ATEX-Directive

The ATEX Directive applies toequipment, components andprotective systems intended for usein potentially explosive atmospheres.The manufacturer must show thatthe equipment fulfils the essentialhealth and safety requirements,which in certain cases requires theinvolvement of a notified body fortype examination and certification ofthe product and the productionprocess.     The ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU for electrical equipment isimplemented in Swedish legislation through the Swedish ElectricalSafety Board’s ELSÄK-FS 2016:4 regulations (and associatedrevisions occurring). The corresponding regulations for non-electricalequipment are the Swedish Work Environment Authority’s AFS2016:2 regulations (and associated revisions occurring). 

  In addition to requirements for explosion protection, electricalproducts must fulfil other applicable requirements, such as EMCrequirements and requirements set out in the Electrical EquipmentOrdinance SFS 1993:1068 concerning good electrical safetypractice. The ATEX manufacturer’s Directive is complemented by the1999/92/EC User’s Directive, which specifies minimum requirementsfor improving the health and safety of employees who can beexposed to the risk due to explosive atmospheres. This Directive hasbeen incorporated in Swedish law via the Work EnvironmentAuthority’s AFS 2003:3 regulations and the Swedish CivilContingencies Agency’s SRVFS 2004:7 regulations.

TYPE OF PROTECTION AND STANDARDSExamples of different types of explosion protection forelectrical equipment: Type of protection - European standard (EN)Liquid immersion “o” - EN 60079-6Pressurized enclosure “p” - EN 60079-2Powder filling “q” - EN60079-5Flameproof enclosure “d” - EN 60079-1Increased safety “e” - EN 60079-7Intrinsic safety “i” - EN 60079-11Non-incendive “n” - EN 60079-15Encapsulation “m” - EN 60079-18Dust ignition protection by enclosure “t” - EN 60079-31 The above standards are applied in parallel with the generalstandard EN 60079-0. Examples of different types of explosion protection for non-electrical equipment:

Type of protection - European standard (EN)Restricted ventilation “fr” - EN 13463-2Flameproof enclosure “d” - EN 13463-3Constructional safety “c” - EN 13463-5Control of ignition sources “b” - EN 13463-6Liquid immersion "k" - EN 13463-8 The above standards are applied in parallel with the generalstandard EN 13463-1. Contact personsPeter BremerPeter.bremer@sp.se+46 10 516 54 05 Robert CarlssonRobert.carlsson@sp.se+46 10 516 57 15 Marjan ShishehchianMarjan.shishehchian@sp.se+46 10 516 52 87

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