Atex
WHAT DOES ATEX MEAN?
ATEX comes from French and stands for Atmosphères Explosibles. The aim of this directive is to protect people when working in potentially explosive environments. It comprises two directives that define explosion protection for operation and products in risk environments. Rotronic ATEX devices are based on the ATEX Product Directive 94/9/EC.
HOW ARE ATEX DEVICES SPECIFIED?
There are two device groups. Device group I is suitable for use in mining/above ground and underground. Device group II is suitable for use in other potentially explosive atmospheres. Rotronic offers devices falling in device group II. Potentially explosive environments are subdivided into zones. A distinction is drawn between whether the explosion hazard exists because of dust or gas present in the environment.
Temperature classes define by how much the surface of the device may heat up in the case of a fault. This temperature is stated in the case of dust versions. Gas versions, by contrast, are subdivided into the following classes:
