Understanding ATEX markings

An ATEX certified headlamps allow you to work in environments with potentially explosive atmospheres, and can withstand the wear and tear related to risk areas or confined spaces. ATEX certification markings for headlamps often rival the most difficult brain teasers, yet understanding the information indicated is important in order to choose the right headlamp and stay safe in a high-risk work environment.

What defines an ATEX zone?

An ATEX zone is in area that presents the potential risk for an explosion to occur. An explosion occurs when the following six conditions come together:


ATEX distinguishes the different types of zones based on two parameters: 

• The type of combustibles encountered (dust or gas),
• The duration or frequency that an explosive atmosphere will likely form.


While ATEX headlamp markings define the areas of use, it is important to understand ATEX markings beyond simply limiting a device’s use to a specific zone.

Avoid only reasoning by type of zone!

You should avoid the following reasoning, “I need or I bought a headlamp for ZONE 1, which means that I can work in any zone 1/21.” This would be a mistake: ATEX headlamp classification is more precise and defines for each zone the specific types of gases/dust from which the headlamp is protected.

Understanding ATEX markings

The marking provides several pieces of information, and is divided into two parts:

• The first part applies to the type of industries and the zones for which the product is designed.
• The second part details the type of protection used, the type of substances (gas and/or dust) from which the product is protected, and the device’s maximum surface temperature at which it can operate.

Detailed examples below:


Each temperature classification should be used when the gases and/or dust present in the environment are not sorted into a class of gases and/or types of dust. The temperature classification defines the hottest surface temperature at which the device is allowed to operate. Make sure that you use a product with a temperature classification below the ignition temperature of the gases and/or dust types present.

It is important to consider all information a product’s marking indicates to correlate the intended use with the type of zone, as well as to determine the level of protection provided for a given type of gas and dust.

What does this mean for Petzl headlamps?