Explosion Protection ATEX 2014/34/EU

Explosion protection concept – Safety for your employees and facilities

As you are no doubt already aware: Where flammable gases, vapours, or dust occur, malfunctions or even explosions are no small matter. This is where ATEX explosion protection becomes such a crucial issue. With HLU, you have a reliable partner by your side.

We would like to explain to you here, just what ATEX explosion protection is about and why it is so important for your company.

Why explosion protection is so essential

ATEX directive: legal regulation

Solutions that comply with ATEX enable you to fulfil legal regulations and avoid warnings, fines or even closures.

Protection of human life

Accidents can be devastating – optimal explosion protection is the best precaution.

Operational safety and efficiency

A well conceived explosion protection concept saves expensive downtime and consequential costs.

What does "ATEX" actually mean?

The ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU regulates the requirements with regard to placing products on the market that are used in potentially explosive atmospheres. The term ATEX is derived from the French abbreviation “Atmosphère explosible” and is used as a synonym for the two directives of the European Community in the area of explosion protection, ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU and ATEX Directive 1999/92/EG.

In this context, you may already be familiar with the BetrSichV (Operational Safety Ordinance) or the ExVO ordinance on the marketing of units and protective systems for explosive hazard areas. They all serve the same purpose: to protect people and facilities from explosive hazards.

The requirements for fans in the ATEX area are described in detail in the norms DIN EN 14986 and DIN EN ISO 80079.

Important directives at a glance

A number of legal requirements and technical standards must be observed to ensure the safe use of units and protective systems in potentially explosive atmospheres. An overview of the most important directives and standards relating to explosion protection is provided below:

EU directives and national regulations

2014/34/EU (ATEX Directive)
Regulates the requirements for equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres within the EU.
1999/92/EG (ATEX Directive)
Defines the obligations for users, including zone classification, risk assessment and necessary protective measures.

BetrSichV (Operational Safety Ordinance)
National implementation of the ATEX operators' directive in Germany. It specifies the protective measures and requirements for the safe operation of facilities.
ExVO (Explosion Protection Ordinance)
Regulates the placing on the market of units and protective systems for use in explosive atmospheres.

Relevant DIN and EN norms for explosion protection

DIN EN 1127-1 – Explosion protection – Part 1: Basic concepts and methodology
This norm describes the basic principles and methods for the prevention and control of explosions.
DIN EN 13237 – Terms for units and protective systems for use in explosive atmospheres
Contains a uniform definition and explanations of terms for explosion protection.
DIN EN 14986 – Construction of fans for use in potentially explosive atmospheres
This norm specifies the technical requirements for the construction of fans that are operated in potentially explosive atmospheres.

DIN EN 15198 – Methodology for risk assessment for non-electrical units and components
Provides a standardised procedure for risk assessment of non-electrical equipment in explosive zones.
DIN EN ISO 80079-36 – Explosion protection – non-electrical units – Basic concepts and requirements
Specifies the general requirements for non-electrical units for use in explosive atmospheres.
DIN EN ISO 80079-37 – Explosion protection – non-electrical units – protection by constructional safety "c"
Describes protective measures for non-electrical units, particularly protection by constructional safety (e.g. special constructions to prevent ignition sources).

How does an explosion occur?

Ignition Conditions | Explosion Triangle

Oxygen -> Ignition source -> Flamable substance

An explosion is always the result of an interaction between three fundamental factors: a combustible substance (such as gas, vapour or dust), sufficient oxygen (air) and an ignition source (e.g., sparking due to electrostatic charges or overheated components). When all these components come together in a specific mixture and are ignited, an explosion can occur. Therefore, it applies: if even one of these factors is eliminated, the "explosive triangle" cannot form.
This is exactly where explosion protection comes in – the risk of an explosion can be effectively reduced through appropriate measures that either minimise or control the presence of these factors.

Explosion protection directive 2014/34/EU

ATEX unit directive

Directive for units and protective systems for correct use for the intended application in potentially explosive atmospheres 2014/34/EU.

