ATEX Certification: Need, Challenges, and Lookout for the right partner

In today’s time, we are surrounded by electrical equipment that in return, also brings potential threats every time we use it. Even a small spark in this equipment can trigger the ignition in it and if you’re working in highly explosive atmospheres such as Oil and Gas, Petrol stations, Chemical industry, Power plants, etc there is a high risk associated with it. In this case, ATEX-approved equipment is your best bet to reduce the threat in these types of areas and make the workplace safer.

So let’s take a deep dive to know what exactly is ATEX certification, what makes ATEX certification complex, the applicability of ATEX, and how VVDN pioneered in developing ATEX certified products.

What is ATEX?

ATEX is derived from the acronym ATmosphere EXplosible. ATEX certification is a series of European Union legislation aimed at ensuring the protection of the devices intended to be used in explosive environments. Companies have to ensure that the products will not explode during the routine operations by certifying it as per the ATEX directive 2014/34/EU.

What makes the ATEX certification complex?

During the ATEX certification process, the product has to go under a number of tests, quality checks, etc. These tests can take weeks, and in some cases, it even takes months to render approval. And as a general rule, these tests cannot be passed on the first go because of the complexity of the project, standards involved, etc. After the certification process, there are quality assurance audits to ensure the product complies with the quality requirement.

And do you know after getting the ATEX certification,  making any minor change to the product even a screw change that is not in the earlier signed documentation makes the ATEX certification void as product characteristics are changed? 

All these processes are undertaken by the EU notified body approved by the national government that does this testing and issues certificates for the conforming product. 

Is ATEX applicable worldwide?

Every country in the world adheres to a different set of standards and certifications to ensure the quality of the product is not compromised and minimize the risk. As of now, ATEX applies only within the European Union but OEM’s having ATEX-certified products are marketing their products in the other countries as ATEX approved as these products are deemed superior which are not having certification. In recent times, the ATEX standard is quickly becoming one of the leading worldwide standards for the devices that are intended to be used in explosive atmospheres. And according to me, It’ll only be a matter of time when ATEX  and these types of certification will be mandatory across the globe.

How does VVDN help OEMs?

VVDN leverages its expertise in designing and developing ATEX certified products. Partnering with testing laboratories and EU notified bodies, VVDN makes 100% sure to comply with all the regulations and standards that help OEMs looking for adding ATEX certified products to their portfolio. VVDN’s ATEX experienced engineers also provide support to OEMs for the end deployment training.

For more details write to us at info@vvdntech.com