What is ATEX certification and why does it matter in Industrial Automation?

Understanding ATEX Certification

ATEX certification is essential for equipment and protective systems used in potentially explosive atmospheres. The term "ATEX" originates from the French phrase "Appareils destinés à être utilisés en ATmosphères EXplosibles", referring to the European Union directive that regulates safety in hazardous environments. The current directive, 2014/34/EU, defines strict requirements to ensure that equipment used in areas with explosive gases, vapors, or dust operates safely and reliably.

Industries such as railway systems, industrial automation, and process control often require ATEX-certified components to minimize ignition risks and ensure safe operations. At Delcon, we recognize the importance of ATEX compliance and design our solid-state interface relays to meet the highest safety standards. Our relays are built to operate without mechanical wear, reducing the likelihood of sparks, electrical arcs, or malfunctions that could compromise safety in hazardous environments.

Why is ATEX Certification Important?

Safety is a primary concern in environments where flammable gases, dust, or vapors are present, and ATEX certification plays a crucial role in ensuring operational security. Non-compliant equipment poses serious risks, including explosions, system failures, and legal consequences. Industries that neglect ATEX standards may face severe financial penalties and liabilities, making compliance a critical requirement rather than an option.

ATEX certification assures that equipment functions safely under harsh industrial conditions, providing peace of mind to businesses and operators. For companies like Delcon, ensuring that our products meet ATEX safety requirements reinforces our commitment to delivering reliable, maintenance-free solutions that align with the strictest industry regulations. By eliminating moving parts and potential failure points, our relays reduce the risk of sparking, ensuring safe performance in ATEX-classified zones.

The Process of Obtaining ATEX Certification

ATEX certification requires a comprehensive evaluation to confirm compliance with safety and performance standards. The process begins with a risk assessment, identifying potential ignition sources and ensuring that product design minimizes these risks.

Independent notified bodies, designated by EU countries, assess equipment to verify compliance with ATEX directives. These assessments cover factors such as electrical safety, insulation, material durability, and operational stability. Certified products must include technical documentation, a declaration of conformity, and a CE marking, indicating compliance with European safety standards.

At Delcon, our relays are designed with built-in protection against electrical noise and surges, eliminating failure points common in mechanical relays. This makes them an optimal choice for ATEX-certified applications, where long-term reliability and spark-free operation are essential.

Differences Between ATEX and Other Certifications

While ATEX certification is mandatory in the European Union, other global safety certifications, such as IECEx, serve similar functions in international markets. IECEx certification follows a broader, internationally recognized standard for explosive atmosphere safety.

Both ATEX and IECEx ensure safe operation in hazardous environments, but ATEX is region-specific and follows EU directives, while IECEx adheres to international ISO/IEC standards. For industrial automation manufacturers like Delcon, understanding these distinctions is essential when developing components for global applications. Our ATEX-certified relays comply with these requirements, ensuring that our solutions meet both European and international safety standards for hazardous locations.

Common Challenges and Solutions in ATEX Compliance

Achieving ATEX compliance can be technically demanding, requiring detailed risk assessments, material testing, and regulatory approvals. One major challenge is ensuring that all electrical components operate safely in explosive atmospheres, particularly where mechanical wear or high switching currents may generate sparks.

To address these challenges, manufacturers must invest in specialized designs that eliminate failure-prone components. At Delcon, our solid-state relays provide a wear-free, arc-free solution, making them inherently safer for explosive environments. By focusing on high-quality insulation, precise circuit protection, and reliable long-term performance, we help industries simplify ATEX compliance and reduce the risks associated with traditional mechanical relays.

Conclusion

For industries operating in hazardous environments, ATEX certification is a non-negotiable requirement to ensure safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance. Delcon's solid-state relays, engineered for long-lasting performance without mechanical failures, offer an optimal solution for applications requiring ATEX-certified equipment.

Looking for reliable, maintenance-free relay solutions that comply with ATEX safety standards? Contact Delcon today to explore how our high-performance industrial relays can enhance safety and efficiency in your operations.

+358 40 220 5823 
sales@delcon.fi 
VAT: FI18075473
Delcon Oy 
Veikkointie 4 
03100 Nummela 
Finland