The ATEX Directive

The ATEX Directive embodies the European requirements for equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres. It became mandatory on June 30th 2003.

Prior to the directive, it was only necessary to apply explosion safety principles to electrical equipment. Entirely non-electrical equipment was not considered, relying on "Good Engineering Practice" to ensure that the ignition risk of hot surfaces or sparks would not occur.

ATEX draws attention to the non-electrical hazards and requires a consideration of these with respect to explosion safety.

TO BE COMPLIANT, YOU MUST USE AN ATEX APPROVED INK PUMP!

Our pump ends fall into the category 2 or M2 classification--equipment designed to ensure a high level of protection, even in the event of an expected malfunction.

A full "Risk Assessment" was written for our pump ends and the equipment was tested for temperature rise, etc. The pump end must then be fitted with an ATEX approved driver.

The marking for our pump is therefore:

Here is a sample nameplate: