ATEX Certified

ATEX, short for ATmosphères EXplosibles, refers to two European directives that regulate equipment and protective systems used in explosive atmospheres. These environments can be created by flammable gases, vapours, mists, or even combustible dust. When the concentration of these substances reaches a critical level, even a small ignition source can trigger an explosion.

ATEX certification is awarded to products that have been tested and approved as intrinsically safe, meaning they are suitable for use in potentially explosive environments.

ATEX directive is classified by ‘zones’:

• Zones 0-2: Gas, Vapour and Mist
• Zones 20-22: Dust and Fibres

THS currently has two products certified for use in ATEX environments, with more testing underway. This includes conductive PTFE coated glass and anti-static silicone coated glass.

If you have an application that requires ATEX approval, please contact us directly.

FAQs

What Makes a Fabric Suitable for ATEX Environments?

Fabrics used in ATEX environments must remove the risk of static discharge, which could ignite within potentially explosive atmospheres. This is typically achieved through conductive or anti-static properties, ensuring any electrical charge is safely dissipated.

Do all Industrial Fabrics Require ATEX Certification?

No, ATEX certification is only required in environments where explosive gases, vapours or dust are present. For standard industrial applications without these risks, ATEX compliance is not necessary.

Can ATEX Fabrics be used in both Gas and Dust Environments?

Yes, but suitability depends on the certification and the specific zone classification. Some fabrics are designed for gas environments (Zones 0-2), while others are suitable for dust (Zones 20-22), so selecting the correct product is essential. THS fabrics are tested to all zones to cover this aspect.