ATEX = industrial law, not household.

But ATEX principles still apply wherever a flammable gas can leak — including your R290 (propane) heat pump at home.

1. The Difference

2. Why It Still Matters

Even if your home equipment is not ATEX-certified, it may create an explosive atmosphere when R290 leaks.

EN 378 therefore requires a Hazardous Area Classification (HAC) using ATEX methods (EN 60079-10-1).

3. The Three ATEX Principles

4. "Mrs Smith" and the Responsibility Shift

In industry → operator is trained.

At home → the responsibility shifts to:

• Manufacturer → design "EX-safe-by-design" (no ignition in possible hazardous environment)
• Installer → check ventilation and spacing per EN 378
• Service technician → A3 refrigerant training
• User → follow simple written safety instructions

5. What To Keep

For any R290 household system, the following documents prove due care:

• EN 378 risk assessment and HAC summary
• Installer's qualification (F-Gas + A3)
• Commissioning and maintenance plan
• User instructions ("Do not block ventilation," etc.)

Takeaway

ATEX is a mindset, not just a mark.

Even in a household, flammable refrigerants require ATEX-level thinking: design to avoid explosive zones, prevent ignition, and keep it safe for "Mrs Smith."

Here the responsibility of Ex safety goes to manufacturer, designer of installation and installateur.

Keep up the good work!

Arpad
veress@exprofessional.com