Ex

The Ex mark is a specific marking for explosive protection equipment. It is used to show that equipment, protective systems or components comply with the requirements of the European standards that are harmonized with the 94/9/EC Directive (ATEX Directive, named after the French "ATmosphere Explosible").

The ATEX Directive 94/9/EC became mandatory on 1 July 2003 and replaced the three old Directives: 76/117/EEC, 79/196/EEC, 97/53/EEC and 83/130/EEC.

The products covered by the ATEX Directive are divided into different groups and categories. The areas where the explosive atmospheres are present are divided into Zones, mainly based on how long and how frequently the explosive atmosphere is present. Electrical equipment marked Category 1 may be used in Zone 0,1 and Zone 2. Equipment marked Category 2 may be used in Zones 1 and 2. Equipment marked Category 3 may be used in Zone 2. Third party certification is mandatory for the electrical equipment that is used in Zone 0 and Zone 1.

The ATEX Directive is a CE Marking directive, which means that products marked with the Ex mark also have to be marked with the CE mark before they can be placed on the EU market. The technical assessment to allow that has to be carried out by a Notified Body (appointed by the authorities in the EU Member States).