ATEX Fume Cabinets and Cupboards

ATEX (EX) Fume Cabinets and Cupboards – Vodex Explains All

Do you really need an ATEX (EX) fume hood, cabinet or cupboard? As always it comes down to specifics and is all relative.

People are often afraid of the term ATEX and fear mongered into over specifying their units and working environments due to a lack of awareness and knowledge of what is actually required.

Never fear, VODEX is on hand! Determining whether an ATEX rated unit and/or components are required can seem like a daunting task to many. In reality there are just a couple of points to consider before determining if ATEX is needed for your application.

The most common misconception of ATEX is its meaning. Some people misunderstand it to mean a unit which is designed to contain an explosion. Actually ATEX is a combination of directives describing what equipment and work environment is allowed within an explosive atmosphere. Therefore an ATEX unit is one that is designed to eliminate spark potential outside of the unit thus reducing the chances of ignition within a flammable atmosphere. ATEX hoods and units are not designed to contain explosions.

IEC 60364 and IEC 60479 or EN-50110 classifies areas with potentially flammable atmospheres into classes and divisions. Class I, II or III and Division 1 or 2 within each Class. Class I indicates an area where flammable gasses and/or vapours may be present in the air in sufficient volumes to produce an ignition or explosion. Class II and III indicates areas which contain combustible dust and fibres, respectively, and are not typical of the general atmosphere in a lab environment.

If your unit is located in an area of any of the above classes then it should be ATEX rated, irrespective of what process/work is going on within it. Areas with potentially flammable atmospheres must be void of spark(s) including those electrical components inside and outside of the unit’s airstream.

An ATEX rated unit has specially designed electrical components (EP rated switches, wiring etc.) This can either be supplied as part of the manufacturers unit or be installed on site by competent, qualified electrical engineer(s) meeting the necessary regulations and tests.

CONTACT VODEX ON 01489 899070 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR A CHAT WITH OUR EXPERIENCE TECHNCIAL SALES TEAM