Does all weighing equipment have to be located in an ATEX zone?

ATEX certification is intended for weighing in environments with a risk of explosion, for example where hazardous dusts or gases are present. In ATEX-certified weighing equipment, all electrical connections are designed so that no sparks can occur. Every possible source of ignition has been eliminated.

This allows you to use the equipment safely in a hazardous environment. ATEX equipment carries the corresponding Ex marking.

ATEX certification has different levels and zones, depending on the risk and the type of dust or gas you are working with. Which certification you need therefore really depends on your application. We always assess this together with you, so you can be sure that your weighing equipment is suitable for your environment.

You need an ATEX scale when you weigh in an environment where explosive dusts or gases are present. Examples include:

• Weighing chemical powders
• Filling gas cylinders
• Applications in the oil and gas industry and on offshore platforms

Please note: there is separate certification for environments with hazardous dusts and environments with hazardous gases. A scale that is suitable for hazardous dusts is not automatically suitable for gas. There is some overlap, but the certification has different levels and really depends on your application.

If you weigh products that pose no risk of explosion, such as fruit, you do not need ATEX certification.

For maintenance and repair of ATEX equipment, certified ATEX parts must always be used. This is the only way to keep the equipment safe and suitable for the hazardous zone. Otherwise, maintenance does not differ much from that of regular weighing equipment.

As with other scales, regular maintenance is important. It prevents downtime in your production and unexpected repair costs. You can also schedule maintenance in advance at a time that has the least impact on your production.

In addition, we can check your scales annually using certified weights. You will then receive a digital measurement report for each scale, so you can be sure everything is still weighing correctly.