Hazardous Locations ATEX 101

The European Union mandated that ATEX conformance is necessary wherever a potentially explosive atmosphere exists to keep workers safe. An ATEX (atmosphere explosive) certification is given to equipment that conforms to the requirements of the European Union’s harmonized standards for equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres. These standards define design requirements for the equipment by protection concept, atmospheres, zone, temperatures, and more.

Interface offers a comprehensive range of ATEX-certified products designed to ensure safety in hazardous locations. These intrinsically safe or flameproof products, including amplified and non-amplified ATEX-certified load cells, load pins, load shackles, load links, instrumentation, and accessories, are your reliable devices designed for test and measurement projects and OEM components. They are also backed by IECEx and North American certifications, further validating their safety standards.

The primary benefit of ATEX measurement device certification is that they are considered safe for use in hazardous environments where there is a risk of explosion. These environments are typically filled with flammable gases, vapors, or dust. ATEX certification ensures that the load cell has been rigorously tested and meets specific safety standards to minimize the risk of ignition from electrical sparks or other factors.

ATEX-certified sensors are made from high-quality materials and have special seals to prevent dust and moisture ingress, making them suitable for harsh environments. They are designed to function properly even in demanding conditions.

Interface’s ATEX load cells are not just about safety, they also deliver on precision and quality. With environmental protection, ATEX certification, and a calibration certificate, these products are manufactured to Interface’s highest standards. They are designed for products that require measurements within Zone 0, 1, and 2 hazardous areas, ensuring accurate readings even in the most challenging environments. We can also provide amplifiers and displays to complete your measurement system, all in compliance with the ATEX95 norm.

INTERFACE ATEX-CERTIFIED LOAD CELLS

• 3410 Intrinsically Safe LowProfile® Load Cell
• 3411 Intrinsically Safe Compression-Only LowProfile® Load Cell
• 3416 and 3430 Coil Tubing Intrinsically Safe Universal Load Cells
• 3420 Coil Tubing Intrinsically Safe Universal Load Cell
• 3450 Sealed Column Load Cell with Integral Cable for Hazardous Environments
• SSMH Mini Sealed Hazardous Environment Intrinsically Safe S-Type Load Cell
• Hazardous Environments ITCA Tension And Compression Load Cell

INTERFACE ATEX-CERTIFIED LOAD PINS, LOAD SHACKLES, AND TENSION LOAD LINKS

• Flameproof Bow Type Crosby™ Cabled Load Shackle
• Hazardous Environments ICPA Stainless Steel Compression-Only Load
• Hazardous Environments ILMP Standard Stainless Steel Load Pin
• Hazardous Environments ISHK-B Bow Type Crosby™ Cabled Load Shackle
• Hazardous Environments ISHK-D ‘D’ Type Crosby™ Cabled Load Shackle
• Hazardous Environments ITL Stainless Steel Tension Link Load Cell
• Hazardous Environments LP Custom Stainless Steel Load Pin
• Hazardous Environments WTSLP Wireless Custom Load Pins
• Hazardous Environments WTSSHK-B Wireless Crosby™ Bow Load Shackle
• Hazardous Environments WTSSHK-B-Hl Wireless Bow Load Shackle
• Hazardous Environments WTSSHK-D Wireless Crosby™ Load Shackle
• Hazardous Environments WTSTL Wireless Stainless Steel Tension Link Load Cell

Please consult each Hazardous Locations product’s specification datasheet for complete details on performance and certifications. All ATEX datasheets are available by request only from our quality engineering team.

We offer engineering expertise in standard ATEX, IECEx, and North America-certified products and customizable solutions based on your requirements. The entire line of products for hazardous locations is available here.  Read Hazardous Environment Solutions From Interface to learn more.

ADDITIONAL TECHNICAL DEFINITIONS FOR HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS

IECEx Approvals

An International approval scheme intended for equipment used in a potentially explosive atmosphere. An IECEx certification of conformity is given to equipment that conforms to the requirements of the International Electrotechnical Commission harmonized standards for equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres. As with ATEX, these standards define design requirements for the equipment by protection concept, atmospheres, zone, temperatures, and more.

IEC = International Electrotechnical Commission

Ex = Explosive atmospheres

IEC + Ex = IECEx

IECEx certification assures that all safety requirements in the IEC standards are met and that explosive atmosphere areas and the personnel working within them are as safe as possible. The product labels will define the explosive atmospheres where the equipment may be installed as well as any salient safety warnings.

ETL Approvals 

ETL approvals cover equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres and installed in North America. An ETL Authorization to Mark is given to equipment certified to CSA standards (Canada) and which conforms to UL standards (United States). These standards define design requirements for the equipment by protection concept, atmospheres, zone / class, and zone / or class and division, temperatures, and more.

An ETL mark assures that all safety requirements in the respective country standards are met. The product labels will define the explosive atmospheres where the equipment may be installed as well as any salient safety warnings in both English and French.

Any certification solution requires close consultation with Interface application experts and engineers.  Contact us to find the right product for your specific use case.