ATEX ZONE 2 CAT 3G

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Atex Zone 2 Definition

Atex Equipment Zone 2 Category 3G

Safe under normal operation only (gas)

Atex Zone 2 area is a place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture with air of flammable substances in the form of gas or vapour is not likely to occur in normal operation but, if it does occur, will persist for a short period only (from 0,1hrs to 10hrs/365d).

Category 3G explosion proof conversion guarantees an electrical and mechanical protection eliminating any explosion risk for Atex Zone 2 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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Visual alarm signal

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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 2 is the area of medium risk for the presence of gas or vapour potentially explosive, according to the directive of the European Atex legislation for industries that operate with potentially explosive atmospheres. Zone 2 hazardous areas are usually storages, but in some cases they can also be process areas.

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)

ATEX 2014/34/EU. The companies that supply equipment for operation in potentially explosive atmospheres/hazardous areas must comply with the ATEX 2014/34/EU Directive (previously 94/9/EC), selecting the Atex explosion proof correct equipment according to the defined zone, placing the correct signs at the entry of the area and preparing the relative explosion protection document.
The level of explosive protection and the construction requirements for Atex zone 2 Hazardous Area are defined by the Category 3G.

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 guarantee a passive and an active conversion (with Gas Detection DetEx Systems) for Zone 2 Ex Trucks.

Miretti Ex Systems provide a safe solution for industrial machines, engines, industrial equipment for use in Zone 2 areas (gas groups IIA and IIB; temperature class up to T3 or T4). The technology applies to both AC and DC motors.

All explosion proof conversions are developed to maintain the original safety levels and ergonomics in conformity with local standards. Our conversions do not alter the operation of the OEM unit nor do we compromise the footprint of the unit.