The “Borderline List – ATEX Products” included in the ATEX 2014/34/EU Guidelines – 6th Edition, January 2026, published by the European Commission, provides examples intended to clarify whether certain products fall within the scope of Directive 2014/34/EU.
| Product | 2014/34/EU Scope | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic lubrication systems | Yes (Electrical) | Battery-powered systems containing electrical cells exceeding the “simple apparatus” limits of EN 60079-11 may fall within the scope of ATEX. |
| Computers | Yes (Electrical) | If intended for use in an explosive atmosphere, they fall within the scope of ATEX because of potential electrical ignition sources. |
| Simple grounding clamps | No | Simple clamps with no own ignition source and providing only a grounding connection are outside the scope. |
| Complex grounding clamps | Yes (Electrical) | If electrical or other potential ignition sources cannot be completely excluded, the product may fall within the scope of ATEX. |
| Electric motors | Yes (Electrical) | Windings, connections, bearings and hot surfaces may constitute electrical or mechanical ignition sources. |
| Pumps with integrated electric motors | Yes (Electrical) | The motor circuit, pump impeller and electrostatic effects may create potential ignition hazards. |
| Electric motor-driven fans | Yes (Electrical) | The motor circuit, bearings and fan blades may constitute potential ignition sources. |
| Air-motor-driven mechanical fans | Yes (Non-electrical) | They may fall within the scope of ATEX due to frictional heating and mechanically generated sparks. |
| Manually operated valves | No | They are generally considered simple products with no own ignition source. |
| Heating cables | Yes (Electrical) | They may constitute an ignition source because they directly convert electrical energy into heat. |
| Mechanical brakes | Yes (Non-electrical) | Heat generated by friction may create a potential ignition source. |
| Mechanical gear systems | Yes (Non-electrical) | They may fall within the scope of ATEX due to frictional heat and mechanically generated sparks. |
| Telephones, radios, headsets, etc. | Yes (Electrical) | Electrical heating, sparks and electromagnetic characteristics may create potential ignition sources. |
| Refrigerators and volatile-substance storage cabinets | Generally No – Case Dependent | They may normally be outside the scope of ATEX; however, if an explosive atmosphere is expected around the product, the product may fall within the scope. |
| Plugs and sockets | Yes (Electrical) | They are included because electrical sparks may occur during connection and disconnection. |
| Rotary valve – used only as dosing equipment | Yes (Non-electrical) | Even when not used as an explosion isolation system, it should be assessed with regard to its own ignition sources. |
| Fixed electrical installation switches | Yes (Electrical) | Electrical sparks may be generated during switching operations. |
| Flashlights | Yes (Electrical) | Switches, lamps, LEDs or batteries may present heat and spark hazards. |
| Plug-in extension leads | Yes (Electrical) | They are intended for temporary use and may fall within the scope of ATEX due to electrical heating and sparking hazards. |
| Cable reels | Yes (Electrical) | They may fall within the scope of ATEX because of electrical heating and potential sparking sources. |
| PT100 sensor | No / Yes | When used with a barrier as part of an intrinsically safe system, it may be outside the scope as a standalone item; otherwise, a product-specific assessment is required. |
| Product | 2014/34/EU Scope | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Fire extinguisher | No | It is intended for use after a fire or explosion has occurred. |
| Flame arresters | Yes | Protective systems intended to stop the propagation of flame or explosion. |
| Rotary valve used for explosion isolation | Yes | If it performs the function of stopping explosion propagation, it is considered a protective system. |
| Explosion venting panels | Yes | Used to limit the effects of explosion pressure. |
| Explosion suppression systems | Yes | Systems intended to detect and suppress an explosion at an early stage. |
| Product | 2014/34/EU Scope | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Empty enclosures | Yes (Electrical) | If designed to be incorporated into Ex electrical equipment, they may be considered ATEX components. |
| Sight glasses | No | They have no own ignition source; however, as part of Ex equipment they may still have to meet the requirements of the relevant protection concept. |
| Spark arresters | Yes | If designed for installation in ATEX equipment or a protective system, they may be considered ATEX components. |
| Door magnets / magnetic holders | No | They are not considered ATEX components because they do not provide an independent safety function. |
| Product | 2014/34/EU Scope | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure, level and temperature transmitters | Generally No | Devices controlling normal process safety limits are generally not considered within this category where they merely provide alarms and do not perform a direct explosion-protection function. |
| Overload or temperature protection devices | Yes (Electrical) | For example, protective devices that prevent an ignition source from becoming active in Ex e motors fall within the scope of ATEX. |
| Product | 2014/34/EU Scope | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Cables | No | They are generally outside the scope because they have no independent function and no own ignition source. |
| Cable ladders and cable-chain systems | No | They have no independent function or own ignition source. |
| Power transmission and conveyor belts | No | Although they are not ATEX products themselves, hazards such as electrostatic charge, overheating and operating temperature should be assessed by the equipment manufacturer. |
| Pipes, hoses and ducts | No | They are generally outside the scope of ATEX because they have no independent function and no own ignition source. |
| Cable lugs / terminals | No | They are outside the scope because they have no independent function. |
| ESD wrist straps, footwear, mats and antistatic bags | No | They do not fall within the scope of the ATEX Product Directive because they have no independent Ex equipment function. |
| Doors | No | Non-automatic doors are considered part of the fixed structure. |
| Non-conductive filter elements | No | They have no own ignition source; however, electrostatic risks should be assessed by the equipment manufacturer. |
| Filter housings | No | They have no own ignition source; however, electrostatic hazards should be considered in the risk assessment of the equipment in which they are used. |
| Ladders | No | They have no own ignition source. |
| Paint | No | It has no own ignition source. |
| Tank | No | It has no own ignition source. |
| Hand tools – hammers, pliers, etc. | No | They are generally outside the scope of the Product Directive because they do not possess their own ignition source. |
Even if the product itself is not intended for use in an explosive atmosphere, an explosive atmosphere may form inside the product. In such a case, moving mechanical parts or other ignition sources inside the product may need to be assessed under ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU. Therefore, not only the external environment but also the internal process conditions of the product should be taken into account.
| Product Type | Status | Reason for Exclusion |
|---|---|---|
| Manual / Hand-Operated Valves | Outside Scope (Simple Product) | Simple mechanical parts operated solely by human force and having no potential ignition source of their own. |
| Standard Electrical Cables | Outside Scope | Cables are not regarded as equipment or components on their own; they are selected and installed in accordance with installation standards such as EN 60079-14. |
| Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) | Outside Scope (Separate Legislation) | Antistatic clothing, antistatic footwear and similar PPE are covered by PPE legislation such as Regulation (EU) 2016/425. |
| Medical Devices | Outside Scope | Medical equipment intended for use in medical environments is excluded from the scope of the Directive under the relevant provisions. |
| Explosion Walls and Pressure Vessels | Outside Scope (Structural Element) | Passive protective elements forming part of a building structure and having no autonomous function. |
The fact that a product is used in an explosive atmosphere does not, by itself, mean that the product falls within the scope of ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU. The fundamental assessment should take into account whether the product has its own potential ignition source, has an independent function, its intended place of use and whether it performs an explosion-safety function.
To determine whether the product you manufacture or import falls within the scope of Directive 2014/34/EU, which conformity assessment module applies, and which type tests are required, you can contact the expert engineering team of IEP Notified Body 2284.
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