[Home](/)/[Resources](/resources)/ATEX Directive CE marking EUDirective guide # ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU: Explosive Atmosphere Equipment The ATEX Directive governs equipment and protective systems for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. Unlike most CE directives, ATEX frequently requires Notified Body involvement — and the protection concept chosen (intrinsic safety, flameproof enclosure, pressurisation) fundamentally shapes both the design and the certification route. Copy Link[Share on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=https%3A%2F%2Fkrono-labs.com%2Fguides%2Fatex-directive-ce-marking) At a glance Equipment groups 2 Zone classifications 6 Key EN 60079 standards 6 ## Equipment groups and categories Group I Mining equipment — intended for use in underground parts of mines and surface installations where firedamp (methane) or coal dust may be present. **Categories:** Category M1 (highest protection, remains functional in explosive atmosphere) and M2 (de-energised on detection of explosive atmosphere). Group II Surface industry equipment — intended for use in all other places liable to be endangered by explosive atmospheres of gas, vapour, mist, or dust. **Categories:** Category 1 (Zone 0/20), Category 2 (Zone 1/21), Category 3 (Zone 2/22). Category 1 requires highest protection level (EPL Ga/Da). ## Zone classification and required equipment category Zone classification is the site operator's responsibility. Equipment suppliers must ensure their ATEX category is suitable for the zone where the equipment will be installed — a lower category product cannot be used in a higher-risk zone. ZoneMediumFrequencyMinimum equipment Zone 0Gas/vapour/mistContinuously or long periodsCat 1G (EPL Ga) Zone 1Gas/vapour/mistLikely in normal operationCat 1G or 2G (EPL Gb) Zone 2Gas/vapour/mistNot likely, but possibleCat 1G, 2G or 3G (EPL Gc) Zone 20Combustible dust cloudContinuously or long periodsCat 1D (EPL Da) Zone 21Combustible dust cloudLikely in normal operationCat 1D or 2D (EPL Db) Zone 22Combustible dust cloudNot likely, but possibleCat 1D, 2D or 3D (EPL Dc) ## Key harmonised standards (EN 60079 series) EN IEC 60079-0 Explosive atmospheres — general requirements for equipment EN IEC 60079-1 Flameproof enclosures 'd' — protection by enclosure that withstands internal explosion EN IEC 60079-2 Pressurized enclosures 'p' — protection by maintaining overpressure of inert gas EN IEC 60079-11 Intrinsic safety 'i' — protection by limiting energy EN IEC 60079-18 Encapsulation 'm' — protection by embedding components in compound EN IEC 60079-31 Dust ignition protection by enclosure 't' — protection for dust atmospheres ## Frequently asked questions ### Is a Notified Body always required for ATEX CE marking? No — but it is required for the most common equipment categories. For Group II Category 3 (Zone 2/22), Module A (self-certification) is available using harmonised standards. For Category 2 and Group I M2, Module B+C, D, E, or F is required — involving a Notified Body for at least type examination. Category 1 and Group I M1 require the most stringent involvement: Module B+D or B+F or G. ### What is the difference between ATEX and IECEx? ATEX is the EU CE marking directive — it is a legal requirement for placing equipment on the EU market in explosive atmosphere applications. IECEx is an international certification scheme run by IEC that certifies equipment meets IEC standards. IECEx certification is not automatically ATEX-compliant, and ATEX CE marking is not automatically accepted outside the EU. Many manufacturers pursue both for products sold globally. ### What does ATEX marking look like on a product? ATEX-certified equipment carries the CE mark followed by the Ex hexagon symbol, the Notified Body number (if involved), equipment group and category (e.g., II 2G), and the protection concept and temperature class (e.g., Ex d IIB T4 Gb). All this marking appears after the CE mark on the product label or nameplate. The format is specified in the relevant EN 60079 standard for the protection concept applied. ### Can standard industrial equipment be used in Zone 2 without ATEX certification? No. ATEX certification is required for all equipment used in Zone 2 and above in the EU, regardless of whether the equipment itself generates ignition sources. The zone classification is the responsibility of the site operator; the equipment supplier must supply ATEX-certified equipment rated for that zone or higher. Standard CE-marked industrial equipment without ATEX certification cannot legally be deployed in classified zones. **Disclaimer:** Educational resource only. ATEX compliance requires specialist engineering expertise. Zone classification, protection concept selection, and conformity module determination should be done with a qualified ATEX Notified Body or competent person. 🇪🇺 CE Marking roadmap for your product Every standard, document, and test that applies — free, no account required. See your free roadmap[ Want an expert to take your product through 🇪🇺 CE Marking compliance for you? One consultant from Krono's compliance team takes your product from requirements to legal sale, with a fixed quote before any work starts. 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