ATEX Compliant Industrial Ovens Designed for Hazardous Environments
Caltherm designs and manufactures ATEX-compliant industrial ovens for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. Built to meet the requirements of the ATEX Directive (2014/34/EU), our ovens are engineered to deliver safe, efficient, and reliable heat treatment in environments where flammable gases, vapours, or dusts may be present.
We supply explosion-proof ovens across the UK to industries such as chemical processing, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, and surface coatings, where safety is paramount and compliance is mandatory.
Our ATEX Industrial Ovens
What Is an ATEX Oven?
An ATEX oven is a specially constructed industrial oven certified for use in explosive atmospheres. These ovens are fitted with spark-resistant components, explosion-proof enclosures, and precise ventilation systems to prevent ignition sources from coming into contact with combustible substances.
All Caltherm ATEX ovens are manufactured in compliance with the ATEX directive, ensuring suitability for UKCA and CE-marked installations.
The ATEX Directives, Explained
ATEX stands for “Atmosphères Explosibles” and covers two related EU directives:
- The Workplace Directive (99/92/EC), sometimes referred to as ATEX137, which requires employers to classify hazardous areas and protect workers from the risk of explosive atmospheres.
- The Equipment Directive, originally 94/9/EC (ATEX95) and now replaced by 2014/34/EU, which sets out the technical requirements that equipment and protective systems must meet before they can be supplied for use in those hazardous areas.
It’s the Equipment Directive that governs the ovens themselves. Every Caltherm ATEX oven is designed and certified against 2014/34/EU.
In Great Britain, the requirements of the Workplace Directive are implemented through the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR). DSEAR requires employers to identify and control the risks from dangerous substances.
Typically through a formal risk assessment of the working area, materials, and processes involved. Getting this classification right is the first step in specifying the correct oven, and our engineers work through it with you as part of every quote.
ATEX Zone and Group Classifications
Hazardous areas are classified by equipment group and by zone, based on how often and how long an explosive atmosphere is likely to be present:
Equipment groups
- Group I: underground applications, such as mines.
- Group II: most surface applications, the group relevant to the vast majority of industrial ovens.
- Group III: electrical equipment for use in explosive dust atmospheres outside mining.
Gas, vapour, and mist zones
- Zone 0: an explosive atmosphere is present continuously, for long periods, or frequently.
- Zone 1: an explosive atmosphere is likely to occur occasionally during normal operation.
- Zone 2: an explosive atmosphere is not likely to occur during normal operation, and if it does, will only persist briefly.
Combustible dust zones
- Zone 20: an explosive dust cloud is present continuously, for long periods, or frequently.
- Zone 21: an explosive dust cloud is likely to occur occasionally during normal operation.
- Zone 22: an explosive dust cloud is not likely to occur during normal operation, and if it does, will only persist briefly.
Caltherm designs and certifies ATEX ovens for Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 21, and Zone 22 applications. If your process involves a Zone 0 or Zone 20 classification, speak to our engineers directly, as this affects the design approach significantly.
ATEX-Rated Heat Treatment Systems We Offer
Our range of ATEX-rated heat treatment systems includes:
- Batch ovens for curing, drying, or heat-treating in hazardous areas.
- Continuous ovens with conveyor integration for high-throughput environments.
- Walk-in or chamber ovens for large components or materials.
- Custom builds tailored to your product, process, and zone classification.
- Systems with either electric or gas-fired heat sources, all ATEX certified.
Each system is designed with integrated safety interlocks, temperature and airflow control, spark-resistant construction, and full documentation to support regulatory compliance. Every oven is assembled, test run, and data logged before despatch, so you receive a fully commissioned system with a complete compliance record.
ATEX Industrial Applications
Beyond general hazardous-area heat treatment, our ATEX ovens are specified for processes including:
- Powder drying and consolidation
- Raw material and bulk material heating
- Aerospace component processing
- Solvent and lubricant processing
- Paint and powder coating curing in spray or coating plants
This isn’t an exhaustive list. If your process involves a potentially explosive atmosphere and doesn’t appear here, our engineers will design around your specific application and zone classification.
Why Choose Caltherm?
- Over 40 years of expertise in industrial thermal systems
- In-house design, fabrication, and testing facilities
- UK-manufactured, ATEX-certified solutions
- Custom engineering for complex or specialised applications
- Dedicated support from consultation to installation
Explosion-Proof Ovens Built in the UK
Based in the UK, Caltherm provides fully compliant explosion-proof ovens to British and European manufacturers. We understand the technical and legislative requirements of working in hazardous zones, and our team works closely with customers to deliver safe, future-proof solutions.
Our ATEX ovens are supported by full lifecycle services, including commissioning, servicing, and upgrades.
Industries Served
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Composite
- Pharmaceutical
- Manufacturing
Contact Caltherm Today
For expert advice on ATEX ovens or to specify an ATEX-rated heat treatment system, contact Caltherm today.
Popular FAQs
What does ATEX mean?
ATEX stands for “Atmosphères Explosibles” and refers to two EU directives governing equipment used in explosive atmospheres. The most relevant for industrial ovens is Directive 2014/34/EU, which sets out requirements for equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive areas.
Do I need an ATEX-certified oven?
If your process involves flammable gases, vapours, mists, or combustible dusts — and your workspace is classified as a Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 21, or Zone 22 hazardous area — then yes, ATEX-certified equipment is legally required. Failure to comply can result in significant safety risks and regulatory penalties.
Are Caltherm ovens also UKCA certified?
Yes. As a UK manufacturer, Caltherm provides ovens that meet both ATEX (CE marked) and UKCA (post-Brexit UK compliance) standards. We provide full documentation and certification as part of the delivery.
What features make an oven ATEX compliant?
Key features include:
- Explosion-proof electrical enclosures
- Intrinsically safe control systems
- Anti-sparking components
- Pressure relief panels
- Sealed construction with controlled airflow
- Custom design based on zone classification
All of these are integrated to prevent the ignition of flammable materials during normal or fault conditions.
Can ATEX ovens be customised?
Absolutely. Every ATEX oven Caltherm builds is tailored to the application, from temperature range and airflow to batch size, loading methods, and controls integration. We also design ovens to accommodate specific footprints, production line layouts, and material handling systems.
How long does it take to manufacture an ATEX oven?
Lead times vary depending on complexity, but a typical ATEX oven project may range from 12 to 24 weeks, including design, build, testing, and certification. We’ll provide a detailed timeline during the consultation phase.
Do you offer servicing or upgrades for existing ATEX ovens?
Yes, Caltherm offers ongoing servicing, maintenance, and retrofit upgrades for ATEX ovens — including systems not originally built by us. We can help extend the life of your equipment while ensuring continued compliance with safety regulations.
Caltherm (UK) Ltd
Caltherm is Britain’s leading Industrial Oven, Dryer and Furnace manufacturer.
Rowhurst Ind Est, Chesterton, Newcastle, Staffordshire, ST5 6BD
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