Contact us for professional advisory on ATEX and ACD
We help you choose the right vacuum equipment for your installation. Whether the challenge is a dust zone 22, a gas-classified zone 1, a combined dust and gas zone or an ACD-classified process with combustible dust, we identify the solution that matches your documentation and operating environment.
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Direct contact
Opening hours
Expected response time
We respond to enquiries within 1 working day. Complex enquiries about ATEX zone classification, motor selection or documentation requirements may call for closer clarification, but we always come back with a status within 2 working days.
Helpful information for us
- Zone classification, if known (zone 22, 21, 2, 1 or a combined zone).
- The dust or gas being collected and any applicable dust group (IIIA, IIIB or IIIC).
- Whether the environment is ATEX-classified or an ACD situation with combustible dust in a non-classified area.
- Any specific requirements for ESD safety, inertisation or filter class (H14 or higher).
- Operating pattern and expected load (intermittent daily use or continuous operation).
- Number of units and any timeframe.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between ACD and ATEX?
ACD and ATEX solve two different problems. ATEX concerns equipment that must operate inside an area where a documented explosive atmosphere exists, classified as zone 22, 21, 2 or 1. In these cases the equipment has to be certified under the ATEX Directive (2014/34/EU) and the associated harmonised standards, in particular EN 17348:2022 for industrial vacuum cleaners.
ACD covers situations where the area is not ATEX-classified but the dust is nevertheless combustible. ACD vacuum cleaners are certified against IEC 60335-2-69 and are designed so that the internal zone 20 is tightly confined by H14-class or better filtration and an internal construction that prevents ignition sources. They must never be presented as ATEX-certified, but they are often the right choice where ATEX is not required.
When should we choose equipment for zone 21 rather than zone 22?
Zone 22 is defined as an area in which an explosive dust atmosphere occurs only rarely and briefly during normal operation. Zone 21 covers areas where an explosive atmosphere is expected to occur occasionally during normal operation. The choice depends on the specific risk assessment for the installation.
In practical terms, zone 21 requires category 2D equipment (marked for example 1/2D or 2D), while zone 22 is typically covered by category 3D equipment. If in doubt, share the existing zone plan or risk assessment with us and we will point to the relevant models.
What does EN 17348:2022 mean for the choice of an industrial vacuum cleaner?
EN 17348:2022 is the first harmonised European standard that specifically covers requirements for industrial vacuum cleaners intended for use in explosive atmospheres. It was harmonised under the ATEX Directive in March 2023 and under the Machinery Regulation in August 2024.
In practice, the standard has sharpened the tests and documentation that an ATEX-certified vacuum cleaner must meet. It has raised the bar across the market, and it is part of our own verification that the equipment we supply is in line with the latest version of the standard.
What is a combined zone and when is it relevant?
A combined zone is an area where both an explosive gas atmosphere and an explosive dust atmosphere can occur. This is typical in processes where an organic solvent and a drying powder are present at the same time. In those cases the equipment must be certified in both a G category (gas) and a D category (dust).
Typical markings in our range are 3GD, 2GD and the combinations 1/3GD and 1/2GD, which cover both an internal zone 20 and an external zone 1, 2, 21 or 22. We help translate the zone plan into the right combination.
Does Particulair deliver throughout the Nordics and the EU?
Yes. Scandinavia and Poland are our primary markets, but we deliver to customers across the EU. Contact us for information on delivery time and freight to your country.
Can we obtain ATEX certificates and technical documentation?
Yes. We supply all available technical documentation, including ATEX certificates issued by a notified body, EU declarations of conformity, filter certificates (EN 1822) and material data sheets. The documentation can be used directly in your internal approval process and risk assessment.
Ready to find the right solution?
Fill in the form above, call us or view our product overview. We are ready to help with equipment selection, documentation and follow-up.