ATEX Labeling

ATEX Labeling

Working in hazardous areas where flammable gases, vapors, mists, or dusts are present requires specific safety measures. ATEX labeling is a technical identification system that informs users about the explosion protection features of equipment. This label helps ensure the safe selection and use of equipment in potentially explosive environments. All ATEX certified products need to have an ATEX label explaining the criteria that it meets. The downloadable sheet below explains the labeling structure with examples to clearly understand the ATEX labeling.

Understanding ATEX labels

Understanding ATEX labels - Produced by  Tameson

Auto-ignition temperatures for gasses and dusts

The tables below are a non-exhaustive list of common gases and dusts with their temperature classes and auto-ignition temperatures.

Gas Group Temperature Class
T1 T2 T3 T4 T6
I Methane        
IIA Acetone Ethanol Diesel Fuel Acetaldehyde Ethyl Nitrite
Methane Cyclohexane Aircraft Fuel Ethyl Ether  
Ethane Propanol 2 Fuel Oil    
Benzene N-Butyl Alcohol N-Hexane    
Methanol N-Butane Heptane    
Toluene   Kerosene    
Acetic Acid   Petrol    
Ammonia        
Propane        
Methylene Chloride        
Carbon Monoxide        
IIB Coal Gas Ethylene Ethylene Glycol Ethyl Methyl Ether  
City Gas Ethylene Oxide Hydrogen Sulphide    
Acylic Nitrile Propanol 1 Tetrahydofuran    
  Methyl Ethyl Ketone      
    Carbon Hydrogen    
IIC Hydrogen Acetylene     Carbon Disulphide


 

Ignition Temperatures for Common Flammable Dusts and Fibers
Material Ignition Temperature
Cloud Layer
Coal Dust 380˚C 225˚C
Polythene 420˚C (melts)
Methyl Cellulose 420˚C 320˚C
Starch 460˚C 435˚C
Flour 490˚C 340˚C
Sugar 490˚C 460˚C
Grain Dust 510˚C 300˚C
Phenolic Resin 530˚C > 450˚C
Aluminum 590˚C > 450˚C
PVC 700˚C > 450˚C
Soot 810˚C 570˚C