The below text relates to standard EN 17348 : 2022, Requirements for design and testing of vacuum cleaners for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, which has been harmonised under ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU on March 17, 2023.
EN 17348 applies to both electrical and non-electrical Category 2 and Category 3 vacuum cleaners, for dust or liquid collection in both gas and dust explosive atmospheres.
Official website of the European Union concerning “Equipment for explosive atmospheres (ATEX)”
The regular collection of combustible substances in explosive atmospheres is recognized as all-important to limit explosion hazards, but it is also a hazardous operation. As a machine safety standard, EN 17348 specifies requirements for design, construction, testing and marking of vacuum cleaners used for this application. In line with the best practices specified in safety standards relevant to explosive atmospheres, EN 17348 allows manufacturers to design a safe equipment based on a complete ignition hazards assessment. “EN 17348 compliance” implies the equipment’s safety features have been thoroughly tested and the specific intended use and limitations of use are clearly communicated to the operator. EN 17348 is the only standard harmonised under ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU regulating the specific application of combustible substances collection. As such, compliance of vacuum cleaners with EN 17348 is an imperative to ensure safety when collecting combustible substances in explosive atmospheres. Keep in mind an ATEX certification not covering compliance with EN 17348, is not enough to ensure a vacuum cleaner is safe for the collection of combustible substances. Tiger-Vac, as a company recognized for its expertise in the industry, was actively involved in the developpement of EN 17348. All Tiger-Vac's Vacuum Systems designed for the collection of combustible substances in explosive atmospheres comply with EN 17348.
EN 17348 Vacuum Systems