What Is ATEX/IECEx/NEC?
ATEX is a European directive that mandates safety requirements for equipment used in explosive atmospheres within the European Union. It ensures that products meet strict safety criteria to prevent ignition risks, protecting both workers and facilities. Compliance with ATEX is a legal requirement for any equipment sold or used in the EU that might be exposed to potentially explosive atmospheres.
IECEx, on the other hand, is an international certification system that provides a globally recognized standard for equipment safety in explosive environments. It aids international trade by ensuring that products meet universally accepted safety benchmarks, allowing them to be used in multiple regions without needing additional local certifications. Unlike ATEX, IECEx often involves a more rigorous third-party certification process, which is widely recognized as ensuring a higher level of safety and reliability.
In North America, equipment that is used in potentially explosive areas is governed by the National Electrical Code (NEC). Potentially explosive areas come under the term "hazardous locations" in North America and are explained in Section 500 of the NEC, where the potentially explosive areas are divided into "Class" and "Divisions". Class I is used to designate areas in which flammable gases, vapors or mists occur. Class II denotes areas with dust, while Class III covers areas in which fibers or lint occur. Divisions 1 and 2 describe the frequency and duration of the occurrence of these substances in potentially explosive areas.
The main difference between ATEX, IECEx and NEC lies in their geographical application and certification processes. ATEX is specific to the European Union and allows manufacturers to self-declare conformity, while IECEx is internationally recognized and generally requires third-party verification. NEC is primarily used in the United States and requires approval from a local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), and equipment must be listed by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). Despite these differences, all standards share the common goal of ensuring that equipment used in hazardous areas is designed and tested to prevent accidents and ensure the highest levels of safety.
What Kinds of ATEX/IECEx/NEC Products Does Exloc Sell?
Exloc Instruments offers a wide range of ATEX/IECEx/NEC-certified products designed for enterprise mobility in hazardous environments. These products, from the leading brands active today, ensure safety and compliance in explosive atmospheres, which is an essential consideration for industries such as oil and gas, chemical processing, and mining.
Exloc’s range of ATEX/IECEx/NEC products includes:
- Intrinsically Safe Smartphones and Tablets – Designed to withstand extreme conditions, smartphones and tablets are ATEX/IECEx-certified—strong solutions for companies needing reliable communication tools for hazardous areas.
- Barcode Scanners – Ergonomically designed to provide the optimum solution for operators needing to safely scan barcodes in hazardous areas, running the latest Android operating system.
- RFID Tags and Readers – Certified RFID tags and readers that are vital for tracking assets and ensuring personnel safety in explosive environments.
- Thermal Cameras – These cameras, compliant with these international certification bodies, are crucial for detecting temperature variations and potential hazards in dangerous settings.
- Smartwatches – Intrinsically safe smartwatches provide the kind of real-time monitoring and communication that can enhance safety and efficiency in hazardous areas.
- Flashlights – These flashlights are specifically designed for use in explosive atmospheres, to provide reliable lighting without risking ignition.
- Wireless Enclosures and Antennas – ATEX/IECEx-certified wireless enclosure solutions and antennas are also available, ensuring safe wireless communication in hazardous environments.
- Keyboards – Certified keyboards for applications that rely on safe and reliable data entry.
- Lanterns – Intrinsically safe lanterns provide reliable and safe illumination.
Exloc’s ATEX/IECEx/NEC products are indispensable for industries that operate in high-risk environments, offering cutting-edge solutions that prioritize safety and functionality. With trusted brands like RealWear, Extronics, i.safe, and Armadex, Exloc delivers certified equipment that meets the tough testing and certification standards.
For more information on these solutions, feel free to call Exloc at 281-916-4847.
