ATEX • Zone 22 / Zone 20

Tiger-Vac C-7 EX

Likely the smallest third-party certified ATEX vacuum for Zone 20 and 22 — just 77.5 cm tall

  • Third-party certified by LCIE — category 1/3D
  • Collection tank certified for Zone 20 (Da) internally
  • Extremely compact: 43 × 43 × 77.5 cm, only 23 kg
  • 194 m³/h airflow and 2,504 mmH₂O vacuum
  • Filter blockage indicator included
Contact us Data sheet (PDF)
Tiger-Vac C-7 EX — compact ATEX Zone 22/20 vacuum
ATEX 2014/34/EU — Category II 1/3D
LCIE 15 ATEX 3061
IECEx LCIE 15.0048
Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC

Compact without compromise

The C-7 EX is arguably the most compact third-party certified ATEX vacuum for Zone 20 and 22 available. At just 77.5 cm tall, with a footprint of 43 × 43 cm and a weight of 23 kg, it is extremely compact, light and nimble — it slides under workbenches and process equipment, reaches wherever needed and is easy to stow away when not in use. Despite its modest dimensions, it is third-party certified by LCIE to category 1/3D: the external enclosure and electrical installation are approved for Zone 22, while the collection tank interior carries Zone 20 certification (Da). A filter blockage indicator light alerts the operator when the collection bag is approaching full. The C-7 EX is supplied complete with a HEPA filter, conductive disposable bags, a static conductive suction hose and tool kit, and a cable holder hook on the powerhead.

Two-layer ATEX certification

The C-7 EX is certified under the ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU with the marking II 1/3D. The outer layer — category 3D — covers the machine’s external enclosure and electrical installation for use in Zone 22. The inner layer — category 1D (Da) — covers the interior of the collection tank, enabling it to handle combustible dust under the Zone 20 conditions present inside the tank itself. Both layers are third-party certified by LCIE (Notified Body 0081) in France. The product also carries IECEx certification (IECEx LCIE 15.0048), extending international recognition beyond the EU. The C-7 EX shares its certification number, LCIE 15 ATEX 3061, with the larger C-10 EX, making it a fully equivalent alternative wherever space is the limiting factor.

Filtration and collection

The vacuum uses a multi-stage filtration system consisting of a conductive disposable bag (19 L), a cloth bag with filter cage acting as a pre-filter, and a HEPA filter. The pre-filter protects the HEPA filter from premature clogging, extending service intervals. The included static conductive suction hose and tool kit ensures controlled charge dissipation throughout the entire collection path — from the suction nozzle to the tank. The filter blockage indicator illuminates to warn the operator when the collection bag is nearing capacity, ensuring timely replacement rather than operating past the point where filtration is compromised. A brushless (BLSD) motor option is available for applications requiring extended continuous operation.

Variants

111801B

Standard model

Base model. 1.2 kW, 194 m³/h, 23 kg, height 77.5 cm.

111801B-BLSD

Brushless motor (BLSD)

Extended motor service life. Optional upgrade for intensive-use applications.

Technical specifications

ParameterValue
ATEX categoryII 1/3D
External zoneZone 22 (category 3D)
Internal zoneZone 20 (Da) — collection tank
Certificate (ATEX)LCIE 15 ATEX 3061
Certificate (IECEx)IECEx LCIE 15.0048
Notified bodyLCIE, NB 0081, France
Motor typeBypass (BLSD optional)
Power1.2 kW / 1,200 W
Airflow194 m³/h
Vacuum (max.)2,504 mmH₂O
Noise level72 dB(A)
Collection tank19 L (dry collection only)
Filter blockage indicatorLED light
Height77.5 cm
Footprint43 × 43 cm
Weight (without accessories)23 kg
Wheel system4-wheel carriage
Collection typeDry only

Included accessories

HEPA filter

HEPA filter

Conductive disposable bags

Conductive disposable bags

Static conductive suction hose and tool kit

Static conductive hose & tool kit

Cable holder hook on powerhead

Cable holder hook (powerhead)

Frequently asked questions

Zone 22 is an explosive atmosphere zone where a cloud of combustible dust occurs only occasionally under normal operating conditions. Zone 20 is the most demanding: the explosive atmosphere is present continuously or frequently. Because a vacuum collects dust inside its tank, the tank interior is always exposed to a high concentration of combustible dust — in practice a Zone 20 situation. The C-7 EX addresses this with two separate certifications: Zone 22 for the external enclosure, and Zone 20 (Da) for the tank interior.
“Da” is an ATEX protection mode designation for dust zone equipment. It denotes the highest protection level for dust equipment — corresponding to Zone 20. “D” stands for dust, and “a” indicates category 1, the most stringent safety level. The designation confirms that the collection tank’s construction and seals are approved to prevent ignition even in an environment with a persistent explosive atmosphere.
LCIE (Laboratoire Central des Industries Electriques) is an accredited notified body (NB 0081) in France that assesses and certifies equipment for use in explosive atmospheres. Third-party certification means that an independent organisation — not the manufacturer — has verified that the product meets the requirements of the ATEX Directive. For Zone 20 equipment (category 1D), third-party certification is a legal requirement. This independent verification is what separates the C-7 EX from vacuums that are merely “ATEX compatible” based on the manufacturer’s own declarations.
The C-7 EX and C-10 EX share the same ATEX certification (LCIE 15 ATEX 3061) and the same air performance figures. The choice comes down to space constraints and mobility requirements. The C-7 EX is 15.5 cm shorter (77.5 vs. 93 cm) and 1 kg lighter — the right tool when working in areas with low clearance, under process lines, or in confined spaces where the taller C-10 EX simply cannot reach. The C-10 EX, in turn, offers a wider accessories range and more variant options, including the AISI 304 steel tank and EN 17348 version.

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