As you may know, there is a plethora of standards and standardization systems designed to manage the risks associated with explosive atmospheres. While some are specific to the European Union and France, such as ATEX, others are more widely used internationally, such as IECEx. So what’s the difference between ATEX and IECEx?
What is the IECEx system?
IECEx is the International Electrotechnical Commission’s system for certifying standards relating to specialized equipment for explosive atmospheres.
Like ATEX certification, the IECEx mark is awarded to electrical, electronic or electromagnetic equipment and installations that have been tested and approved for operation in environments containing hazardous atmospheres. This will require thepurchase of an ATEX enclosure.
The IECEx system is actually an agreement between several IECEx-approved certification bodies in different countries, based on international standards(IEC or CEI standards) and designed to facilitate trade throughout the world.
In short, IECEx was set up to avoid the multiplicity of national certifications, while guaranteeing an appropriate overall level of safety.
What are ATEX regulations?
ATEX regulations meet two needs:
- Ensure compliance and proper operation of equipment intended for use in an explosive atmosphere (in accordance with European Directive 2014/34/EU).
- Ensuring the safety of workers working in potentially explosive atmospheres (in accordance with European Directive 1999/92/EC)
ATEX standards are specific to France and derive from the two European directives mentioned above.
Under these regulations, all managers of industrial plants are required to control potential risks of explosion and fire. To do so, they must comply with a comprehensive prevention plan comprising several components:
- Assessment of explosion risks (ATEX zoning, identification of flammable sources, identification of materials at risk)
- Drafting an explosion protection document (DRPCE)
- Training workers in explosive atmospheres.
What’s more, ATEX standards are very comprehensive, requiring site managers to do their utmost to protect personnel and installations.
ATEX and IECEX: what are the differences between the two standards?
It could be said that the main difference between ATEX and IECEx lies in their area of influence and recognition.
ATEX certification is specific to France and, more broadly, to the European Union, while IECEx certification is accepted outside the EU.
Furthermore, although ATEX and IECEx equipment meet strict requirements, ATEX marking applies to all types of equipment, whereas IECEx focuses on the certification of electrotechnical equipment.
In other words, the two systems are not quite equivalent.
Would you like to find out more about ATEX, IECEx and their key differences?
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