How to Read an Exproof Fan Label: ATEX Marking Guide
The letters and numbers on an exproof fan label may look complicated at first. Once decoded, however, the marking quickly reveals critical information about the hazardous-area conditions for which the equipment is intended.
What information should you look for?
An ATEX marking may include equipment group and category, gas or dust designation, Ex protection concept, gas or dust group, temperature class or maximum surface temperature and EPL. Manufacturer, model, serial number, certificate reference and ambient-temperature limits should also be checked.
How can an example marking be decoded?
For example, in II 2G Ex db IIB T4 Gb, “II” indicates non-mining industrial equipment, “2G” the equipment category for a gas atmosphere, “Ex db” flameproof enclosure protection, “IIB” the gas group, “T4” the temperature class and “Gb” the Equipment Protection Level.
How is the marking compared with the zone?
For a Zone 1 installation, category/EPL suitability, gas group and temperature class must all be evaluated together. One matching element on the label does not make the product suitable for every Zone 1 application. Ambient limits and any specific conditions of use in the certificate also matter.
Is the motor label enough?
No. Even when the motor is certified, the fan impeller, casing, connections and mechanical ignition risks must also be assessed. The conformity documentation and relevant technical documents for the complete fan should be checked before purchase.
Pre-order checklist
- Does the zone and gas/dust classification match?
- Is the gas or dust group suitable?
- Is the temperature class sufficient?
- Do EPL and equipment category match the area?
- Is ambient temperature inside the certified range?
- Does the fan meet airflow and pressure requirements?