Directive 94/9/EC imposes requirements on manufacturers and users of equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. This directive provides, in particular, for: – approval by a notified body not only of the product (through EC type examination), but also of the manufacturer’s production quality assurance system. – the affixing of the “CE” marking on the labels of the various products. This marking indicates that the product complies with the relevant directives: the ATEX Directive, as well as, where applicable, the Machinery Directive, the Low Voltage Directive, etc. – the distinction between explosive atmospheres caused by the presence of gases, vapors, or mists (code: G = Gas) and explosive atmospheres caused by the presence of air-dust mixtures (code: D = Dust). The certification procedures for equipment for these two types of hazardous atmospheres will differ, and a corresponding “G” or “D” marking is affixed to the label of the certified equipment. – the introduction of design and manufacturing rules aimed at maximizing equipment safety, so that it can operate safely throughout its expected service life: – selection of components, – opening with a special tool, – prevention of device overload using appropriate limiters, – protection against electrostatic charges, parasitic electrical currents, and leakage, – unacceptable overheating, etc. – consideration of the operating conditions of the devices: humidity, vibrations, pollution, parasitic voltages…
