Danish proposal regarding ATEX Guidelines sub-clause 5.2.1 “Simple” products

Justification and background for the proposal

According to the guideline there is only a description/definition of “Simple” products for mechanic equipment. Denmark has a concern according to the missing description/definition of electrical “Simple” apparatus according to EN 50020.This has perhaps resulted in certificates and markings of these products against the directive 94/9/EC. We need to give some examples of electrical “Simple” apparatus in the guideline, so the NB's and the manufactures can see the difference between what need to be mark and not.

Denmark proposes amend a new clause in sub-clause 5.2.1 “Simple” products:

5.2.1.1 Electrical "Simple" apparatus

In general some electrical apparatus do not fall under the scope of directive 94/9/EC, as they do not generate or store enough electrical energy to ignite a hazardous atmosphere.

When used in an intrinsic safety circuit (EN 50020) they require neither certificate nor marking.

Examples of electrical “Simple” apparatus are:

• passive components, for example switches, junction boxes, resistors and simple semiconductor devices;

• sources of stored energy with well-defined parameters, for example capacitors or inductors, whose values shall be considered when determining the overall safety of the system;

• sources of generated energy, for example thermocouples and photocells, which do not generate more than 1,5 V, 100 mA and 25 mW.

Examples of NOT an electrical “Simple” apparatus are:

• Piezoelectric crystal, protected components and voltage or current enhancement.

The manufacturer will need to consider each item in turn with respect to potential ignition risk. Electrical “Simple” apparatus is required to be clearly identified when it is installed.

Where electrical “Simple” apparatus forms a part of an apparatus containing other electrical circuits, then the combination of apparatus shall be considered as a whole.

ATEX/05/2/4.2a_rev1

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