What Are ATEX Areas? Understanding Hazardous Zones and Safe Motor Solutions

Q: What does “ATEX area” mean?

An ATEX area is a location where an explosive atmosphere could occur due to flammable gases, vapors, or dust. These areas are classified into zones for safety and compliance.

Q: How do I know which ATEX zone my facility falls into?

A risk assessment determines the frequency and duration of explosive atmospheres, which defines the correct ATEX zone (0, 1, 2 for gas; 20, 21, 22 for dust).

Q: Are Atlas Copco air motors ATEX certified?

Yes. Atlas Copco’s ATEX-certified air motors are designed to operate safely in explosive environments, covering multiple gas and dust zones.

Q: What’s the difference between ATEX and “explosion-proof”?

“Explosion-proof” is a general term; ATEX is a specific EU regulatory standard defining design, testing, and certification requirements for equipment in hazardous zones.

Q: Can I use an ATEX motor outside the EU?

Yes. Atlas Copco also offers IECEx-certified motors, which comply with international safety standards equivalent to ATEX.

November 6, 2024

Updated: October 13, 2025

ATEX areas are specific zones within industrial environments where explosive atmospheres may occur due to the presence of flammable gases, vapors, or dust. In these high-risk locations, understanding how ATEX areas and zones are classified is crucial for preventing accidents and ensuring compliance. The European Union’s ATEX Directives define these classifications to protect both workers and equipment operating in hazardous conditions.

By identifying the correct ATEX area and selecting ATEX-compliant industrial motors, such as Atlas Copco’s ATEX air motors, companies can achieve superior safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance in explosive environments.

What Is ATEX?

ATEX comes from the French phrase “Atmosphères Explosibles.” It refers to a set of EU directives designed to regulate equipment and protective systems used in potentially explosive atmospheres.

The two primary ATEX Directives are:

Directive 2014/34/EU – for manufacturers of equipment used in explosive atmospheres
Directive 1999/92/EC – for workplace safety in explosive environments

ATEX ensures that any equipment used in these conditions — from sensors and pumps to industrial motors — is designed to prevent ignition sources and operate safely under hazardous conditions.

Why Are ATEX Areas Important?

ATEX areas are critical to safety management in industries such as oil and gas, chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, food production, and mining.
By properly classifying zones and using ATEX-certified motors and tools, companies can:

Prevent explosions and fire incidents
Protect workers and assets
Ensure compliance with EU safety laws
Minimize downtime caused by unsafe operations

Classification of ATEX Areas

ATEX divides hazardous locations into zones depending on the type of material (gas or dust) and the frequency of explosive atmospheres.

🔹 Gas Zones

Zone	Definition	Example
Zone 0	Explosive gas atmosphere present continuously or for long periods	Inside fuel tanks, solvent containers
Zone 1	Explosive gas atmosphere likely to occur intermittently during normal operation	Around pumps, valves, or mixing equipment
Zone 2	Explosive gas atmosphere unlikely, but may occur for a short period	Ventilation systems or maintenance areas

🔹 Dust Zones

Zone	Definition	Example
Zone 20	Explosive dust atmosphere present continuously or for long periods	Inside grain silos or powder mixers
Zone 21	Explosive dust atmosphere likely to occur intermittently	Near conveyors or packaging lines
Zone 22	Explosive dust atmosphere unlikely, but possible briefly	Storage areas or cleaning systems

Each zone dictates the type of ATEX-certified equipment — including air motors — that can be safely installed.

ATEX-Compliant Equipment for Industrial Applications

To operate safely in ATEX areas, equipment must be designed and certified for its specific zone.
Atlas Copco’s ATEX-certified air motors are engineered to deliver reliable performance in hazardous environments while preventing ignition risks.

⚙️ Key Features of Atlas Copco ATEX Air Motors

Spark-free operation — suitable for gas and dust atmospheres
Robust construction — resists corrosion, pressure, and heat
Intrinsic safety — limits energy to prevent ignition in case of fault
Compact, lightweight design — ideal for confined industrial spaces
Zone-certified models — compliant for Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 21, and Zone 22 applications

These motors are commonly used in:

Mixers and agitators in chemical or pharmaceutical plants
Conveyors and feeders in food production
Valve actuators in oil and gas facilities
Drum handling and packaging systems

Ensuring Compliance With ATEX Regulations

For businesses operating in or near ATEX zones, the following steps are essential:

Identify Hazardous Areas
Conduct a thorough risk assessment to determine which ATEX zones exist within the facility.
Select Appropriate Equipment
Choose Atlas Copco ATEX-certified motors and tools approved for the specific zone classification.
Install and Maintain Equipment Properly
Follow manufacturer guidelines and schedule regular inspections and maintenance.
Train Employees
Educate staff on ATEX safety, equipment handling, and emergency response procedures.
Document Compliance
Maintain detailed logs of assessments, certifications, and maintenance records for audit readiness.

By following these steps, businesses not only ensure compliance but also enhance workplace safety and productivity.

Why Choose Atlas Copco Industrial Motors for ATEX Areas

Atlas Copco’s Industrial Air Motors are engineered to perform reliably where electric motors pose ignition risks.
Their ATEX-certified range combines safety, performance, and energy efficiency — ideal for industries requiring explosion-proof motor solutions.

Advantages of Atlas Copco ATEX Motors:

Certified for multiple ATEX zones
Maintenance-free operation with minimal lubrication
High torque-to-weight ratio
Long service life even in demanding conditions
Global support and service network

What Are ATEX Areas FAQ

What does “ATEX area” mean?

How do I know which ATEX zone my facility falls into?

Are Atlas Copco air motors ATEX certified?

What’s the difference between ATEX and “explosion-proof”?

Can I use an ATEX motor outside the EU?

Further Read

Conclusion

Understanding ATEX areas and zone classifications is vital for maintaining safety in industries where explosive atmospheres can occur.
By using Atlas Copco ATEX-certified industrial motors, businesses can ensure compliance with EU regulations while improving operational efficiency and worker safety.

Looking for the right ATEX motor for your application?
Explore the different types of air motors and choose the right product for your needs, or contact us for more information.