Understanding Explosion-Proof Standards: Differences Between ATEX and China’s GB

In industries such as petrochemicals, mining, firefighting, and hazardous chemical processing, explosion-proof equipment plays a vital role in ensuring safety. Globally, the European ATEX Directive and China’s GB standards are the two most recognized frameworks. This article compares the key differences in scope, testing, and marking requirements, helping manufacturers align their products with both systems.

1. Background of Standards

• ATEX (Atmosphères Explosibles): Established by the European Union, covering equipment and protective systems for use in explosive atmospheres. Core directive: 2014/34/EU.

• China GB Standards: Issued by the Standardization Administration of China, such as the GB3836 series for electrical apparatus in explosive environments.

  
  

2. Application Scope and Regional Coverage

• ATEX: Mandatory in EU member states, widely recognized in the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Asia.

• GB: Mainly applied in China, with increasing adoption in Belt and Road Initiative countries.

• For export-oriented businesses, compliance with both ATEX and GB is often required.

3. Testing and Certification

• ATEX: Focuses on risk assessment and compliance declaration. Manufacturers must submit technical documentation for review by a Notified Body.

• GB: Relies on type testing and compulsory inspections conducted by accredited national laboratories.

4. Marking and Explosion Protection Levels

• ATEX Example: “Ex II 2G Ex db IIB T4 Gb” – covering equipment category, protection method, gas group, and temperature class.

• GB Example: “Ex d IIB T4 Gb” – largely aligned with IECEx, but adapted to Chinese operational conventions.

5. Strategy for Manufacturers

• Plan ahead for products targeting both domestic and international markets.

• Design with ATEX + GB compatibility in mind to reduce redesign and certification costs.

• For applications like firefighting robots or industrial robotics, use explosion-proof batteries, cameras, and motors for modular compliance.

• Case Study: Guoxing Intelligent has two explosion-proof firefighting robots RXR-MC80BD+RXR-MC100BGD that have successfully obtained both China’s explosion-proof certification and the ATEX certificate, proving their reliability in hazardous environments and supporting their entry into the global market.

  
  

While ATEX and GB standards share the same goal of ensuring explosion-proof safety, their certification approaches and market applications differ. Businesses should adopt a dual compliance strategy to ensure smoother access to both Chinese and international markets.

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