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What Are Atex Vacuum Cleaner Machines?

ATEX vacuum cleaner machines are vac cleaners that fulfill the requirements specified in the Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Directive. The directive has been implemented since July 1, 2003 and manufacturers who have applied for its provisions and been approved can market their products in Europe without any further requirements being applied.

ATEX vacuum cleaner machines are just one of a broad range of equipment covered by the directive. Three pre-conditions should be satisfied by an apparatus or equipment for the directive to apply. First, it should have its own source of ignition; second, it should be intended for use in a potentially explosive atmosphere; and third, the equipment should be under normal atmospheric conditions. The directive also covers safety devices directly contributing to the safe use of the equipment concerned. The devices may be outside the potentially explosive environment.

The term ATEX is taken after the French ATmosphere EXplosible which means explosive atmosphere. An explosive atmosphere is defined as a mixture of flamable substances in the form of gases, vapor, mists or dusts; with air; under atmospheric conditions and; in conditions under which, after ignition, the combustion spreads to the entire mixture. The directive covers all 24 member countries of the European Union.

Under the rule, hazardous areas are classified into zones based on the frequency and duration of a hazardous explosive atmosphere while equipment and apparatus are classified as having a very high level of protection (Category I), having a high level of protection (Category II) or having a normal level of protection (Category III).

Some of the vacuum machines that are designed to comply with the ATEX directive are manufactured by companies such as Morclean Ltd. and CFM Industrial Vacuums UK. The machines from Morclean are available in different voltages with either a durable steel container or a rotationally molded container. CFM, on the other hand, has 16 models of vac machines that are ATEX compliant.

European manufacturers of ATEX vacuum cleaner machines have readily developed vacs that comply with the EU directive. A wise decision since the alternative would be the loss of a chance to market products in the largest Single Market in the world.