ATEX

ATEX refers to the EU legal framework for explosive atmospheres — chiefly Directive 2014/34/EU covering equipment placed on the EU market for use in classified zones. Technical requirements are met through the EN IEC 60079 standards; conformity for most Zone 1 equipment requires an EU-Type Examination by a Notified Body, and products carry the Ex hexagon plus category marking (e.g. II 2G for Zone 1 gas). ATEX is a legal requirement for EU workplaces; outside the EU it functions as a widely recognized specification benchmark. Equipment certified only under other schemes (IECEx, GB/T 3836) is technically comparable but requires ATEX certification to be lawfully placed on the EU market for hazardous-area use.