ATEX Plugs

ATEX plugs, also known as Ex-rated threaded stop ends or explosion-proof plugs, are essential safety components designed to seal unused cable entry points in electrical enclosures located within hazardous areas. These nylon stopping plugs provide critical protection against explosion risks by maintaining the integrity of flameproof and explosion-proof installations whilst preventing the ingress of flammable gases, vapours, and combustible dust. In the UK market, ATEX plugs are vital safety components across high-risk industries including oil and gas, chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, mining, and marine operations, where compliance with ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU and IECEx standards is mandatory for operational safety and legal compliance.

The primary function of ATEX plugs is to maintain the Ex-rated integrity of hazardous area enclosures by providing secure sealing of unused threaded entries whilst withstanding extreme environmental conditions. These threaded stop ends feature IP68 and IP69 sealing capabilities, offering comprehensive protection against moisture ingress, dust penetration, and high-pressure wash-down applications. Manufactured from flame-retardant nylon with integrated EPDM rubber seals, ATEX plugs operate reliably across temperature ranges from -40°C to +75°C, accommodating metric thread sizes from M12 to M75 to suit diverse installation requirements in Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 21, and Zone 22 hazardous areas.

Available Materials & Style Options:

• Nylon 6/6 body construction with flame-retardant properties and UL94-V0 rating for enhanced fire safety
• EPDM rubber sealing rings providing superior chemical resistance and temperature stability
• Metric threaded versions from M12 x 1.5 to M75 x 1.5 for comprehensive size compatibility
• Black nylon finish offering UV resistance and professional industrial appearance
• Hexagonal socket design enabling secure installation with standard Allen keys
• Single-piece construction eliminating potential failure points and ensuring long-term reliability
• Ex d (flameproof) and Ex e (increased safety) certified variants for different hazardous area classifications

Key Features & Benefits:

• ATEX and IECEx certification ensuring compliance with European and international explosion protection standards
• IP68 waterproof protection withstanding submersion up to 5 bar pressure for 30 minutes
• IP69 high-temperature, high-pressure wash-down resistance for food processing and pharmaceutical applications
• UL recognised components meeting North American electrical safety standards
• Temperature range from -40°C to +75°C suitable for extreme environmental conditions
• Flame-retardant nylon construction preventing ignition and fire propagation
• Corrosion-resistant materials ensuring long-term performance in harsh industrial environments
• Tool-free hand installation with hexagonal socket for secure tightening when required
• Maintains Ex-rated integrity of installations preventing dangerous gas or dust ingress
• Cost-effective solution for sealing unused enclosure entries without compromising safety certification

Common UK Use Cases:

• Oil and gas installations - sealing unused entries in wellhead control panels, pump stations, and offshore platform electrical systems
• Chemical processing facilities - maintaining explosion-proof integrity in reactor control panels, valve actuator housings, and instrumentation enclosures
• Mining operations - protecting electrical equipment in underground installations, coal processing facilities, and surface mining control systems
• Food and beverage processing - providing IP69 wash-down protection in flour mills, grain elevators, and sugar processing plants
• Marine and offshore applications - sealing electrical enclosures on vessels, oil rigs, and coastal installations exposed to saltwater environments

Related Vital Parts Products:

• ATEX cable glands for comprehensive hazardous area cable management

Call Vital Parts:

For quick quotes, same-day dispatch, custom sizes, or bulk discounts, call our sales line on 01233 713 581. Businesses can register for a Vital Parts Business Account to benefit from priority shipping, trade pricing, free product samples, credit accounts, and a dedicated account manager.