ATEX Directive for Work Zones

Non-Sparking Safety Tools > How to Choose Correct Alloy and Zone Definitions
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How to Choose - AlBr vs CuBe	Zone Definitions	Applications	Tool Selection Guide
Proper Use and Maintenance	Conversion Formulas	Safety Tool Warranty	ATEX-approved Air and Hydraulic Power Tools

CS Unitec Copper-Beryllium Tools (CuBe2) fulfill the demand in the ATEX directive for work in Zone 0, 1 and 2 (Gas, Mists or Vapors); Zones 20, 21 and 22 (Dusts); and M1 and M2 for mining.

CS Unitec Aluminum-Bronze Tools (AlBr) fulfill the demand in the ATEX directive for work in Zones 1 and 2 (Gas, Mists or Vapors), plus Zones 21 and 22 (Dusts).

How to Choose the Correct Alloy for Your Application
	Aluminum-Bronze (AlBr) Alloy	Copper-Beryllium (CuBe2) Alloy
Zone Compatibility	Fulfill demand in ATEX directive for work in Zones 1, 2, 21 and 22	Fulfill demand in ATEX directive for work in Zones 0, 1, 2, 20, 21 and 22
Hardness	23-35 HRC	33-45 HRC
Durability	Not as durable as CuBe.	Very durable due to high hardness and tensile strength.
Magnetic Properties	Low magnetism due to minimal ferrous components. Appropriate for non-critical non-magnetic applications.	Non-ferrous components; safer for applications demanding non-magnetic properties.
Composition	Al: 9.5-11% Fe: 3.5-5.5% Ni: 3.5-5.5% Other: 0.5% max Cu: Balance	Be: 1.8-2.1% Co + Ni: 0.6% max Other: 0.5% max Cu: Balance

Ex Zone Definitions:

Gas, Mists or Vapors

Dusts

• Zone 0 - An atmosphere where a mixture of air and flammable substances in the form of gas, vapor or mist is present frequently, continuously or for long periods.

• Zone 1 - An atmosphere where a mixture of air and flammable substances in the form of gas, vapor or mist is likely to occur in normal operation occasionally.

• Zone 2 - An atmosphere where a mixture of air and flammable substances in the form of gas, vapor or mist is not likely to occur in normal operation but, if it does occur, will persist for only a short period.

• Zone 20 - An atmosphere where a cloud of combustible dust in the air is present frequently, continuously or for long periods.

• Zone 21 - An atmosphere where a cloud of combustible dust in the air is likely to occur in normal operation occasionally.

• Zone 22 - An atmosphere where a cloud of combustible dust in the air is not likely to occur in normal operation but, if it does occur, will persist for only a short period.

We also offer ATEX-approved air and hydraulic power tools for use in Ex zones.

MSDS (Safety Data Sheet) / Bulletin can be provided upon request or can be downloaded here:
MSDS: Cast Copper-Beryllium 2008.pdf
MSDS: Cast Aluminium-Bronze 2008.pdf

ATEX information: http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/atex/guide/

Exact appearance and/or specifications subject to change without notice.

Choosing the right alloy – AlBr or CuBe – for your application. (Download poster detailing Ex Zone definitions, PDF, 225k)

Download CS Unitec Non-Sparking Safety Tool Catalog (PDF, 6.1MB, updated 11/08)