Standards, zone definitions & product markings

World standards & what they mean

In this section we will outline the different Standards used throughout the world and what it means for products specified for use in Hazardous Areas. Below is a map of the world which illustrates the Standards that are generally used in these regions.

Select Language

International standards overview

ATEX

IECEx

INMETRO (Brazil)

EurAsian Conformity Mark (Customs Union)

PCEC (China)

UL (America) & CSA (Canada)

The ATEX Europane Directives 94/9/EC

ATEX requires employers to eliminate or control risks from dangerous substances and to classify areas where explosive atmospheres may occur into zones, as laid down in regulations. ATEX Directives are designed to protect employees, the public and the environment from accidents owing to explosive atmospheres and since July 1st 2006 all existing sites, as well as new sites, must be fully ATEX compliant.

The ATEX directive 2014/34/UE applies to end users. These directives compliment each other, but have different purposes. ATEX100A covers both electrical and non-electrical products intended for use in hazardous areas, including mechanical equipment.

Any product sold within the European Union designed for use in explosive atmospheres must be ATEX certified and bear the ATEX marking in conjunction with CE marking. This obligation is placed upon the manufacturer of the product is aimed at facilitating movement of goods within the EU.

IECEx (International Scheme)

The IECEx scheme is an inter national certificate of conformance for products used in a hazardous area.
This scheme provides:

A single certification of conformity for manufacturers to comply that includes:

Testing and assessment of products to a standard including a full test report.
Ongoing surveillance of manufacturers premises.

A fast-track process for countries where regulations still require the issuing of national Ex certificates or approvals.

INMETRO (Brazil)

The National Institute of Metrology, Standardization and Industrial Quality (INMETRO) is the government body responsible for the implementation of measurement, safety and quality standards for electrical and electronic products. It guides the activities of accreditation, inspection, testing and certification bodies in
Brazil which issue the products’ certificates.

EurAsian Conformity Mark (Customs Union)

EurAsian Conformity Mark follows similar rules to that of IECEx as far as the breakdown of the zones and other criteria are concerned.

EurAsian Conformity Mark is the standard for the Customs Union which includes the Russian Federation, Kazakhstan and Belarus.

PCEC (China)

Products placed on the Chinese market shall be certified according to the national regulations in force.

PCEC is accredited by CNAS (Chinal National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment) for product testing and issuance of certificates of conformity of products used in explosive atmospheres.

UL (America) & CSA (Canada)

The American and Canadian standards are the only ones to have different classifications and locations. ATEX & IECEx work to Groups and Zones whereas the NEC & CEC works to Classes and Divisions, there is no direct comparison between the two. This means that it is imperative that the two standards are not inter-changed within an area.

Product marking & Ingress Protection

Kopex-Ex product marking guide

Index of Ingress Protection

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Europe
Americas
Middle East and Africa
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Global - English
Argentina - Spanish
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Colombia - Spanish
Costa Rica - Spanish
Dominican Republic - Spanish
Ecuador - Spanish
El Salvador - Spanish
Guatemala - Spanish
Honduras - Spanish
Mexico - Spanish
Panama - Spanish
Peru - Spanish
Puerto Rico - Spanish
United States of America - English
Uruguay - Spanish

Global - English
Algeria - English | French
Angola - English | French
Bahrain - English | French
Botswana - English | French
Cameroon - English | French
Côte d'Ivoire - English | French
Egypt - English | French
Ghana - English | French
Israel - Hebrew
Jordan - English
Kenya - English | French
Kuwait - English
Lebanon - English
Madagascar - English | French
Mali - English | French
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Zimbabwe - English | French

Global - English
Australia - English
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India - English
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Kazakhstan - Russian
Malaysia - English
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New Zealand - English
Philippines - English
Singapore - English
South Korea - Korean
Sri Lanka - English
Taiwan (Chinese Taipei) - Chinese - Traditional
Thailand - English
Vietnam - English

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