|
|
Article: ATEX and its implications for Zone 2 protection: a new European Directive aims to improve safety by harmonising legal requirements covering the use of electrical equipment in hazardous industrial atmospheres. Dr Thorsten Arnhold, Director Marketing and Product Manager focues on the implications this will have for Zone 2 areas in particular. (Europe).
- Article from:
- Control Engineering Europe
- Article date:
- September 1, 2002
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2002 Reed Business Information. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
European work places with potentially explosive atmospheres are currently divided into three different zones. These are based on the probability of an explosive atmosphere occurring in a particular zone and range from continuous or long-term (Zone 0, Zone 20), through occasional (Zone 1, Zone 21) to abnormal (Zone 2, Zone 22).
From 30 June next year, the ATEX directive will regulate which category of equipment can be used in each zone. Category 1 covers Zones 0 and 20, Category 2 Zones 1 and 21, and Category 3 Zones 2 and 22.
This article focuses on Zone 2, which is defined as an area in which an explosive atmosphere of gas, vapour or mist is not ...