When it comes to safeguarding equipment in hazardous locations, ATEX ratings are not just important — they’re essential. ATEX-rated enclosures that can work safely within the risk of explosive atmospheres to protect critical electrical components, minimize the risk of ignition allow businesses to comply with strict safety regulations under the ATEX Directive.
Regardless of whether you’re in oil and gas, chemical process, or agricultural industries, it is critical to understand ATEX ratings and select the correct enclosure. ATEX ratings classify equipment into various categories based on their level of protection and the properties of flammable materials. What follows is what you need to know about ATEX certified enclosures and how Integra Enclosures can help.
What is an ATEX Rating?
ATEX (from the French “Atmosphères Explosibles”) is an abbreviation for two European Union directives that cover equipment and working environments where explosive atmospheres are a risk. The ATEX Directive is a set of safety directives that ensure safe use of equipment in potentially explosive atmospheres. An ATEX rating ensures that a product has been tested and certified to be used safely in potentially explosive atmospheres, ensuring that it will not ignite explosive gases, vapors, or dust.
The directive also governs the design, assembly, and testing of equipment and protective devices to lower the risks of flammable dust, gas, and vapors. These classifications and regulatory standards are clearly defined to ensure compliance and safety in potentially explosive environments.
ATEX certification guarantees that an enclosure or a device meets these rigorous safety requirements. These certifications, such as ATEX 2014/34/UE, IECEx, and UL Nema 4x, demonstrate compliance with safety and performance standards necessary for use in explosive and hazardous atmospheres. For companies that operate in hazardous environments, using ATEX rated enclosures isn’t just a good practice — it’s a legal requirement in many cases.
How ATEX Ratings Apply to Electrical Enclosures
Electronic devices such as wiring, control panels, and instrumentation can be ignition points if not shielded. That is why ATEX rated enclosures play an important role: they prevent sparks, heat, or electrical malfunctions from making contact with the surrounding explosive environment.
Here are the main categories of ATEX-rated enclosures, each offering varying levels of protection:
- Division 1 rated enclosures provide the most comprehensive protection against explosive atmospheres. They include safeguards against two faults to prevent conductive dust and vapor from reaching the heat and sparks of electrical components, as well as to mitigate the spread of ignition if an explosion does occur. Division 1 enclosures are required in high-risk areas where the presence of an explosive atmosphere is constant or nearly constant.
- Division 2 enclosures offer protection against a single fault in environments where an explosion could occur during normal operation. With enhanced sealing and containment, Division 2 enclosures keep explosive dust, vapor, and fibers out, while containing electrical energy. Although not explosion-proof, they help prevent explosions from happening.
| Continuous Hazard | Intermittent Hazard | Hazard under abnormal conditions | |
| North American System | Division 1 | Division 1 | Division 2 |
| International System | Zone 0 (Zone 20 dust) | Zone 1 (Zone 21 dust) | Zone 2 (Zone 22 dust) |
Where Are ATEX-Rated Enclosures Needed?
Hazards and industries that normally require ATEX certified enclosures are:
- Oil and Gas: Onshore and offshore platforms, refineries, and pipelines
- Chemical Processing Plants: Plants handling flammable liquids, vapors, or powders
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Manufacturing plants with volatile chemicals
- Food Processing: Facilities with airborne powder or grain dust
- Paint and Coating Facilities: Facilities where fumes and combustible dust exist
In such environments, an ATEX enclosure is a key component of overall plant safety and risk management planning.
How to Choose the Right ATEX Rated Enclosure
When selecting the right ATEX rated enclosure for your application, consider:
- Certification Requirements: Demand compliance with ATEX 2014/34/EU, IECEx:60079, and the classifications required for your environment.
- Materials: Use tough materials like stainless steel or cast aluminum suitable for hazardous atmospheres. Integra’s ATEX enclosures feature stainless steel construction with foam-in-place gaskets for a tight, reliable seal.
- Ingress Protection: Look for high IP ratings, like UL NEMA 4X (IP66), to resist dust, water, and corrosion.
- Temperature Range: Ensure that the enclosure can function adequately within extreme temperatures (-22°F to 140°F).
- Mounting and Access: Features like stainless steel pin hinges and slotted quarter-turn latches enhance security and convenience.
Integra’s ATEX Enclosure Solutions
At Integra Enclosures, we offer a comprehensive range of ATEX certified enclosures specifically designed for hazardous applications. Our ATEX certified enclosures comply with ATEX and IECEx standards and meet Class 1, Div 2 and other hazardous area ratings.
Key Features: 
- Certified to ATEX 2014/34/EU and IECEx:60079
- UL NEMA 4X (IP66) Stainless Steel Construction
- Foam-in-Place Gasket and Quarter-Turn Latches
- Operating Temperatures: -22°F to 140°F
Integra’s solutions can be employed in a variety of installations where explosive atmospheres are expected to exist. Learn about our ATEX enclosure solutions here.
Why ATEX Compliance Matters
Adherence to ATEX Directive standards is not just about avoiding fines or sanctions — it’s about safeguarding workers, equipment, and the environment. Using ATEX certified enclosures shows that your operations prioritize safety and reliability.
ATEX 2014/34/UE, IECEx, and UL Nema 4x certificates play essential roles in ensuring Ex junction boxes and explosion proof enclosures maintain their safety integrity in explosive and hazardous environments.
FAQs
What does an ATEX rating represent?
An ATEX rating confirms that a piece of equipment is safe for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, complying with strict EU directives.
What is ATEX certification?
ATEX certification confirms that a product, such as an electrical enclosure, has been tested and approved for safe use in explosive or combustible settings.
Can holes be cut in an ATEX rated enclosure?
Yes, Integra can custom machine holes into any ATEX enclosure or gland plate. Please be aware that all connections and external accessories must be ATEX rated to maintain the enclosure’s protection rating.
Optimize Safety with a Certified ATEX Rating Enclosure
Choosing the right ATEX-rated enclosure is vital for protecting your equipment and meeting regulatory requirements in hazardous environments. Integra Enclosures offers reliable, certified solutions built to meet the highest safety standards and ATEX rating requirements.
Ready to enhance your operation’s safety with proven explosion proof enclosures? Contact Integra Enclosures today to find the right enclosure for your needs.
