Lesson Learned: Why You Need An ATEX Plug and Socket

In this video, we explore the importance of using certified equipment in hazardous areas like petrol stations, flour mills, and offshore platforms. Learn from the experts at Humberside Engineering and Training Association (HETA) about the differences between gas and dust atmospheres, the significance of ATEX ratings, and how SCAME’s innovative design ensures safety and compliance.

We'll also showcase the features that make SCAME Optima plug and sockets a top choice for challenging environments, including how its unique design prevents unsafe connections and ensures that equipment can contain sparks safely.

============
Time Stamps ⏱
00:00 Joe misread the brief
00:15 Locations where ATEX equipment is used
00:51 What makes ATEX equipment, ATEX equipment?
01:03 Joe's on a mission to learn more
02:38 What actually is ATEX rated?
03:15 Are there multiple ATEX ratings?
03:52 Best features of the Scame Optima
04:38 Clever mechanism to contain sparks
05:13 All ATEX equipment must have a certificate
05:58 Joes' favourite features
06:23 What if the equipment is unplugged under load?
06:40 Do you work in ATEX environments?
============

#atex #electricians #electricalinstallation

[effervescence]

I remember doing the Bodyshop factory tour in senior school and this being a quick topic due to the extraction processes from some of the natural products giving off potentially explosive vapour. There's an awful lot of commercial and industrial areas where it does need to be thought about.

[jasonalexander]

a lot of people wouldnt realise that flour "dust" is explosive !! i worked many many many years ago at Rank Hovis.... had to learn all about it... most dangerous area was tanker filling..

[yngndrw.]

I don't understand why the plug itself can't be interchangeable with another manufacturer's plugs, as I would have thought that it's the switch and interlock that matters. Surely if the socket is safely isolated and an interlock prevents removal of the plug while energised, there's nothing special that's required about the design of an IEC 60309 plug? Or do these environments require absolutely everything to carry the rating rather than being risk-based?

[briancowley]

Atex are European directives and there are many countries that use other standards but don't use Atex.

[MikrySoft]

Oh how I hate the mentality "this product is safe because the sticker says so". No, this product is safe because it has multiple features that provide the safety, which can then be tested, certified and put on the sticker. But showing us what those features are and how do they work? Nah, why risk viewers actually learning something.

[rondo]

you brits are so funny sometimes: 'our' british Standard -turns out it's an EN ... well BS EN...

[markholmes]

There's going to be a lot of CompEx qualified electricians needed in years to come. I work with hydrogen gas and find it a fascinating place, never a dull moment. Hats off to the teachers, there's loads to know, I learn something new every day.