EN 14986: the standard for fans in explosive atmospheres
Fans used in potentially explosive environments are subject to specific construction requirements. The European standard EN 14986:2017 describes what those requirements are, covering everything from material selection and component clearances to surface coatings. This article gives an accessible overview of what the standard addresses and why it matters when selecting an ATEX fan.
Why a dedicated standard for fans?
General ATEX standards for non-electrical equipment (such as ISO 80079-36 and ISO 80079-37) apply broadly across many product types. Fans, however, have characteristics that set them apart: rotating components operating at high speeds, close tolerances between moving and stationary parts, and airflow passing through the housing. These specific properties introduce ignition risks that are best addressed in a dedicated standard. EN 14986 fills that role, specifying construction requirements for fans across equipment categories (1, 2 and 3) and for both gas and dust atmospheres.
What does EN 14986 address?
The standard covers several key areas of fan design:
Material pairings and clearances
One of the central concerns is the interaction between the rotating impeller and the stationary housing. If these components come into contact — for example due to wear, damage or shaft deflection — friction could generate heat or sparks. EN 14986 addresses this by setting requirements for the clearance between impeller and housing, and for the material combinations used. Not all material pairings are considered equivalent in terms of ignition risk, and the standard provides guidance on which combinations are acceptable under which conditions.
Surface coatings and electrostatic charge
Coatings applied to impellers or housings can accumulate electrostatic charge. The standard addresses requirements for coatings to limit this risk — whether through layer thickness restrictions or the use of antistatic materials.
Temperature limits
Fans must remain within the maximum surface temperature defined by their T-class under all operating conditions. EN 14986 requires that this is considered across a range of scenarios, including fault conditions.
Fan type considerations
The risk profile of a fan depends partly on its design. In axial fans, the motor is positioned within the airstream, which introduces additional considerations compared to designs where the motor sits outside the flow. EN 14986 takes these differences into account.
Certification and documentation
The certification requirements for ATEX equipment depend on the equipment category and the applicable conformity assessment route. For fans, as with other ATEX equipment, the appropriate route is determined by the category and whether the equipment is electrical or non-electrical in nature. In practice, buyers, installers and project specifiers commonly request supporting technical documentation alongside any certificate.
If you have questions about certification requirements for your specific application or installation, we recommend consulting a specialist in explosion safety
Ventinet and EN 14986
Ventinet supplies ATEX-certified fans accompanied by a certificate confirming compliance with EN 14986:2017.
Explore our full range of ATEX fans, or contact us directly for questions about which fan is right for your situation.
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