Devices for EX environments

What is covered by devices in EX environments?

This includes all products used in explosive environments. For example, at a refinery, offshore, but also in animal feed factories, you encounter such potentially explosive environments. These products have to comply with the ATEX114 Directive. You will find the scope of the Directive in the CE Tool. View this list carefully because then you know if your product is included. The CE Tool will guide you step by step.

Multiple directives may apply to your product
If you also incorporate electronics into your product, you must also include the requirements regarding the electronics in your product. These are in the so-called EMC Directive, etc. Whether your product also has different requirements apply, you can easily indicate in the CE Tool by checking the questions whether electronics are being processed in the product, that there are rotating parts or that the product is connected to the electricity grid, etc. The CE Tool therefore takes these requirements for you.

CE Tool example: More applicable directives

What is excluded from the Directive?
If you have gone through the above steps, you must first go through the 'exceptions' wizard. Look carefully in those lists if your product is not excluded. Check it carefully and then check whether your product is in that list or not.

Test the safety requirements, the risk analysis
After finishing the 'exceptions' wizard, you should start with the risk analysis. With the risk analysis you determine whether your product meets the legal safety requirements. A valuation method is also included in the risk analysis. This method is based on the widely used risk graph 'Fine & Kinney'. With this risk graph you can determine whether you have to solve a risk immediately or whether this has a lower priority. A technical measure could be grounding of certain parts. After this measure you can revaluate the risk and if that's OK, then that point is 'OK'. If not, you may have to think of another measure, for example a control measure to safeguard the residual risk. In the risk analysis you have to take into account that your customer can misuse your product. You have to anticipate as much as possible and, where necessary, warn in your user manual and on the product.

CE Tool: Risk assessment Ex devices (ATEX114)(possibly in combination with other directives)

What should be in the manual?
You are obliged to provide a manual, but what should be included in it? In the CE Tool you will find a list with requirements for the user manual. You can find this file in the 'user manual' folder. If you already have a manual, check whether it meets these requirement. And if not, you can use this file as a guide for drawing it up. If you also make other products that are subject to different requirements, the content of the file is often different. So be careful with that.

What should be on the type plate / CE label?
There are also demands for the nameplate or label that you affix on your product. In the folder 'nameplate / label' you can generate an example that meets the legal requirements. Note that the entry fields with * are mandatory fields. If you also create other products in the CE Tool where other requirements apply, then there are often other compulsory fields. So check this file for each product that you create in the tool.

CE Tool example: Creating a type plate / CE label online (You can always adjust it online or in WORD if desired)

The Declaration of Conformity?
You also have to provide a so-called 'Declaration of Conformity' (DoC) with each product. In this DoC you declare that your product meets the legal requirements. You can generate this DoC in the Declaration of Conformity folder. Note that the entry fields marked with * are mandatory fields. If you also create other products in the CE Tool where other requirements apply, then there are often other mandatory fields. So please pay attention at that point.

CE Tool example: Creating a Declaration of Conformity online (You can always adjust it online or in WORD if desired)

Which technical documentation must at least be present?
You are obliged to draw up a so-called 'Technical File', but what should be in it? In the CE Tool you will find a list with requirements for your Technical File. You can find this file in the 'Technical Documentation' folder. Please check if your documents meet these requirements. If you also make other products with other requirements, the content of this file can be (very) different. So please be careful that you check the requirements in this file for each product.

Does the product has to be tested?
Products used in potentially explosive atmospheres are subdivided into three categories. Category 1, 2 and 3. For products of category 1 and 2 you have to request the help of an external testing body. For category 3 this is not mandatory. You can find out how this works for your product in the 'Test reports / certificates' folder in the CE Tool. There you will find a flowchart in which this is clearly displayed. If you need help you can always send an email to Euronorm Tools.

Document control
If you have gone through the above steps, it is always possible to have your CE file checked by us. We then indicate whether you have completed all points sufficiently.

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