General information

European ATEX Directives The ATEX Directives harmonize safety rules in line with the free trading principles of the European Community. Responsibilities are split between the manufacturers and end users. Manufacturers have to comply with the “Essential Health and Safety Requirements” of the Products Directive 94/9/EC and end users must prepare an Explosion Protection Document based on risk assessments of their “work places” and “work equipment” to fulfil the “minimum requirements” listed in the Worker Protection Directive 1999/92/EC. The new ATEX products directive 2014/34/EU dated 26th February 2014 will be applicable from the 20th April 2016, this directive replaces current Products directive 94/9/EC. ABB low voltage motors for explosive atmospheres comply fully with the ATEX Products Directive. According to the regulations, low voltage motors for explosive atmospheres are exempted from the Low Voltage Directive, the EMC Directive and the Machinery Directive.