ATEX means Atmosphère Explosible.

Directive 2014/34/EU regulates explosion protection in mining and in industry and applies to any products (products = equipment and protective systems, safety, monitoring and control systems, and any components that are built into equipment and protective systems) which are used in potentially explosive atmospheres. ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU is applicable to manufacturers of equipment and protective systems. In the past each country had its own requirements and regulations for operating equipment in potentially explosive atmospheres. This situation was a hindrance to the freedom of movement of such products throughout Europe. In the light of European unity and harmonisation of the internal market specific EU directives were developed. In the field of explosion protection Directive 94/9/ EC (ATEX 100a being the previous working title, ATEX 95 after renumbering), updated by Directive 2014/34/EU, has been mandatory and in force since 1 July 2003. That directive now also includes for the first time essential safety and health requirements for those products and non-electrical equipment (e.g. pneumatic actuators). In Directive 2014/34/EU the products to which the directive applies are classified in equipment groups and categories, according to hazard potential. The requirements for equipment and protective systems also depend on this.