ATEX and Safety:
Ensuring reliable automation in Hazardous Environments

In environments where there is a risk of explosion, reliable electrical connections are essential. VMB Automation supplies certified ATEX junction boxes that comply with ATEX and IECEx standards, providing safe solutions for industries such as oil and gas, chemicals, food processing, and offshore operations.

An ATEX junction box is specifically designed for installations in hazardous zones (Zone 1, 2, 21, or 22). The explosion-proof enclosure ensures that electrical connections are safely housed without any risk of ignition.

Custom junction boxes. Locally manufactured with short lead times.

Every industry has its own specific requirements for enclosure technology, from machine building to transport, and from energy technology to the process industry. You can be confident that our enclosures meet both standard and stringent requirements, including all necessary international approvals.

A large part of our junction box range is kept in stock, enabling us to quickly assemble your boxes according to your desired specifications whenever needed. VMB Automation provides a complete solution for all your junction boxes — also known as terminal boxes — and local control stations.

Our solutions

Our products and services cover a complete range for your applications.

FILTER RESULTS:

Ex-d

With Ex-d enclosures, we ensure safe operation of installations in ATEX zones, even in the presence of flammable gases.

Ex-p

Ex-p systems protect equipment by maintaining positive pressure within the enclosure, preventing explosive gases from entering.

Ex-i

Ex-i solutions limit the energy within electrical circuits, eliminating the risk of sparks or hazardous temperatures.

Div I

With Division I solutions, we guarantee safe operation of installations in the most high-risk environments.

Div II

Division II solutions provide reliable protection in areas with limited but potential explosion hazards.

IECEx

With IECEx-certified solutions, you are assured of reliable and globally recognized explosion safety.

Certifications

There are many different types of ATEX certificates. This is because ATEX applications can vary greatly depending on the type of environment, equipment, and explosion risk. Certification must therefore precisely match the risk level, user type, and technical design. Here are the main reasons:

Different zones (environment types)
– Zone 0/20: Continuous explosion risk → strictest requirements
– Zone 1/21: Frequent risk
– Zone 2/22: Occasional risk → less strict
Each zone requires a different certification level.
Different equipment categories
– Category 1: highest protection (for Zone 0/20)
– Category 2: medium protection (for Zone 1/21)
– Category 3: basic protection (for Zone 2/22)
Different ignition sources
For example: electrical, mechanical, thermal, or sparking. Each requires its own assessment methods and design standards.
Different types of equipment
For example:
– Sensors
– Motors
– Lighting
– Enclosures
– Control systems
→ Each type falls under different ATEX guidelines.
Products vs. systems
– Individual components can be ATEX-certified
– Entire systems (such as a room or a control panel) can also be separately certified.

The above applies to European directives. In addition, there are other certificates that apply in other regions, such as IEC-Ex and UL HazLoc certifications.

UL/HL: growing inspections across the United States and Canada to guarantee compliance with required standards.

VMB Automation is UL-certified, meeting the internationally recognised safety standards for industrial control panels (UL 508A).

Thanks to this certification, VMB Automation can supply control cabinets and systems that are recognised and approved in North America. For our customers, this provides assurance that VMB Automation solutions meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and reliability. When a control cabinet or junction box must comply with both UL and explosion protection requirements, a UL/HazLoc certificate is required – and VMB Automation is fully equipped to provide such certified solutions.

Any particular questions?

Reach out to us — we’re just a call or email away!

Navigating the ATEX and UL/HazLoc requirements can be challenging for specific projects. If you have any questions, get in touch with us — we’re here to help.