ATEX stands for "Atmosphere Explosibles" in French. It is a set of legal standards that businesses must follow to protect workers and equipment from the risk of explosion in areas with a potentially explosive atmosphere.
Also, ATEX is the term used in the European Union Directive 94/9 / EC on equipment and protective systems designed for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.
The aim of the directive is to facilitate trade by harmonizing the "rules" on safety requirements for hazardous area products. ATEX certificate is needed for exproof products coming to Europe. ATEX exproof standard
It is based on the standard IEC 60079.