Classification of explosive atmospheres is a process carried out to determine and prevent the risk of explosion that may occur during the use of electrical devices. Explosive atmospheres occur due to the presence of substances such as flammable gases, vapors, dust or fibers in the atmosphere. Any heat, sparks or high-energy devices coming into contact with these substances may cause an explosion.

Classification of explosive atmospheres is carried out in accordance with IEC/EN/ISO 60079-10-1 and NEC 500/505 standards. These standards determine the methods and criteria used in the classification of explosive atmospheres.

Classification of gases and vapors is made according to three different zones: Zone 0, Zone 1 and Zone 2. Zone 0 refers to environments where explosive gases or vapors are constantly present. Zone 1 refers to environments where explosive gases or vapors do not exist under normal conditions, but may occur from time to time. Zone 2 refers to environments where there are no explosive gases or vapors under normal conditions, but there is a risk of explosion in exceptional cases such as leaks caused by malfunctions.

 

The classification of dust and fibers is made according to two different zones: Zone 20 and Zone 21. Zone 20 refers to environments where explosive dust is constantly present. Zone 21 refers to environments where explosive dust does not exist under normal conditions, but may appear from time to time.

Classification of explosive atmospheres plays an important role in determining measures according to explosion risk. For example, devices used in Zone 0 or Zone 20 environments must have special protection types such as Ex d, Ex e or Ex i protection type in order to operate safely despite the presence of explosive atmospheres. These types of protection are provided by Exproof devices designed and tested in accordance with ATEX and NEC standards.

 

     ZONE 0, 20: Equipment category to be used 1
     ZONE 1, 21: Equipment category 2 to be used
     ZONE 2, 22: Equipment category 3 to be used

 

 

 

 

 

 

ATEX marking is a marking indicating that equipment used in explosive atmospheres complies with ATEX directives. ATEX is a directive established by the European Union and sets standards for the production, sales and use of equipment used in explosive environments.

ATEX marking begins with the symbol "Ex" and contains a series of letters and numbers that determine the type of protection. The Ex symbol is an abbreviation for the word "Explosion" and is used in explosion protection equipment. ATEX marking indicates what types of explosive atmospheres the equipment is suitable for and is issued by the manufacturer to ensure the equipment is used correctly.

ATEX marking consists of two parts: type of protection and equipment category. The type of protection determines the type of explosive atmosphere in which the equipment can be used. For example, protection type Ex d is suitable for explosive gases and vapors, while protection type Ex e may be suitable for explosive dusts. The equipment category determines the equipment's resistance to explosion risk. Category 1 equipment has the highest level of explosion protection, while Category 3 equipment has the lowest level of protection.

ATEX marking indicates that equipment used in explosive atmospheres is safe and complies with the standards set by ATEX directives. Equipment with this marking is guaranteed to be used safely in explosive environments and will minimize the risk of explosion.

In the Zone system, explosive gases are indicated with the letter G and dusts are indicated with the letter D.

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