Blog ATEX vs. EAC Ex Certification

ATEX vs. EAC Ex Certification

All explosion-risk equipment is certified worldwide according to the same principles of the International Electronically Commission (IEC). Despite the different designations of the standards (Eurasian Economic Union: EAC Ex, Europe: ATEX, USA: FM), the classification methods in the various countries are similar. All explosion-risk equipment is certified worldwide according to the same principles of the International Electronically Commission (IEC). Despite the different designations of the standards (Eurasian Economic Union: EAC Ex, Europe: ATEX, USA: FM), the classification methods in the various countries are similar.

EAC Ex Certification with an ATEX Certificate

All explosion-risk equipment is certified worldwide according to the same principles of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Despite the different designations of the standards (Eurasian Economic Union: EAC Ex, Europe: ATEX, USA: FM), the classification methods in the various countries are similar. 

Typically, ATEX devices that have received an explosion protection class in Europe also obtain an EAC Certificate for approval in the EAEU. The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is the free trade zone between Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.

The availability of an ATEX certificate can simplify the EAC certification of Ex equipment for the Russian market, but it cannot replace it. 

Ex equipment includes electrical and non-electrical machines and devices used in explosion-risk areas, whose design prevents an explosion or fire.

ATEX Certificate

ATEX (French: Atmosphères Explosibles) is an EU certificate for devices and machines that allows their use in an explosion-risk environment. For the certification of ATEX devices in the EU, the proximity of the device to the potential explosion site is primarily important.

The following three explosion hazard zones (ATEX zones) are distinguished:

  • Zone 0 - Permanent explosion hazard
  • Zone 1 - Occasional explosion hazard
  • Zone 2 - Theoretically possible explosion hazard

An ATEX certificate includes a key of letters and numbers that describes the exact approved working environment. Each individual letter or number describes one of a total of nine parameters of the explosion-risk environment. 

For example, distinctions are made between temperature ranges, dust and gas, electrical and non-electrical devices. Therefore, different certificates exist for different operating conditions.

EAC Ex Certificate

An EAC Ex certificate confirms to the manufacturer that the device, machine, or installation meets the technical requirements for Ex equipment in Russia and in the other EAEU states. 

The certification of ATEX equipment in the EAEU was conducted until March 15, 2015, using the GOST Ex certificate and was then replaced by the Technical Regulation TR CU 012/2011 "On the Safety of Equipment for Operation in Explosion Hazard Areas."

All explosion-protected electrical and non-electrical devices, machines, and installations, as well as those devices that contain Ex components, are subject to EAC Ex certification.

Unlike the ATEX certificate, the classification of EAC Ex equipment is divided into the following three groups:  

  • Group I - Equipment for ore processing plants, mines, and quarries
  • Group II - Equipment for use in gas explosion-risk environments, except underground mining
  • Group III - Equipment for use in dust explosion-risk environments, except underground mining

Each group is further divided into six classes of fire protection and three protection levels of explosion protection A, B, and C.

Process of EAC Ex Certification

The EAC conformity assessment of explosion-protected equipment is carried out exclusively in the form of an EAC certificate. An EAC Declaration for Ex equipment is not provided.

The following documents may be required for the EAC certification of Ex equipment:

  • Product designation
  • Operating manual
  • Overview drawing
  • Technical data sheet
  • Detailed product description
  • List of all Ex components
  • ATEX certificate, if available
  • Other certificates, such as GOST
  • Information about the importer
  • Information about the manufacturer
  • Ignition hazard assessment
  • Technical drawings
  • Safety assessment
  • Electrical schematic
  • Technical passport
  • Customs tariff number

During the certification process, some Ex components are sent for examination to a laboratory accredited in the EAEU. Furthermore, an audit in the manufacturer's production facilities is required for series production. 

If all requirements of the Technical Regulation are met, an EAC certificate is issued. The EAC Ex certificate confirms that the products comply with the requirements of the Technical Regulation of the Customs Union TR CU 012/2011.

The EAC Ex certificate for series production is valid for 1 to 5 years. The exact validity period depends on the selected certification scheme.

EAC Ex Marking

For the approval of Ex equipment in the EAEU, there is a marking requirement. In addition to the EAC mark, the explosion-risk components must be marked with a special Ex symbol. 

In addition to the Ex symbol, the corresponding Ex components must display the group, level, and class of explosion protection.

The EAC Ex marking must be affixed either on a white or sufficiently contrasting background. 

The height of the Ex symbol must not be less than 10 mm to ensure good readability. The height ratio of "x" to "E" is 5/9, and the ratio of height to width is 11/8.

The marking of EAC Ex equipment on the nameplate must include the following identification numbers:

  • EAC mark
  • Ex symbol
  • Manufacturer information
  • Name of the certification body
  • Number of the certification body
  • Classification of the equipment group
  • Certificate number
  • Category of devices
  • Device protection level
  • Temperature class
  • Types of ignition protection
  • IP protection class
  • Equipment group

Costs and Duration of EAC Ex Certification

The costs and duration required for the issuance of an EAC certificate for Ex equipment depend on several factors, which are often associated with significant effort.

The following factors determine the costs and duration of EAC Ex certification:

  • Accuracy of the documents
  • Number of Ex components
  • Amount of mandatory tests
  • Selection of the certification matrix
  • Availability of an ATEX certificate
  • Complexity of product components
  • Series delivery or single delivery

Only after the submission of the required documents and a precise assessment of the effort can it be clarified how high the costs of EAC certification for Ex equipment are and how long it will take. 

The necessary controls, such as inspections or audits, can additionally increase the costs. Once all necessary documents for the conformity assessment have been received, the application for a conformity certificate begins, which can take up to 12 weeks.

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