The directive 2014/34/EU defines the minimum requirements for units and protective systems used in explosive atmospheres. It stipulates how products are to be tested and labelled according to the “Essential Health and Safety Requirements” (EHSR), such as with the CE marking and the ATEX marking or Ex marking.
If a product meets all requirements, it receives a so-called ATEX certificate, which officially confirms its conformity with the standard.
Manufacturers must provide evidence of this certification, whereas users are responsible for correct installation and zoning in accordance with the ATEX user directive 1999/92/EC. This ensures that people and facilities are comprehensively protected against explosion risks.

Ex-zones according to the ATEX product directive

Definition and zone classification

In areas at risk of explosion, it is crucial to know how often and for how long flammable gases, vapours or dust can occur. This is exactly why the so-called ATEX zones have been established. When classifying zoning for explosion protection, a fundamental distinction is made between the medium in the fan (inside) and the environment in the installation area (outside). The zones indicate whether dangerous mixtures are constantly (Zone 0/0), occasionally (Zone 1/1) or rarely (Zone 2/2) present.
Based on this classification, safety measures can be planned and units selected that meet the respective requirements. This not only protects employees and equipment but also complies with the requirements of the ATEX directive (2014/34/EU) and the BetrSichV. By correctly classifying your areas, you lay the foundation for explosion protection that works – precisely where it is actually required.

Please note: As a facility operator, you are obliged to carry out a risk assessment. If you have any questions regarding zoning, testing bodies such as TÜV or the professional association are at your disposal. The following table provides initial guidance.

An explosive gas atmosphere exists …	ATEX Ex-zone	ATEX unit categories	IEC (International) EPL (Equipment Protection Level)
for more than 30 min. per year, however, less than 50% of the operational period daily	Zone 1	Category 2G	Gb
for a max. of 30 min. in a year	Zone 2	Category 3G	Gc

Possible ex-zones with HLU plastic fans

Plastic fans are often used in industries such as the chemical industry, food industry and pharmaceutical industry. The use of corrosion-resistant materials is essential to ensure safe and efficient operation, especially with chemically aggressive exhaust air.
In this context, not only does the medium inside the fan play a role, but also the environment in the installation area. Both areas are classified within the framework of explosion protection to select appropriate protective measures.

A compact overview of typical zone combinations for plastic fans can be found below:

Medium in the fan (inside)	Environment in the installation area (outside)
Zone 1	Zone 1
Zone 1	Zone 2
Zone 2	Zone 2
Zone 2	no Zone

ATEX marking / Ex marking

Overview of ATEX marking and unit categorisation

1. CE mark

The CE mark documents that the unit complies with the European directives (including the ATEX directive 2014/34/EU).

2. Ex marking

The Ex marking indicates the use in explosive areas. It is essential to clearly identify units as "explosion-proof".

3. Unit group

I (Mining): units for use underground, specifically in mines.
II (all other areas): units for all remaining industrial environments, such as the chemical, pharmaceutical or food industry.

4. Unit category

Category 2: suitable for zone 1 (gases/vapours)
Category 3: suitable for zone 2 (gases/vapours)
“-” (Hyphen): Use in environments without Ex requirements.

5. Explosion groups

IIA
IIB
IIB + H₂
IIC

These groups describe the ignition sensitivity of gases.
IIC represents the highest hazard level and includes gases such as hydrogen.

6. Type of ignition protection

EX h: Indicates non-electrical equipment that is designed to be explosion-proof.

7. Temperature class

T3: Maximum permissible surface temperature of 200 °C.
T4: Maximum permissible surface temperature of 135 °C (includes T1, T2, and T3).

8. Unit protection level (EPL)

Gb: Unit protection level for category 2G.
Gc: Unit protection level for category 3G.
The abbreviation EPL stands for "Equipment Protection Level", which is the required protection level of a unit in the explosion-hazarded area.

