Consideration paper concerning marking of equipment not covered by 94/09/EC Directive, but intended for use in EX-zones in accordance with 99/92/EC Annex 1.

History: A lot of manufacturers wishes to put there products on the market, with an indication that it is safe to use in EX-areas even if the products doesn't fall under the scope of the 94/9/EC directive. We expect to see a lot of these products (including simple products for use in intrinsically safe areas) on the market with ATEX marking in the future. We consider that as not in line with good practice and not in line with the requirements in the directive.

To ensure that the manufacturers don't adopt this practice we have different opportunities.

1. When finding these products we can stop them and give the manufacturers a fine.

2. We can invent and/or accept an alternative marking for these products to help the manufacturers to put these products on the market with accepted marking for use in potential explosive areas. This marking could be:

An example:

II EPL Ga, Da

Where for use in EX areas

Not in mines

In zone 0, 1 and 2

In zone 20, 21 and 22

Or,

Ex EPL Ga, Da

Or,

Ex [i]

for simple products intended for use in intrinsically safe areas.

Or;

????

Ex

ATEX/05/2/4.2b

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