Clarifying the SAI position regarding ATEX

SAI (GB) Limited and ATEX “Certification”

From July 1993, the ATEX Directive became mandatory for the selection of Industrial Equipment, both Mechanical and Electrical, for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.

Question: What can SAI supply to enable the Machine Manufacturer to prepare his Technical File when a SAI Motor is employed in an ATEX designated area?

Answer: For ATEX applications SAI (GB) Limited, once we approve the application based on the information supplied to us, can supply the Machine Manufacturer with the following:

1, ATEX Contract Evaluation: All aspects of the application and motor performance, directly and indirectly related to possible heat generation, and hence Ignition Risk, are examined and compared to known test results. This Contract specific document, using information supplied by the Customer, covers Operation, Mounting, Painting, Electrostatic Discharge, Dust build up Temperature and Leakage Monitoring.

2, Ignition Risk Assessment: This is a more general document based on a particular product from the SAI range but which can often include some Contract Specific content also. The main areas highlighted are: exposed surfaces, shaft seal friction, impact/spark generation, electrostatic discharge, over-speeding and various possible component failures.

3, Certificate of Incorporation: This is the same document that was (and still is) required under the Machineries Directive. The SAI Motor can only function as a component of a total machine. It is the complete finished Machine that is subject to both ATEX and the Machineries Directives.

4, Test Certificate (optional): Standard Document.

5, Certificate of Conformity (optional): Standard Document.

To state that SAI Motors are “ATEX Certified”, “ATEX Compliant” or even “ATEX Approved” is categorically NOT correct.

The Documents which we supply when our Motors are used in an ATEX environment, should be used to form part of the Machine Manufacturer’s Technical File which he then lodges with a designated authority for safe keeping, thus complying with the requirements of the ATEX Directive.

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