CSA/ATEX Certification for Hazardous Areas FAQ
Alicat devices are available with CSA/ATEX certifications for use in hazardous areas. This article covers the details of these certifications, including compatible device configurations.
Alicat’s CSA/ATEX classification
Alicat instruments can be built with the following dual CSA/ATEX classification:
Alicat CSA/ATEX classification
Ex ec IIC T4 Gc
Class 1, Zone 2 AEx ec IIC T4 Gc
Class I, Division 2, Group A, B, C and D, T4
-40°C ≤ Ta ≤ +60°C
Devices available with CSA/ATEX certification
- Compatible devices: All devices except EPC and EPCD pressure controllers, BASIS™ mass flow controllers, portable meters, and CODA™ Coriolis controllers and meters.
- IP rating: IP40 (Note: For an IP40 rated ATEX/CSA unit to meet official requirements, it must be placed in an IP54 rated box)
- Connectors: DB9, DB15, M12, industrial locking connector
- Communication protocols: Serial, analog, Modbus-RTU
CSA classes and divisions
A CSA certification has both a class and division. This classification is commonly used in North America.
- The class indicates the type of hazardous compound.
- The division indicates the likelihood of the hazard.
The Class I, Division 2, Group A, B, C and D, T4 classification indicates a device is safe for use with gases, vapors, and liquids in an environment where a hazard is likely. Specific operating conditions are further defined by the group (A, B, C, D) and temperature class (T4).
| Class | Division |
| 1 – Gases, vapors, and liquids | 1 – Hazard certain |
| 2 – Dusts | 2 – Hazard likely |
| 3 – Fibers | 3 – Hazard unlikely |
ATEX zones and equipment categories
An ATEX certification has a group and zone/category. This classification is used in most countries outside North America.
- As above, the class indicates the type of hazardous compound.
- Certifications are split into groups for either mining (Group I) or all other industrial applications (Group II).
- The zone represents the likelihood of a potentially explosive atmosphere occurring for gases, mists, and vapors (0, 1, or 2) and is associated with an equipment category (1, 2, or 3).
The Class 1, Zone 2 AEx ec IIC T4 Gc classification indicates a device is safe for use with gases, vapors, and liquids where a potentially explosive atmosphere is present infrequently and for short periods of time. Specific operating conditions are further defined by the group (IIC) and temperature class (T4).
| Zone | Equipment category | Likelihood of explosive environment occurring | Performance of protection |
| 0 | 1 | Present continuously | Two independent means of protection or safe even when two faults occur independently of each other. |
| 1 | 2 | Present intermittently | Suitable for normal operation and frequently occurring disturbances or equipment where faults are normally taken into account. |
| 2 | 3 | Present abnormally | Suitable for normal operation. |
*Visit the European Commission website for detailed information on ATEX certifications.