Load cells suitable for explosive areas (European ATEX Directive 94/9/EC)

Following recent changes to the European ATEX Directive 94/9/EC, HBM has announced that nearly all standard load cells are now available for various zone areas.

The ATEX Directive 94/9/EC outlines the requirements suppliers must meet to achieve compliance for their equipment and protective systems for use in hazardous areas. It applies to both electrical and mechanical equipment and covers potentially explosive areas below ground, on the surface and on offshore fixed facilities.

Under the ATEX regulations, hazardous areas are now divided into ‘zones’ relating to the likelihood of an explosive atmosphere existing.  Almost all standard load cells from HBM cover device groups I (for mining) and II (non mining) and are suitable for use in categories 1, 2 and 3, corresponding to zones 0, 1, 2 ,20, 21 and 22.  The range of C16 load cells from HBM is also certified to T6, meaning it meets the most stringent of temperature requirements.

As with other ranges available from HBM, the C16 series of load cells has also been awarded with the IECEx Certificate of Conformity, which covers equipment for use in explosive atmospheres.  This means that export outside the EU is possible.

Historically, strain gauge load cells were often treated as non-energy storing devices or ‘simple apparatus’ and use of such products in some hazardous area applications was accepted provided they were used with recognised zener barrier systems.  Due to this new legislation and a growing focus on liability and accountability, users of weighing systems in hazardous areas now insist on ATEX certified load cells, such as a range of standard load cells now available from HBM.