When a piece of equipment is intended to operate in an environment where explosive mixtures of gases, vapours, or dust may form, its placement on the European market almost always goes through a single regulatory reference point: ATEX certification.
The term ATEX (from the French ATmosphères EXplosibles) refers to Directive 2014/34/EU, which sets out the essential safety requirements for equipment and protective systems intended for use in such conditions, and which translates in practice into the Ex marking applied to the product.
Obtaining ATEX certification isn’t simply a matter of “passing a test”: it means building a solid technical file, in which every declared safety characteristic is backed by objective, repeatable evidence. And it’s precisely at this stage, the technical demonstration of compliance, that much of the success (or the delays) of a certification path is decided.
Why product classification isn’t enough
Equipment intended for potentially explosive atmospheres requires a rigorous verification approach. In these contexts, compliance depends not only on correctly classifying the product according to ATEX requirements, but also on the ability to demonstrate, through appropriate technical testing, that the equipment maintains its safety characteristics over time.
Among the most critical aspects to verify are:
It is precisely these parameters, verified in the laboratory, that provide the technical evidence on which the product’s ATEX conformity assessment is then based.
The role of accredited testing in the path toward ATEX certification
Analytical supports manufacturers, designers, and quality managers with accredited testing based on the IEC/EN 60079 series, the technical regulatory foundation on which ATEX certification itself is built. The scope of accreditation covers specific parts of the standard series and, within these, specific test clauses: for this reason, the verification plan is always defined on a case-by-case basis, depending on the product, the intended protection method, and the applicable technical requirements.
Accredited activities cover testing on equipment for explosive atmospheres and on certain protection methods, including:
- increased safety “e”;
- intrinsic safety “i”;
- encapsulation “m”.
Testing may include, depending on the applicable scope:
When it makes sense to test, even before certifying
These activities are a useful tool at various stages of the product lifecycle: design development and validation, preparation for ATEX certification, changes to materials or components, qualification of new suppliers, updating of the technical file, or investigation of non-conformities found in the field.
Carrying out targeted tests before the final certification stage reduces the risk of rework, delays, and technical disputes, providing objective evidence in support of the product’s safety and reliability. In other words: anticipating technical verification isn’t an added cost — it’s a way to make the path toward ATEX certification more linear and predictable.
How to set up a testing plan
To assess the most suitable testing plan, you can share the following with our technical team:
- the product data sheet;
- the intended protection method;
- the intended use;
- the expected environmental conditions;
- the applicable standards.
On this basis, the team defines a tailored verification plan, consistent with the scope of accreditation and with the objectives of the certification path.
Technical note
Laboratory tests carried out under accreditation support the product’s assessment, validation, and certification path, but do not replace the full ATEX conformity assessment or the involvement of a notified body, where required by applicable regulations. Confirmation of the applicable accreditation scope is always carried out before the offer is issued and activities begin.