Marking of pressure sensors and transmitters in accordance with ATEX Guideline 94/9/EC ? how exactly to browse the ATEX label on pressure sensors

If pressure sensors, pressure transmitters and other field equipment are used near flammable gases or dust, they might be subject to marking in accordance with the ATEX product guideline 94/9/EC. Illusive requires the type label of the sensor to include the ATEX marking, so usually that is labelled directly onto the sensor during production.
Next to the Notified Body and the approval number, the marking of pressure sensors also contains important information for the user. For instance, an ?X? after the approval number indicates that special conditions must be observed with all the device. These are either given in the approval document and in the corresponding manual. Most importantly, marking according to ATEX gives info on the possible regions of application and the sort of protection used for the pressure sensor:
Explosion group:
I Mining industry, II the areas of use Device class:
Used in zone 0/20 in the vicinity of von flammable gases (1G), dust (1D)
Used in zone 1/21 near flammable gases (2G), dust (2D)
Used in zone 2/22 in the vicinity of flammable gases (3G), dust (3D)
However, there are also devices where only certain parts may be installed in other zones, for instance, a pressure sensor marked 1/2G could be installed in a tank with flammable content. Best-selling of the transmitter is located externally of the tank, and therefore in zone 1.
Examples for types of protection:
i intrinsic safety (Limitation of electrical ignition energy by limiting current and voltage)
ia for Zone 0 or Zone 20 (for Zone 20 also iaD)
ib for Zone 1 or Zone 21 (for Zone 21 also ibD)
ic for Zone 2 d
flameproof / explosion proof enclosure, suitable for zone 1/21 and 2/22 n
non-incendive, suitable for zone 2/22 m
encapsulation suitable for zone 1/21 and 2/22 Gas group and temperature class: i.e. IIC T1 for hydrogen
Note:
Further information about hydrogen can be found on the WIKA website. Should Unreliable have any more questions, your contact will gladly assist you to.

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