ATEX Radios

If you work in an industry where your business is exposed to potentially explosive atmospheres, you need to be aware of the ATEX directive and you may need ATEX radius. The ATEX Directive contains regulations aimed at protecting workers in hazardous environments such as oil, gas, mining or chemical plants.

In 2003, the European Union introduced the ATEX Directive to ensure that workers use intrinsically safe equipment and systems, including radio equipment, and potentially explosive atmospheres. ATEX approved radios are manufactured to very strict requirements and high manufacturing standards to reduce or eliminate any risk of tin sparks and heat generated by the device. From radio housings to batteries, everything must be designed for safety. ATEX radios operate at output power and are typically IP67 rated to protect against dust and allow immersion in water.

ATEX Categorisation

There are a number of classifications for ATEX equipment. These can be chiefly divided into two Groups I and II. Equipment within Group I can be used in mines or similar environments that are susceptible to methane. Group II equipment can be used in other areas than mining where explosions can occur such as the oil and gas industry, power stations and ports. Group II can be divided into three subgroups.

IIA: For atmospheres containing propane or gases of an equivalent hazard.
IIB: For atmospheres containing ethylene or gases of an equivalent hazard.
IIC: For atmospheres containing hydrogen or gases of an equivalent hazard.

For an in-depth explanation of the classifications, please follow the table below.

ATEX Mining Protection and Meaning
1: Group 1, Mining
M2: Must be switched OFF in case of firedamp
Ex: Explosion proof equipment
ib: Intrinsic safety
I: Protection in mining group: Methane
Mb: Mining equipment protection level: High protection

ATEX Gas Protection and Meaning
II: Group II, other (non-mining) areas
2: High level protection for use in Zone 1 (gas)
G: Gas, vapour and mist
Ex: Explosion proof equipment ib: Intrinsic safety
IIC: Protection in GAS group Acetylene, Hydrogen
T4: Device surface temperature will not exceed 135°C
Gb: Gas equipment protection level: High protection

ATEX Dust Protection and Meaning
II: Group II, other (non-mining) areas
2: High level protection for use in Zone 21 (dust)
D: Dust
Ex: Explosion proof equipment
ib: Intrinsic safety
IIIC: Dust group: Conductive dust (R≤10³Ωm)
T110°C: Maximum temperature of device surface
Db: Dust equipment protection level. High protection