Regulations & Standards
Explosion protection is subject to strict regulations and standards. Whether it’s the ATEX directives in Europe or NFPA 68 in the United States, compliance is essential to ensure that installations operate safely, reliably and legally.
While the Explosion Vents page focuses on how explosion panels work, this page outlines the key regulations and standards and what they mean for your business in practice.
Key regulations and standards
ATEX (Europe)
The ATEX directives (short for ATmosphères EXplosibles) are the main framework for explosion safety in Europe. They cover both equipment design and workplace use.
For explosion vents, this means they must:
- Be tested and certified according to European safety standards
- Be suitable for the specific ATEX zone in which they are installed
- Carry a CE marking and ATEX label
NFPA 68 (United States)
In the United States, NFPA 68 is issued by the National Fire Protection Association. It sets calculation methods and design requirements for explosion venting systems.
Key aspects include:
- Minimum venting surface areas
- Correct positioning and mounting of panels
- Material specifications and tolerances
EN 14797 (Europe)
EN 14797 is a European standard specifying the construction, testing and certification requirements for explosion vents. It is often used alongside ATEX certification to provide additional assurance of reliability.
IECEx (International)
The IECEx system is a globally recognised certification scheme for equipment used in explosive atmospheres. It ensures standardised assessment — especially important for companies operating internationally.
Why compliance matters
Following these standards is not only a legal obligation, but also offers clear benefits:
Safety assurance
Reduced liability
International acceptance
Quality guarantee
How Delta Engineering B.V. supports you
Delta Engineering B.V. works exclusively with manufacturers that meet the highest international standards, such as OsecoElfab.
We assist you in selecting products that are fully certified according to ATEX, NFPA and other relevant regulations — and help interpret the complex regulatory framework so you can be confident your installation is fully compliant.
Compliance with explosion safety standards is a cornerstone of safe and reliable operations. Whether it’s ATEX, NFPA 68, EN 14797 or IECEx, proper certification ensures safety, reliability and international acceptance.
Want to know which standards apply to your installation?
Contact Delta Engineering B.V. for expert guidance and fully certified solutions.