ATEX, IECEx, and ANZEx Certified Ultrasonic Sensors for Hazardous Environments
Our ATEX, IECEx, ANZEx approved sensors ensure compliance for operations in potentially explosive atmospheres.
ATEX, IECEx, and ANZEx Ultrasonic Sensors for Hazardous Areas
Mining operations frequently take place in environments where combustible gases or dust may be present. Underground mines may contain methane gas, while coal dust or other fine particulate materials can create explosive atmospheres.
In these environments, instrumentation must be designed to operate safely without introducing ignition sources such as sparks, arcs, or excessive heat. For engineers and OEM equipment manufacturers planning mining systems, understanding hazardous area certifications is essential.
Standards for ATEX, IECEx and ANZEx define how equipment must be designed, tested, and manufactured, for use in explosive atmospheres.
Ultrasonic sensors are widely used in mining automation for applications such as bin level monitoring, conveyor belt alignment detection, and material handling systems. When installed in hazardous environments, these sensors must meet strict intrinsic safety requirements and carry appropriate approvals.
This page explains the role of ATEX, IECEx, ANZEx, MSHA, and C-UL-US certifications and how intrinsically safe ultrasonic sensors are integrated into hazardous areas.
cULus, ANZEx, ATEX, IECEx, and MSHA
OEMs designing globally deployed equipment often need to consider multiple certification schemes to ensure compliance across regions.
Each certification framework applies to different regions and industries:
cULus (UL) — United States and Canada (industrial and general hazardous locations)
MSHA — United States mining-specific regulations
ATEX — European Union
IECEx — International certification system
ANZEx — Australia and New Zealand
What Is ATEX Certification?
ATEX refers to two European Union directives governing equipment used in explosive atmospheres:
- Directive 2014/34/EU for equipment manufacturers
• Directive 1999/92/EC for workplace safety
These directives require manufacturers to design equipment that cannot ignite combustible gas or dust.
ATEX regulations also require hazardous areas to be classified into groups based on explosion risk.
Group I
Equipment of Group I is intended for use in mines susceptible to firedamp.
Group II
Equipment of Group II is intended for use in areas with an explosive gas atmosphere other than mines susceptible to firedamp.
Group III
Equipment of Group III is intended for use in areas with an explosive dust atmosphere other than mines susceptible to firedamp.
Equipment installed in these areas must be approved for the appropriate group classification.
For mining equipment manufacturers operating in European markets, ATEX certification is typically required for hazardous area instrumentation.
IECEx Certification for Global Hazardous Area Compliance
While ATEX applies specifically to the European Union, IECEx provides an international certification system for equipment used in explosive atmospheres.
The IECEx system is based on standards developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and is recognized across many industrial markets worldwide.
IECEx certification allows manufacturers to demonstrate that equipment meets globally accepted safety standards for hazardous locations.
For OEMs designing equipment intended for global deployment, IECEx certification simplifies regulatory compliance and helps streamline international project approvals.
ANZEx Certification for Australia and New Zealand
ANZEx is the certification framework used in Australia and New Zealand for equipment operating in explosive atmospheres.
The ANZEx system aligns closely with IECEx standards while addressing specific regional regulatory requirements.
Equipment certified under IECEx is often accepted under ANZEx with additional documentation or evaluation.
Mining operations in Australia frequently require ANZEx-approved instrumentation due to strict safety regulations governing hazardous industrial environments.
For OEM equipment manufacturers supplying sensors or instrumentation to Australian mining projects, ANZEx certification is typically required for regulatory approval.
MSHA for Hazardous Mining Environments
In the United States, mining equipment used in underground and hazardous locations must comply with regulations set by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).
MSHA is a federal agency responsible for enforcing safety standards in mining operations, including requirements for equipment used in environments where methane gas or combustible dust may be present.
Unlike ATEX or IECEx, which are certification systems, MSHA approvals are regulatory requirements for equipment used in U.S. mining applications.
Learn More About MSHA Requirements
For detailed regulatory information, visit the official MSHA website:
Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
Please Contact us about our RPS-409A-MSHA Intrinsically Safe Ultrasonic Sensor.
cULus (UL) Certification for Hazardous Locations in North America
In North America, hazardous location equipment is commonly certified through UL (Underwriters Laboratories) and cULus listings, which indicate compliance with both U.S. and Canadian safety standards.
cULus certification verifies that equipment meets the requirements for operation in environments where flammable gases, vapors, or combustible dust may be present.
For engineers and OEMs designing systems for industrial applications in the United States and Canada, UL certification is often a key requirement for electrical and instrumentation components.
Protection Level Ex ia
Migatron’s ATEX and IECEx certified sensors provide the highest level of Intrinsic Safety protection.
With an Ma equipment protection level the sensors can remain energized and operational in mines with firedamp and/or coal dust.
With a Ga equipment protection level the sensors can be used in Zones 0, 1 and 2 for gases, vapors and mists.
With a Da equipment protection level the sensors can be used in Zones 20, 21 and 22 for combustible dusts.
ATEX, IECEx, ANZEx Approved Sensors for Hazardous Areas
Our comprehensive range of ATEX, IECEx, ANZEx approved ultrasonic sensors deliver reliable performance in hazardous areas.
Expert Guidance for Hazardous Area Applications
With decades of experience in developing certified sensors for hazardous areas, Migatron’s engineering team provides expert consultation to help you select the right certified sensor for your specific application requirements.
Critical Applications in Hazardous Areas
ATEX, IECEx and ANZEx Intrinsically Safe Ultrasonic Sensors are essential in numerous applications where explosive atmospheres are or may be present:
