Hazardous Area Industrial Computing Equipment – A Guide to ATEX, IECEx, and CID2 Certifications

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Industrial computing equipment—such as rugged tablets, industrial PCs, and industrial displays—is widely used in hazardous environments within the oil & gas, petrochemical, and chemical processing industries. These devices perform critical functions such as data monitoring, process control, and field diagnostics under extreme conditions.

In high-risk environments, electronic equipment must meet stringent safety standards to minimize ignition risks. As such, all computing devices deployed in hazardous areas must comply with internationally recognized certification systems such as ATEX, IECEx, or Class/Division (CID2). These certifications confirm that the equipment can be safely operated in classified zones and will not pose an ignition hazard under normal or abnormal operating conditions.

To ensure compliance and maintain safety in these hazardous zones, different regions have established specific certification systems that define equipment requirements based on the type and likelihood of explosive atmospheres. The three most widely recognized standards today are:

• ATEX, used in the European Union
• IECEx, adopted internationally
• Class/Division system (CID1/CID2), mainly used in North America

Each system has its own classification structure, testing methods, and zone definitions.

🎯 What Is ATEX Certification?

ATEX (from the French “ATmosphères EXplosibles”) is a regulatory framework enforced across the EU. It applies to equipment and protective systems intended for use in environments where there is a risk of explosion due to flammable gases, vapors, mists, or combustible dust.

ATEX certification verifies that a product has been tested according to its designated zone classification and is deemed safe for use in hazardous areas. These certifications are issued under the ATEX Directives, which outline the Essential Health and Safety Requirements (EHSR) manufacturers must meet.

While there is no mandatory technical standard, the most common way to demonstrate compliance is by following harmonized EN standards.

ATEX aims to ensure the free movement of goods within the EU internal market while guaranteeing a high level of worker safety in potentially explosive environments.

To reduce the risk of ignition, ATEX-compliant equipment must satisfy three critical requirements. Certified devices are marked with the distinctive “Ex” symbol, indicating approval for use in classified hazardous zones.

🎯 What Is IECEx Certification?

IECEx is the International Electrotechnical Commission System for Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in Explosive Atmospheres. It is a globally recognized certification framework designed to ensure that electrical and electronic equipment is safe to use in areas at risk of explosion due to flammable gases, vapors, or dust.

Unlike ATEX, which is mandated by EU law, IECEx is a voluntary certification system aimed at facilitating international trade by providing a consistent and standardized approach to equipment safety. It is widely accepted by regulators and industries across Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East—making it one of the most trusted certifications in the hazardous location equipment market.

IECEx certification confirms that a product complies with relevant IEC safety standards and has passed standardized testing and quality assessments. The process typically includes:

1. ExTR (Test Report) – Verifying technical compliance
2. QAR (Quality Assessment Report) – Ensuring consistency in production
3. Certificate of Conformity (CoC) – Issued by an approved IECEx Certification Body (ExCB)

A product marked with IECEx certification has been evaluated to meet stringent global safety standards and is suitable for specified explosive atmospheres. This level of compliance helps streamline international approval processes, reduce redundant testing, and ensure safety across hazardous locations worldwide.

🎯 Combining ATEX and IECEx Certifications

When using IEC standards, a single set of tests and assessments can fulfill both ATEX and IECEx requirements, subject to each system’s specific rules.

An ATEX EC-Type Examination Certificate may be based on an existing IECEx Test Report (ExTR).

However, ATEX documentation alone is not sufficient to obtain IECEx certification.

Both systems follow the same audit procedures, ensuring consistency and reliability in manufacturing practices.

For more information about Winmate’s ATEX or CID2-certified solutions, please visit our website or contact us directly.