Read each Ex marking field for its own purpose
- Equipment group
Identify the scheme first. IEC gas and dust groups are distinct, while ATEX Group II addresses equipment for places other than susceptible mines.
- Gas group
Gas grouping is based on relevant ignition characteristics. Check the substance and equipment marking without inferring a dust classification.
- Dust group
Dust groups distinguish combustible flyings, nonconductive dust and conductive dust. Determine the actual dust rather than relying on appearance.
- Temperature class
The relevant maximum surface temperature is assessed for stated conditions. Gas temperature class and dust temperature marking need their respective interpretation.
- Equipment protection levelThis term
EPL describes the assigned level of protection. It is separate from material, ingress rating and the specific protection concept.
- ATEX equipment category
Categories identify protection levels within the ATEX equipment groups. Read gas or dust designation and all certificate conditions.
Equipment group, substance group, temperature and equipment protection level answer different selection questions. ATEX equipment categories use their own scheme and must be read with the complete marking.
Isolated code examples, not a complete product marking or a certificate. No product approval, zone selection or automatic equivalence between schemes is asserted.