Bison Profab's Protex Enclosure
Explosion Proof Enclosure Manufacturer - ATEX & IECEx Certified
Bison ProFab builds and ships ATEX and IECEx-certified enclosures in the United States. These explosion-proof enclosures are key to increasing safety in high-risk environments. IECEx and ATEX describe general requirements for the construction, testing, and marking of electrical equipment, components, or devices intended for use in explosive atmospheres. The metal enclosures are for use in hazardous locations where explosive gases and dust might be present. These rugged, durable stainless steel enclosures deliver the safety and security you need in the exact shape, size, and specifications you want.
Class 1 Div 1 & Class 1 Div 2 Enclosures
Bison Profab manufactures Class 1 Division 1 and Class 1 Division 2 enclosures that are commonly used in hazardous, explosive environments. Our selection of explosion proof and hazardous location enclosures can be manufactured to the size and specifications that you need for your environment, crafted from 304 and 316L stainless steel with a brushed #4 (Ra40-Ra25) finish.
What are the Class 1 Div 1 & 2 Enclosure Requirements?
The Class 1 rating references the location of where flammable gases, dusts or vapors may be present in an environment. The Class 1 classification is separated into two divisions - 1 and 2. Class 1 Division 1 enclosure ratings are required when ignitable, hazardous gases are always present in normal operating conditions or if those vapors are released/circulated due to repair or faulty operation/machinery malfunction that might cause failure of equipment. Enclosures with a Class 1 Div 2 rating are used when the hazardous materials are confined, however the gas or vapor concentrations are not high enough to be ignitable. For more information about Class 1 Div 1 & 2 Enclosure Requirements contact us.
What are ATEX Requirements?
ATEX (ATmosphères EXplosibles in French) is a European Union directive that covers equipment and protective systems used in potentially explosive atmospheres – working environments where flammable gases, mists, vapors, or combustible dust might be present.
Because of the potential occurrence of these combustible substances, electrical equipment installed in these areas must be enclosed in cabinets that will not allow those explosive gases, dusts, vapors or mists to penetrate the cabinet and come in contact with the electrical equipment – where an electrical arc or spark could cause an explosion or fire.
All equipment and protective systems intended for this type of use must meet ATEX health and safety requirements. The directive is similar to an OSHA or NEC standard in the United States.
What is the USA Equivalent of ATEX?
Class 1 Div 1 & Class 1 Div 2 are US-specific enclosure ratings designed to help purchasers find the best metal cabinets for explosive environments.
Both enclosure rating systems consider workplaces susceptible to flammable gases, dust or vapors.
What Does IECEx Certified Mean?
IECEx (International Electrotechnical Commission for Explosive Environments) certified means that the product meets minimum requirements for hazardous and explosive environments. This set of standards is adhered to globally.
ECEx is an international system for certification of equipment for use in explosive atmospheres. Its quality assessment specifications are based on standards prepared by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The objective of these IECEx standards is to maintain the required level of safety while facilitating international trade in equipment and services for use in explosive atmospheres.
Where do you commonly find explosion proof equipment?
Any industry/operation that manufactures, processes, or uses materials that may be flammable. For example:
What is an ATEX Certification?
Understanding Explosion-Proof Enclosures
Equipment that has official ATEX certification has been fully tested and approved to be safe to use in hazardous and explosive atmospheres. Both IECEx and ATEX align with the same standards for the construction, testing, and marking of electrical equipment, components, or devices intended for use in explosive atmospheres.
The ATEX Directive defines the essential health and safety requirements and conformity assessment procedures that must be applied before electrical enclosures are placed on the EU market.
How do you get an ATEX Certification?
To get ATEX-IECEX certified, PRO-TEX enclosures endured a barrage of strenuous tests: Baked to 375 degrees, frozen to -60 degrees, battered by heavyweights, blasted with high-pressure water hoses. PRO-TEX enclosures withstand the heat, resist the cold, and keep out dirt and dust.
IECEx is an international system for certification of equipment for use in explosive atmospheres. Its quality assessment specifications are based on standards prepared by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
When should you use an ATEX, IECEX or Class 1 Div 1/2 Enclosure?
The ATEX Directive covers equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.
Any industry/operation that manufactures, processes, or uses materials that may be flammable. For example:
- Automotive refueling stations
- Oil refineries, rigs and processing plants
- Chemical processing plants
- Printing industries (paper and textiles)
- Aircraft refueling stations and hangars
- Surface-coating industries
- Sewage treatment plants
- Gas pipelines and distribution centers
- Grain handling and storage operations
- Woodworking areas
- Metal surface-grinding operations, especially aluminum dusts and particles
How do you get ATEX certified?
The certification process required substantial time and effort. Ensuring that your PRO-TEX enclosures meet the demanding performance requirements of an “increased safety” environment, makes the investment well worthwhile.
The objective of these IECEx standards is to maintain the required level of safety while facilitating international trade in equipment and services for use in explosive atmospheres by:
- Reducing manufacturers’ testing and certification costs, and time to market
- Fostering international confidence in the product assessment process
Make Bison Your Explosion-Proof Enclosure Manufacturer of Choice
The new PRO-TEX line is yet another reason to make Bison Profab your manufacturer of choice. From design to finished product, we strive to maximize proficiency, efficiency, and quality.
Bison ProFab uses cutting-edge manufacturing software to design and draft your enclosure. This process confirms the proper fit, finish, and functionality of your product. Bison’s highly experienced and skilled sheet metal craftsmen utilize sophisticated, state-of-the-art equipment to fabricate that design into reality. Our in-process quality control and thorough final inspection ensure you receive exactly the product you ordered – before it is wrapped, palletized and shipped.
MEETING CERTIFIED ENVIRONMENTAL RATINGS
