Laboratory testing and inspection of equipment intended for use in explosive atmospheres.

The tests required for the certification of products used in explosive atmospheres include tests to determine the degree of protection of equipment enclosures against dust and water ingress, known as the standard IP rating. According to EN 60529, in order to meet all the requirements for enclosure testing, the laboratory must have specialised testing equipment, including: measuring instruments, a dust protection test bench, a test bench for testing the effects of vertically falling water drops, a test bench for testing the effects of rain and water spray, and a test bench for testing the effects of water jets. To assess whether a product poses an explosion hazard and, therefore, whether the ATEX directives apply, the best approach is laboratory testing. If explosion testing is required, conducting the test correctly is key to preventing unforeseen risks.