Home > ATEX vs. IECEx: the same goal, different rules

ATEX vs. IECEx: the same goal, different rules

When selecting fans for potentially explosive environments, you will sooner or later encounter two certification systems: ATEX and IECEx. They are similar in concept, but not interchangeable. This article explains the difference, when each certificate is required, and why it makes sense to choose products carrying both certifications for international projects.

ATEX: mandatory in Europe

ATEX (Directive 2014/34/EU) is European legislation. Any manufacturer placing equipment for explosive atmospheres on the European market must comply with the ATEX directive and carry the CE marking. ATEX is a legal requirement, not a choice. Following Brexit, the United Kingdom introduced its own equivalent: UKEX/UKCA.

Within certain lower-risk equipment categories, manufacturers may self-declare conformity under ATEX. IECEx, by contrast, always requires certification through a recognised external body.

IECEx: widely accepted worldwide

IECEx is an international certification system developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). It is not a legal requirement in the way that ATEX is, but it is widely accepted globally and used in many countries as the basis for market access or national approvals. Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Brazil and various Asian markets accept IECEx in full or in part.

IECEx is based on the IEC 60079 standards and provides an internationally recognised certificate that significantly simplifies market access across multiple countries.

North America: NEC/HAZLOC — a separate system

It is worth noting that North America (the US and Canada) operates its own hazardous location system under the NEC (National Electrical Code) and CEC (Canadian Electrical Code). The traditional approach uses the Class/Division/Group system:

Class 1 = gas
Class 2 = dust
Division 1 = explosive hazard regularly or continuously present
Division 2 = explosive hazard only occasionally present

IEC-based Zone classifications (Zone 0/1/2) are also increasingly applied in North America.

Equipment intended for the North American market must be separately certified by a recognised laboratory, such as UL, FM or CSA. ATEX or IECEx certification alone is generally not sufficient for market access in North America.

Key differences at a glance

Legal status ATEX = European legislation (mandatory) IECEx = international certification system (voluntary, but widely recognised)
Certification process ATEX: manufacturers may self-declare conformity in certain equipment categories IECEx: external certification by a recognised body always required
Geographical scope ATEX applies within the EU/EEA IECEx is recognised worldwide and simplifies international market access
Technical content Both systems are largely based on the same IEC 60079 standards and are therefore technically closely aligned

Advice for international projects

For international projects, we recommend selecting fans that carry both ATEX and IECEx certification. The additional cost is limited, while the benefits are significant: less re-engineering, faster international project approvals and maximum flexibility for global deployment.

For questions about our range or to discuss which fan suits your application, feel free to get in touch. Ventinet supplies ATEX-certified fans for virtually every application.

Browse our ATEX fan range or contact us directly.