Regulations For Installations In Potentially Explosive Atmospheres
The new European Union directive 94/9EG (ATEX 100a or ATEX 95) became effective on July 1, 2003.
Only devices and protection systems certified according to the new directive are allowed to be used in E Ex applications. This applies for the EU and EEA (EU plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and also for Switzerland on the basis of the bilateral contracts with the European Union.
What Does The New ATEX Directive Mean?
The new ATEX directive corresponds to the so-called "New Approach" and replaces the various former national regulations.
As before, testing and certification of devices according to ATEX 100a by a Notified Body (e.g. Physikalisch Technische Bundesanstalt PTB) is necessary. Additionally the "Notified Body" audits the systems for production supervision and quality assurance of the manufacturer. The certification of the manufacturer is to be renewed periodically.