ATEX ZONE 1 CAT 2G

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Atex Zone 1 Definition

Atex Equipment Zone 1 Category 2G

Safe under normal operation and expected malfunction (gas)

Atex Zone 1 area is a place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture with air or flammable substances in the form of gas, vapour or mist is likely to occur in normal operation occasionally (from 10hrs to 1.000hrs/365d).

Category 2G explosion proof conversion guarantees an electrical and mechanical protection eliminating any explosion risk for Atex Zone 1 Hazardous Area.

The features include:

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Temperature class T3, T4 and T5

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Gas Group IIA, IIB, IIB+H2+C2H2 (only for electric trucks)

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Installation and conversion of components suitable for use in the operating zone

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Monitoring of surface temperatures

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Monitoring of earth leakage

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Use of electroconducting materials

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Visual alarm signals

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Load handling device covered with spark-proof material

The use of explosion protection equipment in a potentially hazardous area is a requirement for the Ex supplier and also for the end user in order to be able to work in safety.

The Atex legislation has two different directives and relative requirement, from both the user and supplier of the Explosion-proof equipment in a potentially hazardous area: ATEX 1999/92/EC and ATEX 2014/34/EU.

ATEX 1999/92/EC is the directive for industries that operate with potentially explosive atmospheres and requires the companies to prevent the formation of explosive atmospheres in the workplace, conduct a hazardous area risk assessment including the valuation of a potential source of ignition and classify the hazardous area Zones according to the frequency, time and the form in which the explosive atmosphere is present. ATEX 1999/92/EC requires companies to manage the risk. Atex Zone 1 is the area of high risk for the presence of gas or vapour potentially explosive. The company must place the correct signs at the entry of the area, maintain an explosion protection document and select the Atex explosion proof correct equipment according to the defined zone, compliant with ATEX directive.

SUMMARY>>> “The ATEX Zones classification”

The workplaces should be classified into hazardous area Zones depending on the frequency and time that an explosive atmosphere is present in the form of gas, vapour, powder or dust:

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ATEX Zone 1 (high risk gas/vapour)

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ATEX Zone 2 (medium risk gas/vapour)

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ATEX Zone 21 (high risk powder/dust)

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ATEX Zone 22 (medium risk powder/dust)

The ATEX 2014/34/EU Directive (previously 94/9/EC) defines the requirement for companies that supply equipment for operation in potentially explosive atmospheres/hazardous areas. The level of protection is defined by the category and referred to the respective risk area: Category 2G defines the construction requirements for explosive protection in Atex zone 1 Hazardous Area.

SUMMARY>>> “The ATEX Categories”

Equipment (as mobile vehicles, special vehicles, engines, compressors, gensets, etc.) for operation in hazardous areas must comply with the requirements of ATEX 2014/34/EU Directive and be flameproof. The level of protection is known as a category which matches the risk:

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Category 2G/Zone 1

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Category 3G/Zone 2

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Category 2D/Zone 21

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Category 3D/Zone 22

Miretti can convert almost all brands of forklift trucks, mobile vehicles, engines, industrial equipment for a safe operation in Zone 1 areas; in fact many with standardized designs. The technology applies for both AC and DC motors.

All sources of ignition (eg. electrical, static, mechanical, heat sources and other) are protected so that the equipment can operate safely within potentially flammable atmospheres. Miretti ensures that converted equipment is fully compliant to ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU and to relevant local regulations with the Manufacturers approval.