In Europe, equipment which is for use in or intended to be connected to equipment used in a potentially explosive atmosphere is required to be of a specific design such as flameproof, increased safety, intrinsically safe, etc. The Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Directives typically related to these products are: Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Directive (94/9/EC), commonly referred to as the "New Approach" or ATEX Directive. Depending on the equipment, other European Directives may also apply, such as Electromagnetic Compatibility (89/336/EEC) or Machinery Directives (98/37/EC). The decision as to the Directive applicability should be made only after a thorough review and understanding of each Directive. "New Approach" or ATEX Directive On March 1, 1996, a transitional period began for the implementation of the ATEX Directive (94/9/EC). This Directive applies to electrical and non-electrical equipment/components and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. The ATEX Directive became mandatory on July 1, 2003. Equipment located outside potentially explosive atmospheres are also covered by the ATEX Directive under the following conditions: The equipment is a safety device, controller or regulatory device; and The equipment is required for the safe function of equipment or protective systems with respect to the risk of explosion. All equipment under its scope will be required to bear the European CE Marking as verification of compliance with the Directive (the CE Marking will not appear on components defined by this Directive). The ATEX Directive specifically defines procedures for the evaluation of a product's design and manufacture (production) based on Equipment Groups and Categories. This is briefly outlined below. Equipment Group I Overview Equipment intended for use in underground parts of mines, and to those parts of surface installations of such mines, liable to be endangered by firedamp and/or combustible dust. Equipment Category Protection Comparison to Current IEC Classification M1 2 Levels of Protection; or 2 Independent faults Group I M2 1 Level of Protection based on Normal Operation Group I Equipment Group II Overview Equipment intended for use in other than Equipment Group I places that are liable to be endangered by explosive atmospheres. Equipment Category Protection Comparison to Current IEC Classification 1 2 Levels of Protection; or 2 Independent faults Group II, Zone 0 Gases, Zone 20 Dusts 2 1 Level of Protection Based on Frequent Disturbances or Equipment Faults Group II, Zone 1 Gases, Zone 21 Dusts 3 1 Level of Protection based on Normal Operation Group II, Zone 2 Gases, Zone 22 Dusts For a complete copy of the Atex Directive go here. For more information on the Atex Directive, follow one of these links: Epsilon Technical Services Limited UL's HazLoc Technical Website