ATEX-groups and categories

In Directive 2014/34/EU, equipment is divided into groups and categories. Almeco builds and sells fans of Group II, Category 2 and Category 3.

 

Group I

Group II

Category M1

Category M2

Category 1

Category 2

Category 3

Level of protection

Very High

High

Very High

High

Normal

Endangered by firedamp and/or combustible dust

Is endangered

Is likely to be endangered

 

Danger by gas, vapour, mist or air/dust mixtures

 

Long periods or frequently

Likely to occur

Unlikely to occur, and if they do occur, only infrequently and for a short period

Required protection

2 independent means / Or assured for 2 faults occuring independently

Also in case of more severe operating conditions

2 independent means / Or assured for 2 faults occuring independently

Even in the event of frequently occuring disturbances of fault

Only during normal operation

Usage

Mining & mining surface installations

Mining & mining surface installations

Gas: Zone 0, 1 & 2

Gas: Zone 1 & 2

Gas: Zone 2

Dust: Zone 20, 21 & 22

Dust: Zone 21 & 22

Dust: zone 22

Group I

Equipment of Group I: Intended for use in underground parts of mines as well as those parts of surface installations of such mines, endangered by firedamp and/or combustable dust.

Equipment of group I is divided into 2 categories, M1 and M2. Almeco does not build or sell fans for these categories.

Group II

Equipment of Group II: Intended for use in explosive atmospheres, other than mines or their surface installations.

Group II - Category 1

Equipment (fans) of Category 1 is intended for use in areas in which explosive atmospheres caused by mixtures of air and gases, vapors or mists or by air/dust mixtures are present continuously, for long periods or frequently. Almeco does not build or sell fans for these categories.

Group II - Category 2

Equipment of category 1 is intended for use in areas in which explosive atmospheres caused by gases, vapors, mists or air/dust mixtures are likely to occur.

Category 2 comprises equipment designed to be capable of functioning in conformity with the operational parameters established by the manufacturer and of ensuring a high level of protection.

The means of protection related to equipment of category 2 ensures the requisite level of protection, even in the event of frequently occurring disturbances or equipment faults which normally have to be taken into account. Equipment (fans) of category 2 is suitable for use in zone 1 and 21 (also 2 and 22).

Group II, Category 3

Equipment (fans) of Category 3 is intended for use in areas in which explosive atmospheres caused by gases, vapors, mists or air/dust are unlikely to occur, or, if they do occur, are likely to do so infrequently and for a short period only.

Category 3 comprises equipment designed to be capable of functioning in conformity with the operational parameters established by the manufacturer and of ensuring a normal level of protection.

Equipment of category 3 ensures the requisite level of protection during normal operation. Equipment (fans) of category 3 is suitable for use in zone 2 and 22.