ATEX is the abbreviation for the French term "Atmosphère Explosive" and describes a potentially explosive atmosphere. A potentially explosive atmosphere is an area in which an explosive atmosphere may occur, which takes the form of a flammable gas-air or a flammable dust-air mixture. In combination with a temperature that reaches the flash point or the glow temperature of the mixture and thus represents a source of ignition, an explosion occurs.
The current European Directive 2014/34/EU "ATEX Directive" applies to the placing on the market of equipment to be used within this zone. This regulates not only electrical equipment and machinery, but also non-electrical equipment and components such as pumps or high-pressure devices. The main purpose of this directive is to protect people who are in or near potentially explosive atmospheres. To clearly identify an EX area, corresponding areas and products are therefore marked with the symbol:
