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Free ATEX lighting guide for UK hazardous areas

Specifying or replacing lighting where flammable gas, vapour or combustible dust may be present? This free 12 page guide for UK maintenance, HSE and site managers explains zones, Ex marking and UKEX in plain English, with a buyer's checklist.

Cover of the Polaris Light ATEX lighting guide
  • DSEAR, the EPS Regulations 2016, ATEX and UKEX
  • Zones 0, 1, 2, 20, 21 and 22 and the equipment categories for each
  • Gas and dust groups, temperature classes and how to read an Ex marking
  • Buyer's checklist, installation and inspection

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What is in the guide

  1. The law in Great Britain: DSEAR, EPS, ATEX, UKEX and IECEx
  2. Hazardous area zones
  3. Equipment groups, categories and EPLs
  4. Gas and dust groups
  5. Temperature classes
  6. How to read an Ex marking
  7. Buyer's checklist for ATEX and UKEX lighting
  8. Installation and inspection
  9. The Polaris ATEX range

Zones and equipment categories at a glance

Zone definitions from DSEAR Schedule 2 and the categories allowed in each zone from DSEAR Schedule 3.

ZoneExplosive atmosphereCategories allowed (DSEAR Sch. 3)
0 / 20Present continuously, for long periods or frequently1
1 / 21Likely to occur in normal operation occasionally1 or 2
2 / 22Not likely in normal operation; if it occurs, for a short period only1, 2 or 3
ATEX lighting on a Polaris Light project
ATEX lighting on a Polaris Light project.

See our ATEX lighting page, the PS-ATEX-HIGHBAY and the PS-ATEX-FLOOD. Both are ATEX, UKEX and IECEx certified for Zones 1, 2, 21 and 22. Polaris Light supplies and installs, and every Polaris product carries a 5-year warranty.

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Frequently asked questions

What is in the ATEX lighting guide?

A 12 page PDF on the law in Great Britain (DSEAR, the EPS Regulations 2016, ATEX and UKEX), hazardous area zones, equipment categories and EPLs, gas and dust groups, temperature classes, how to read an Ex marking, a buyer's checklist, and installation and inspection to BS EN 60079-14 and 60079-17.

Which equipment category do I need for Zone 1?

DSEAR Schedule 3 allows category 1 or 2 equipment in Zone 1 and Zone 21, and category 1, 2 or 3 in Zone 2 and Zone 22. Zone 0 and Zone 20 need category 1.

Can I use ATEX (CE marked) lighting in Great Britain, or do I need UKEX?

GB law recognises the CE marking indefinitely, so ATEX equipment with CE marking can be placed on the GB market. UKCA marked (UKEX) equipment is also accepted. Either way it must carry the Ex marking with its group and category.

Is the guide free?

Yes. Fill in the short form and you can download the PDF straight away.

Free hazardous area lighting survey

Every Polaris product carries a 5-year warranty. Share your area classification and we will select fittings for your zones and send you a proposal with no obligation.

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