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Exporting explosion-proof motors to Europe means navigating two different regulatory layers: the ATEX Product Directive 2014/34/EU, which governs equipment, and IEC 60079, the international standard family that defines how the equipment is designed, installed and maintained. Buyers who confuse the two often end up with the wrong certificate or a motor that fails installation inspection. This guide explains the structure of the ATEX/IEC 60079 system and what to verify before ordering.
1. Two Directives, Two Different Jobs
| Framework | Scope | Applies to |
| Directive 2014/34/EU (ATEX Product) | Equipment safety & protective systems | Manufacturers placing Ex equipment on the EU market |
| Directive 1999/92/EC (ATEX Workplace) | Worker health & safety | Plant operators running hazardous areas |
| IEC 60079 series | Design, installation, maintenance requirements | Equipment + installation standards worldwide |
The product directive decides whether a motor may be sold; the IEC 60079 standards decide whether it is engineered and installed safely. A motor can hold a valid ATEX certificate yet be installed in a way that violates IEC 60079-14.
2. The IEC 60079 Family You Actually Meet
- IEC 60079-0: general requirements — all Ex equipment; defines EPL (Ga/Gb/Gc, Da/Db/Dc);
- IEC 60079-1: flameproof enclosures (Ex d) — the most common motor protection;
- IEC 60079-7: increased safety (Ex e) — common for Zone 2 and some Zone 1 duties;
- IEC 60079-14: electrical installations in hazardous areas — Edition 6 (2024) restructured and tightened requirements, including cable entries and thermal protection for Ex e motors on inverters;
- IEC 60079-31: dust ignition protection (Ex t) — for combustible dust atmospheres.
3. Reading the ATEX Marking Correctly
A typical flameproof motor marking reads: II 2G Ex db IIC T4 Gb. Decoded: II = surface industry equipment group; 2G = Category 2, gas (Zone 1 capable); Ex db = flameproof enclosure; IIC = hydrogen/ethylene-class gases; T4 = max surface temperature 135 °C; Gb = EPL for Zone 1. Never assume a marking is right — check each element against the site classification. Our IIB vs IIC gas group guide covers the gas-group step in detail.
4. IECEx vs ATEX: What Exporters Must Know
ATEX is legally required for the EU market. IECEx is an international certification scheme that does not automatically give EU market access but is widely accepted in many export markets (Middle East, Southeast Asia, Australia). For a motor destined for Europe, demand an ATEX EC-type examination certificate (or EU-type certificate) + Declaration of Conformity; for other regions, confirm which local scheme applies. Our ATEX vs IECEx certification FAQ walks through the comparison.
5. Installation Is Part of Compliance
IEC 60079-14 Edition 6 puts more emphasis on the complete installation: cable gland selection matching the motor entry threads, sealing of unused entries, and — for Ex e motors on variable speed drives — certified thermal protection (PTC/Pt100 interfaces per EN/IEC 61800-5-2). Review the installation standard with your EPC contractor before the motor arrives; see also our IEC Zone vs North American Division comparison if the project follows NEC/CEC rules instead.
Need an ATEX-Certified Motor for Your Project?
Send us your zone classification, gas group, temperature class and target market — our engineers will confirm the correct protection type and certification path. Browse the Wolong explosion-proof motor product range or contact us directly.
