the air continuously. Category 1 equipment required.
•  • Zone 21 – Explosive mixtures are present in the air intermittently. Category 2 or 1 equipment needed.
•  • Zone 22 – Explosive mixtures are present abnormally or infrequently in the air. Category 3, 2, or 1 equipment required.

POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS FOR ATEX/IECEX CERTIFIED COMPUTING DEVICES

Working with hazardous materials requires vigilant explosion protection in all industries where explosive atmospheres may be present. We offers ATEX/IECEx certified tablets, helping professionals stay focused and safe while doing their job. Solutions built on these devices can be suitable for different uses, among them: （ATEX intrinsically safe tablet T101EX Passed rigorous certification tests）

•  • factories where explosive atmospheres may be present, including food production, pharmaceuticals, painting, manufacturing, etc.
•  • processing plants or refineries where natural resources including oil and gas, or chemicals may be processed
•  • mines where explosive atmospheres containing hazardous gases or other materials may be present
•  • in the field whether working in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, chemical, manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, or other areas.