How to Configure the Area Class for ATEX and Spark Minimising (NON-ATEX) Fans

The Area Class Configuration defines safety parameters for fans used in potentially hazardous environments, such as those requiring ATEX certification. This configuration is divided into three sections: Inside Configuration, Outside Configuration, and Motor Configuration. Each section features dropdown options for defining the safety standards and specifications for your fan.

1. Inside Configuration

The Inside Configuration defines the safety and environmental classification of the internal components of the fan. The options include:

• Area Definition:

  • Safe Area: The area where explosive atmospheres are not expected.

  • ATEX Area: The area where explosive atmospheres are present or may occur.

  • Spark Minimising Only (NON-ATEX): For environments where spark minimisation is needed, but ATEX certification is not required.

• Internal Area Classification:

  • Zone 1: Explosive gas atmospheres are likely to occur occasionally.

  • Zone 2: Explosive gas atmospheres are not likely but could occur briefly.

  • Zone 21: Combustible dust clouds are present during normal operations.

  • Zone 22: Combustible dust clouds are not likely but could occur briefly.

• Ignition Protection Category:

  • EX DB: Provides protection against ignition of explosive gases or dust within the fan enclosure.

  • EX DB EB: Enhanced protection for increased safety.

• Gas Group (Only for ATEX motors):

  • IIB: Suitable for explosive gases (excluding hydrogen and acetylene).

  • IIC: Suitable for explosive gases including hydrogen and acetylene.

• Dust Group (Only for Zones 21 and 22):

  • Defines the classification of combustible dust that the fan can operate in.

2. Outside Configuration

The Outside Configuration defines the safety parameters for the fan's external components, ensuring compliance with environmental safety standards. It follows the same structure as the inside configuration, with dropdown options for:

• Area Definition:

  • Safe Area: No explosive atmosphere risk.

  • ATEX Area: Area with a potential for explosive atmospheres.

  • Spark Minimising Only (NON-ATEX): Designed to reduce sparks but without ATEX certification.

• Internal Area Classification:

  • Options: Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 21, Zone 22.

• Ignition Protection Category:

  • EX DB, EX DB EB.

• Gas Group:

  • IIB, IIC (Only for Zone 1 and Zone 2).

• Dust Group:

  • Available only for Zone 21 and Zone 22.

3. Motor Configuration

The Motor Configuration focuses on the specifications of the motor used in the fan, particularly in terms of temperature and gas group classification. Options include:

• Maximum Temperature:

  • Defines the highest temperature the motor can operate at without risk of ignition.
    Note: Only configurable for the motor.

• Gas Group (Only for ATEX motors):

  • IIB: Suitable for environments with explosive gases (excluding hydrogen and acetylene).

  • IIC: Suitable for environments with explosive gases including hydrogen and acetylene.

• Ignition Protection Category:

  • EX DB, EX DB EB.

Steps to Configure

1. Select Inside Configuration:

   • Choose the appropriate options for Area Definition, Internal Area Classification, Ignition Protection Category, Gas Group, and Dust Group (if applicable).

2. Select Outside Configuration:

   • Follow the same process as for the inside configuration.

3. Select Motor Configuration:

   • Choose the Maximum Temperature (if applicable) and Gas Group.

4. Save Configuration:

   • Ensure all selections are accurate and save the configuration.