How to Select the Right Explosion-Proof Weighing Scale Based on ATEX Zone Classification?

In hazardous environments where flammable gases, vapors, or dusts exist, selecting a compliant explosion-proof weighing scale is not just a regulatory requirement but a critical measure to protect workplace safety and avoid catastrophic accidents. However, many buyers struggle with ATEX zone classification, resulting in wrong scale selection that either fails to meet safety standards or causes unnecessary cost waste. Let’s start with the key guide on ATEX Zone Explanation for Explosion-Proof Scales and how to select explosion-proof scale by ATEX zone.

Basic Cognition: Core Definition of ATEX Zone Classification

Before selecting an explosion-proof weighing scale, it is essential to clarify the ATEX zone classification of your workplace. ATEX zones are divided into two major categories based on the type of hazardous substances: gas hazardous zones (Zone 0/1/2) and dust hazardous zones (Zone 20/21/22). Each zone corresponds to different risk levels, which directly determine the explosion-proof performance requirements of the weighing scale.

A key reminder: You must confirm the ATEX zone of your factory before selection. The higher the zone level, the stricter the protection requirements for explosion-proof weighing scales. Choosing a scale that does not match the zone level will directly lead to safety hazards and compliance issues.

ATEX Zone-Based Selection: Guide to Explosion-Proof Scales for Gas Hazardous Zones (Zone 0/1/2) 

• ATEX Zone 0: Selection Criteria for Highest-Risk Areas

ATEX Zone 0 is the highest-risk gas area with flammable gases/vapors present continuously (e.g., chemical reactor tops, gas leakage zones). Explosion-proof scales here must meet strict standards.

Core Requirements: ATEX Ex ia (intrinsically safe) certification, IP65+ protection level, and intrinsically safe circuit design to avoid ignition sources.

Factory Product Recommendation: XRS-I Series Intrinsically Safe Explosion-Proof Bench/Floor Scale (Zone 0 compatible), dual ATEX/IECEx certification, ±0.1g precision, 0.1kg-500kg load capacity, all-stainless steel corrosion-resistant body.

• ATEX Zone 1: Selection Criteria for Medium-High Risk Areas

ATEX Zone 1 is a medium-high risk area with occasional flammable gases (e.g., dangerous goods production lines, gas terminals), requiring scales adaptive to continuous operation.

Core Requirements: Ex d (flameproof) or Ex ia (intrinsically safe) certification, corrosion resistance and anti-interference performance.

Factory Product Recommendation: XRD-D Series Flameproof Floor Scale & XRS-P Series Portable Scale (Zone 1 compatible), 1-500kg load capacity, 24-hour continuous weighing, portable model with high-capacity battery and flameproof model with thickened housing.

• ATEX Zone 2: Selection Criteria for Low-Risk Areas

ATEX Zone 2 is a low-risk area with flammable gases only in abnormal conditions (e.g., warehouse peripheries), balancing cost-effectiveness and basic explosion-proof performance.

Core Requirements: Ex n (non-sparking) or Ex ib (intrinsically safe enhanced) certification, basic dust/water resistance.

Factory Product Recommendation: XRN-E Series Economical Explosion-Proof Bench Scale (Zone 2 compatible), compact design, affordable price, detachable easy-to-clean weighing pan, ideal for small and medium-sized enterprises.

ATEX Zone-Based Selection: Guide to Explosion-Proof Scales for Dust Hazardous Zones (Zone 20/21/22)

• ATEX Zone 20: Selection Criteria for Highest-Risk Dust Areas

ATEX Zone 20 is the highest-risk dust area with continuous combustible dust (e.g., flour mill grinding areas, metal powder workshops, dust storage tanks).

Core Requirements: Ex tD A21 dust explosion-proof certification, fully sealed design (dust-proof), no exposed electrical parts, anti-static and wear-resistant materials.

Factory Product Recommendation: XTD-20 Series Dust Explosion-Proof Floor Scale (Zone 20 compatible), IP67 dust/water resistance, fully sealed stainless steel body, encapsulated electrical components, anti-static treatment, suitable for high-concentration dust environments.

• ATEX Zone 21: Selection Criteria for Medium-High Risk Dust Areas

ATEX Zone 21 is a medium-high risk area with occasional combustible dust (e.g., dust packaging workshops, feed mills), requiring easy-to-clean scales for frequent weighing.

Core Requirements: Ex tD A21 certification, dust-accumulation prevention design (smooth surface, no dead corners), detachable weighing pan for maintenance.

Factory Product Recommendation: XTD-21 Series Dust Explosion-Proof Bench Scale (Zone 21 compatible), 0.5-200kg load capacity, ±0.1g precision, detachable stainless steel pan, easy to clean with water, avoiding dust accumulation.

• ATEX Zone 22: Selection Criteria for Low-Risk Dust Areas

ATEX Zone 22 is a low-risk area with rare combustible dust (e.g., workshop corridors, powder warehouse peripheries), focusing on practicality and low maintenance cost.

Core Requirements: Ex tD A22 certification, basic dust-proof design, simple and durable structure, low maintenance cost.

Factory Product Recommendation: XTD-E Series Economical Dust Explosion-Proof Scale (Zone 22 compatible), 1-100kg load capacity, compact size, anti-dust coating, high cost-performance ratio, ideal for small and medium-sized dust enterprises.

Explosion-Proof Scale Selection Auxiliary Tool: ATEX Zone-Product Matching Table 

To help you quickly select the right explosion-proof weighing scale, we have sorted out an ATEX zone-product matching table, which clearly lists the key information of each zone and corresponding recommended products. You can directly refer to it for selection:

This table covers the most common ATEX zones and meets needs such as ATEX Zone 1 explosion-proof bench scale and Zone 20 dust-proof weighing scale for factories, helping you quickly lock in the right product.

Selection Pitfalls to Avoid: 3 Key Reminders

When selecting explosion-proof weighing scales based on ATEX zones, many buyers will make mistakes due to lack of professional knowledge, resulting in safety hazards or cost waste. Here are 3 key reminders to help you avoid pitfalls:

Pitfall 1: Do not blindly pursue high-level certification. For example, Zone 2 areas do not need to choose Zone 0-level explosion-proof scales, which will not only increase procurement costs but also cause unnecessary resource waste. Choose the corresponding certification level according to the actual zone level.

Pitfall 2: Confirm the compliance of certification. Must choose products with dual ATEX and IECEx certifications, and check the validity of the certification to avoid buying "fake explosion-proof" products. Uncertified products will not only face regulatory penalties but also bring serious safety risks.

Pitfall 3: Supplement requirements according to the scenario. In addition to zone matching, it is also necessary to consider the actual working environment, such as choosing waterproof explosion-proof scales in humid environments and portable explosion-proof scales for mobile operations, to ensure that the scale can adapt to the working scenario.

Conclusion 

To sum up, accurately matching ATEX zones with explosion-proof weighing scales is the core prerequisite for ensuring factory safety and avoiding compliance risks. Through the detailed explanation of ATEX Zone Explanation for Explosion-Proof Scales in this article, we believe you have a clear understanding of how to select explosion-proof scale by ATEX zone.