ATEX certified electrical contractors in the UK working in hazardous zones
PCS works as one of the approved ATEX certified electrical engineers in the UK, with a wealth of experience in the safe design, installation, and maintenance of electrical systems within zoned hazardous zones. All work is conducted under BS EN 60079 standards, and our engineers are in possession of current CompEx certifications applicable to the working conditions.
Our services include:
- Area classification review and inspection for accurate application of Ex-rated equipment
- Equipment and enclosures selection and installation with proper temperature and gas/dust groupings
- Inspection schedule and asset registers documentation
- Fault reporting, diagnosis, and corrective measures in accordance with client safety systems
Our team is adequately equipped to assist with new installations, site upgrades, or remediation of compliance works in environments with flammable vapours, dusts, or gases.
DSEAR
In regulations 7 and 11 DSEAR puts into effect the requirements of the EU ATEX directives for the control of explosive atmospheres. ATEX is an acronym of the French term ‘Atmosphères Explosives’ which is not too dissimilar to its English translation “Explosive Atmospheres”.
Although the UK is no longer an EU member state, under UK law DSEAR continues to apply and the EU ATEX requirements remain in place.
Installing ATEX equipment
Correct installation of certified apparatus is critical to ensuring safety and compliance in potentially explosive atmospheres. PCS delivers ATEX equipment installation in the UK across various industries such as aggregates, petrochemicals, and food processing.
We ensure all Ex-rated parts — from cable glands and enclosures to instrumentation and field devices — are installed in line with manufacturer instructions, certification information, and relevant standards. This includes:
- Maintaining mechanical protection and proper IP ratings
- Checking the segregation of wiring systems
- Execution of correct gland sealing and glanding procedures
- Ensuring earthing continuity in bonded systems
Periodic ATEX inspections and maintenance
Regular checks are vital for maintaining the integrity of hazardous area plants in the long term. PCS performs complete ATEX inspections and maintenance in the UK, in accordance with BS EN 60079-17 standards.
Our inspection services include:
- First-time, periodic, and sample inspections
- Condition grading and assessment of ex-equipment
- Updates to asset registers and documentation trails
- Replacement of worn-out or non-compliant spares
PCS retains tools, procedures, and competence levels required to maintain safe ongoing operation of ATEX-rated systems, whether installed by us or a third party.
ATEX
There are 2 ATEX directives, as follows
Directive 1999/92/EC – The ATEX “user” Directive or “ATEX 137” sets out the minimum requirements for ensuring the health and safety of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres.
Directive 2014/34/EU – The ATEX “equipment” Directive or “ATEX 95” is aimed at manufacturers and sets out the requirements for equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres and such equipment will usually be tested and certified by a notified body and display the hexagonal “Ex” symbol (right).
Although the UK is no longer an EU member state, under UK law DSEAR continues to apply and the EU ATEX requirements remain in place.
CompEx
CompEx is an acronym of “Competency working in Explosive atmospheres” and refers to a global training and assessment scheme that ensures that anybody who may work in hazardous or explosive environments has the correct training and is fully competent for the duties they are expected to undertake.
There are numerous CompEX qualifications such as those applicable to fuel forecourts (Ex07-08), hazardous mechanical environments (Ex11) or gas and vapour environments (Ex01-04) and in this way it is possible to ensure that any operative has been trained to have the competencies most relevant to a particular hazardous environment.
FAQs
- What does it mean to be an ATEX certified electrical contractor in the UK?
It indicates that the contractor is competent to perform electrical work in potentially explosive atmospheres, according to BS EN 60079. At PCS, our engineers possess appropriate CompEx qualifications and know how to implement ATEX standards in real-world industrial installations.
- How frequently should ATEX maintenance and inspections be performed?
It is dependent upon equipment, zone classification, and duty cycle, but the majority of the clients conduct regular inspections yearly or as part of routine maintenance. PCS offers definitive documentation and grading reports in accordance with BS EN 60079-17.
- What is involved in UK ATEX equipment installation?
This involves the provision and installation of ATEX-certified Ex-rated equipment — including enclosures, junction boxes, glands, and controls — all properly installed to ATEX and manufacturer requirements. PCS ensures proper selection, zoning, glanding, earthing, and verification as part of our procedure.
- Do I require full reclassification to renew my Ex asset register?
Not always. PCS can audit your existing zone classification and update the Ex asset register without full reclassification — unless significant layout, process, or substance changes have occurred. If needed, we’ll advise on the best course of action.
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a Specialist
PCS has been designing, installing, maintaining and inspecting electrical solutions since 1997. Call PCS to lighten your load.
