Last month, we interviewed several experts about OSHA and combustible dust regulations. We also asked them about some of the most common misconceptions and points of confusion they encounter when advising clients. Dr. Ashok Ghose Dastidar, VP, Dust & Flammability Testing and Consulting Services, at process safety engineering firm Fauske & Associates, LLC, said that he runs into a lot questions about ATEX versus NRTL certification for vacuum cleaners and other equipment. Here are the answers to those questions.What are ATEX and NRTL certifications?
ATEX and NRTL certification both apply to equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres. The difference is that ATEX certification is in the European Union, while NRTL certification is in the United States. For a more complete discussion of ATEX vs NRTL, read our article What is ATEX Certification? Is It Applicable in North America?Is ATEX equivalent to NRTL?
ATEX and NRTL are similar, but not equivalent. That’s because NTRL certifications are standardized, whereas not all ATEX certifications are the same. This inequality takes two main forms:- While NRTL certifications are always provided by a third party, ATEX certifications are not. For equipment designed for use in less hazardous explosive locations, manufacturers are allowed to self-certify.
- Companies in different European countries may use different criteria for certification, which means that an ATEX certification issued in one country may not pass the requirements in another country.
