Learn about ATEX and IECEx, the different hazardous environments in which products with these certifications can be used, and how Getac can help you.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 20, 21, 22 – These are zones for areas in which dust clouds are or might be present.
Working with hazardous materials requires vigilant explosion protection in all industries where explosive atmospheres may be present. Getac 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:
Working in hazardous areas requires equipment rugged enough to withstand extreme situations while simultaneously minimizing risks to the safety of your team. Getac is proud to offer a range of tablets that meet the stringent regulations to work in explosive environments and are ATEX or IECEx (for details please check the specific product's spec sheet) certified.
