> About ATEX

About ATEX

Atex stands for ATmosphere EXplosible which is defined as a mixture consisting of air and flammable substances in the form of gas, vapour, mist or dust and has the potential to either explode or catch fire. This definition has been defined in the European guideline for locations with the threat of explosions. Examples of companies that operate in a working environment with explosive substances are oil platforms, certain mines or power plants.

The guideline mentioned above sets the requirements that a mobile device which will be used in ATEX environments should meet to conform to European standards, this will make sure that a product will receive the valuable CE-marking. The CE-marking is a confirmation that a product does meet the requirements that are set by European law.

ATEX locations have to be classified in different zones, this classifications depends on two factors. First of all it is of importance whether the danger is based on a gas explosion threat or a dust explosion threat. Second factor is about the frequency that an explosive atmosphere is likely to occur. 



ATEX zones

Present for long periods/permanently 


(more than 1000h per year)

Present occasionally


(between 10h and 1000h per year)

Present accidentally


(less than 10h per year)

Gas explosion danger

Zone 0

Zone 1

Zone 2

Dust explosion danger

Zone 20

Zone 21

Zone 22

Bcom Technology is a supplier of ruggedized smartphones and tablets that are ATEX certified in zone 1 and 21. This means that the devices could be used in either zones with gas combustible substances as well as zones with dust combustible substances.

Atex Zone 1

ATEX Equipment Category 2G - Safe under normal operation and expected malfunction A place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture with air or flammable substances

Atex Zone 2

ATEX Equipment Category 3G - Safe under normal operation only A place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture with air of flammable substances in the form of gas, vapour

Atex Zone 21

A place in which an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in air is likely to occur in normal operation occasionally (from 0,1hrs to 10hrs/365d).

Atex Zone 22

A place in which an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in air is not likely to occur in normal operation but, if it does occur, will persist for a short period.

Types of protection

Ex d Explosion Proof Enclosure Its function is to withhold an eventual explosion inside the enclosure without allowing it to escape to the surrounding atmosphere by means of flame paths.