ATEX Category 1

IPU and ATEX Category 1

Equipment approved under ATEX regulations falls into one of three categories. ATEX Category 1 equipment can be used in any workplace that is governed by ATEX 137, the Workplace Directive (99/92/EC).

IPU designs and manufactures engine starting systems for fire pumps, gensets, compressors, winches and industrial vehicles. We serve numerous customers in the oil, gas and mining industries.

IPU’s ATEX-approved engine starter motors are certified to conform to ATEX Category 1. They are also unique in conforming to both BS EN 1834-1:2000 (for gas atmospheres) and BS EN 183412:2000 (for mining operations). Other manufacturers have different starter motors for each market.

 

What are the three categories and what ATEX zones do they apply to?

Oil and gas installations are almost always classified as Zone 0 workplaces: “a place in which an explosive atmosphere… in the form of gas, vapour or mist is present continuously or for long periods or frequently.”

Underground mines are almost always classified as Zone 20 workplaces: “a place in which an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in air is present continuously, or for long periods or frequently.”

The three categories of equipment match the three different levels of risk identified by ATEX. More details on ATEX Zones can be found on our Zone 0 and Zone 20 pages.

In these ATEX Zones	This Category of equipment must be used
Zone 0 and 20	Category 1
Zone 1 and 21	Category 2 or 1
Zone 2 and 22	Category 3 or 2 or 1

It is important to note that equipment approved for use in a higher risk zone is automatically approved for use in lower risk zones too. Category 1 equipment designed for use in Zone 0 and 20 workplaces can also be used in Zone 1, 2, 21 and 22 workplaces.