The full marking "CE Ex II 2/3G Ex h IIB T3 Gb/Gc" can be read as follows:

Marking	Definition
1. CE	: The unit complies with the European directives
2. Ex	: The unit complies with the European ATEX requirements
3. II	: Use in areas other than mining
4. 2/3G	: Combination of category 2 (zone 1) and category 3 (zone 2) for gases/vapours
5. Ex h	: Type of protection for non-electrical equipment
6. IIB	: Explosion group IIB (medium ignition sensitivity level)
7. T3	: Temperature class up to max. 200 °C
8. Gb/Gc	: Unit protection level for zone 1 (Gb) and zone 2 (Gc)

HLU type label plastic fan

CE marking and Ex marking

Our type label provides you with all the important information about your fan at a glance. In addition to the technical data, it also includes the CE mark and the Ex marking, confirming compliance with the applicable standards and directives. The details regarding the Ex zone of the fan enable a safe classification of the fields of application in explosive atmospheres.
Additionally, the protection details of the motor are clearly marked according to the ATEX directive.

An integrated QR code provides you with direct access to the order-related technical data and documentation, allowing you to retrieve all relevant information digitally at any time.

The type label consequently ensures maximum transparency and safety – both during commissioning and in ongoing operation.

Ex-protected fans from HLU

The plastic fans from HLU ensure reliable extraction and safe handling of exhaust air that is contaminated with explosive gases, vapours or dust. The units are specially designed for dealing with chemically aggressive exhaust air.

ATEX version
Zone 2 inside / no zone outside

Housing and impeller
made of electrically conductive and flame-retardant PPs-el
Shaft seal
for maximum operational safety and protection against leakage
Optional protective grid
on the suction and outlet sides for protection against foreign bodies
Type label with Ex marking and documentation
for easy identification and compliant use in zone 1 and 2

ATEX version
zone 2 inside / zone 2 outside

Housing and impeller
made of electrically conductive and flame-retardant PPs-el
Shaft seal
for maximum operational safety and protection against leakage
Optional protective grid
on the suction and outlet sides for protection against foreign bodies
Motor for single-stage network operation
II 2G Ex eb II T3 Gc
Motor for inverter operation
II 2G Ex db eb IIC T4 Gb with PTC
Type label with Ex marking and documentation
for easy identification and compliant use in zone 1 and 2

ATEX version
zone 1 inside / zone 2 outside or
zone 1 inside / zone 1 outside

Housing and impeller
made of electrically conductive and flame-retardant PPs-el
Shaft seal
for maximum operational safety and protection against leakage
Optional protective grid
on the suction and outlet sides for protection against foreign bodies
Motor for single-stage network operation
II 2G Ex eb II T3 Gc
Motor for inverter operation
II 2G Ex db eb IIC T4 Gb with PTC
Type label with Ex marking and documentation
for easy identification and compliant use in zone 1 and 2

HLU ATEX documentation

Clear documentation plays a critical role for products that are used in potentially explosive atmospheres. In addition to the ATEX Declaration of Conformity, which certifies compliance with the directive 2014/34/EU, an individual and order-related test report 2.2 is issued in accordance with DIN EN 10204.

ATEX certificate / Test report 2.2

What is a test report 2.2?

A test report 2.2 (also known as "acceptance test report 2.2") is a manufacturer's declaration that confirms the delivered product is manufactured in accordance with the agreed technical specifications.
It contains general information about the construction, materials used and any testing carried out.
The test report 2.2 serves as proof that the production is carried out in accordance with the relevant norms and quality requirements.

How is the documentation provided?

The test report 2.2 is created for the specific order. It contains the information on exactly the components included in your specific order.
You will receive the complete technical documentation together with the order confirmation.
This ensures that you have all the relevant documents consisting of technical documents, operating manual including Declaration of Conformity and ATEX certificate (test report 2.2) at the time of delivery – an important step to have all supporting documents readily available for internal processes or for authorities.
Tip: The operating manual, Declaration of Conformity and individual data card/spare parts list can be accessed via the QR code on the fan type label!
Download via website: Product-related downloads