What is ATEX?

ATEX is a European directive that defines standards for equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres. These atmospheres include areas where flammable dust, gases, or vapours may be present. ATEX divides these environments by equipment group and hazardous zone, based on the type of Hazard and how likely it is to be present.

Equipment Groups

Group I: Equipment intended for use in underground mines, where dust can create explosive atmospheres.

Group II: Equipment intended for use in all other potentially explosive environments, including oil & gas, chemical, and manufacturing industries.

Hazardous Zones

Zone 0: Where Hazards are always or almost always present.

Zone 1: Where Hazards are likely to occur from time to time.

Zone 2: Where Hazards are unlikely, but still possible.

Why ATEX Certification Matters

Designing electronics for hazardous areas comes with some crucial considerations. It’s not only about meeting the necessary standards, but also about protecting people, investments and the environment. ATEX certification means that:

• The product won’t spark or overheat in an explosive atmosphere
• It’s built to withstand your specific environmental conditions
• All materials and components are carefully chosen and traceable

At GSPK Design, our ATEX 7422 certification was renewed in April 2024 (valid until 2027); however, we’ve held the accreditation since 2016. This has provided us with plenty of experience in designing, manufacturing, testing, and producing the necessary documentation for ATEX compliance.

ATEX certified

Our ATEX Certified Electronic Design Process

Designing electronics for explosive atmospheres is a bit different from standard projects. Every project we work on must go through a structured, safety-focused process:

We start by getting to know how and where your product will be used, including which ATEX zone applies. That gives us a clear idea of the level of risk and the kind of design approach needed.

We choose components that are right for the environment and make sure your design reduces the chance of anything overheating or causing a spark.

Once we have a prototype, we test it in-house to make sure it performs safely under the conditions it’ll be used in. Then we work with an Appointed Body to take it through the official ATEX certification process.

 

Once approved, we can move into production, using our PCB assembly capabilities from our site in Knaresborough.

We’ll deliver a finished, certified product ready for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.

ATEX Certified Since 2016

We’ve been designing and building ATEX-compliant products for almost a decade, so we know the process well. It’s not just about meeting regulations; it’s about making sure your product is safe and reliable, even in the toughest of environments.

Our ATEX 7422 certification covers our entire design and manufacturing process, including:

• Electronic design and component selection
• Prototyping and testing
• Documentation and certification support
• Final assembly and traceable manufacturing

If you’re creating a new product or changing an existing one for ATEX use, we can help you figure out what the regulations mean for your project and build a fully compliant product, ready for market.

Contact our team about your ATEX requirements

    GSPK Design employee testing a PCB
    GSPK Design employee on the phone