3. Classification of protective devices and systems

ATEX products are divided into two groups:

• Group I, which includes equipment for underground mining operations and parts of their surface installations, liable to be endangered by firedamp and/or combustible coal dust;

• Group II, which includes equipment intended for use in other locations where explosive atmospheres may be present.

Within each group, several device categories are defined according to their use. Protective systems, however, are not categorized.

These categories are specified in table 1 for group I and in table 2 for group II.