[Home](/)/[Resources](/resources)/UK ATEX Compliance ATEXExplosive Atmospheres # UK ATEX Regulations: Explosive Atmospheres Guide The Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2016 (as amended) apply to equipment used in explosive atmospheres in Great Britain. The regulations categorize equipment based on the level of protection required and mandate conformity assessment accordingly. Copy Link[Share on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=https%3A%2F%2Fkrono-labs.com%2Fguides%2Fuk-atex-compliance) ## Equipment categories Category 1 (1G/1D)(Very high) Two independent means of protection or safe even with two faults Category 2 (2G/2D)(High) Safe in normal operation and under expected operating faults Category 3 (3G/3D)(Normal) Safe in normal operation Category M1/M2(Mining) Required level for mining equipment ## Zone classification Zone Explosive atmosphere Equipment category Zone 0 Explosive atmosphere present continuously or for long periods Category 1G Zone 1 Explosive atmosphere likely to occur in normal operation Category 2G (or 1G) Zone 2 Explosive atmosphere not likely, and if so, only for short time Category 3G (or 2G/1G) ## Conformity assessment routes ### Category 1 and M1 EU type-examination (Module B) by UK Approved Body + quality assurance of production process (Module D) or product quality assurance (Module E) or product verification (Module F) ### Category 2 and M2 Internal production control + supervised product checks (Module C2) or quality assurance of production process (Module D) or product quality assurance (Module E) ### Category 3 Internal production control (Module A) - manufacturer self-certifies ## Learn this properly, not just for one product In-depth courses and books that teach the process β€” not a one-off answer you'll need to look up again next time. [Start the course β€” $149](/courses/09-ukca-marking-for-electronics-products)See your free roadmap [Prefer to read? Get the book β€” $24.99](/books/09-ukca-marking-for-electronics-products) ## Frequently asked questions ### What equipment needs ATEX compliance? Equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres must comply with the UK Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2016. This includes electrical and non-electrical equipment. ### Do I need an Approved Body for ATEX equipment? Category 1 and Category M1 equipment require EU type-examination by a UK Approved Body. Category 2 and M2 require quality assurance notification. Category 3 can be self-certified under internal production control. ### What is the UKCA marking requirement for ATEX? ATEX equipment placed on the GB market requires UKCA marking. The equipment must be categorized appropriately and comply with the essential health and safety requirements of the regulations. πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ UK roadmap for your product Every standard, document, and test that applies β€” free, no account required. See your free roadmap[ Want an expert to take your product through πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ UK 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. See compliance services](/services) Learn this properly In-depth course that teaches the full process, not just this one answer. [Start the course β€” $149](/courses/09-ukca-marking-for-electronics-products)[Prefer to read? Get the book β€” $24.99](/books/09-ukca-marking-for-electronics-products) Related guides * [UKCA Marking OverviewComplete guide to UKCA marking for the Great Britain market: requirements, timeline, costs, GB vs NI differences, and how to tr…](/guides/ukca-marking) * [UK MachineryComplete guide to UK Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations: essential health and safety requirements, conformity assessment,…](/guides/uk-machinery) * [UK Testing and Approved BodiesComplete guide to UK testing requirements, UK Approved Bodies (formerly Notified Bodies), UKAS accreditation, and selecting lab…](/guides/uk-testing-approved-bodies) Educational resource only. ATEX safety is critical. Always consult relevant standards and Approved Bodies for explosive atmospheres equipment.