Installation Guide for Danfoss Industrial Refrigeration ATEX Components
A comprehensive installation and safety guide for Danfoss industrial refrigeration components compliant with ATEX directives. This manual covers product classification, hazardous area requirements, commissioning checks, and essential...
Table of contents
Quick Guide from the Manual
This document serves as the installation and safety guide for Danfoss Industrial Refrigeration products compliant with the ATEX directive (94/9/CE). It is critical for operators to verify that the specific valve or component is suitable for the intended refrigerant and hazardous zone before installation. Always ensure the installation is performed by qualified personnel and that all local safety regulations are followed.
ATEX Directive Compliance
Danfoss Industrial Refrigeration products are designed for common refrigerants like ammonia, CO2, and halocarbons. Specific valve types are available for flammable (HC) refrigerants. Products are categorized into three main groups regarding ATEX:
- Group I: Products approved for potentially explosive atmospheres (Zone 0, 1, or 2). Marked with the ATEX symbol and available with a Certificate of Conformance.
- Group II: Products usable in potentially explosive atmospheres but not covered by the ATEX directive scope. Available with a Manufacturer's Declaration.
- Group III: Products with ignition sources. These must not be used in potentially explosive atmospheres.
Product Classification
Refer to Table 1 in the manual to determine the compatibility of your specific component. The table classifies products into groups A through F based on their suitability for non-flammable vs. flammable refrigerants and their hazardous area rating (Zone 0, 1, 2, or outside).

Installation Requirements
- Supervision: Installation must be supervised by an authorized person familiar with local safety instructions for flammable fluids.
- Preparation: Pipes must be depressurized and purged (emptied of fluid) before installation to avoid danger.
- Grounding: In ATEX zones, ensure pipes are connected to the earth (grounded). Do not use insulating pipes (e.g., PVC).
- Compatibility: Verify valves are suitable for the actual refrigerant and the specific zone. Note that type designations ending in "E" (e.g., xxxE) indicate products with O-rings suitable for flammable (HC) refrigerants.
- Mounting: Do not mount valves at open ends of lines in ATEX zones.
Commissioning
Before putting the valve into operation, verify the following:
- Working conditions are compatible with the identification plate, this manual, and manufacturer technical data.
- All electrical connections are properly made.
- The installation is tight after assembly.
Maintenance and Safety
- Qualified Personnel: Maintenance and repair must be carried out by qualified staff.
- Isolation: If a control uses an external energy source, isolate this source before any operation.
- Protective Equipment: Use suitable protective clothing, gloves, and masks.
- Electrostatic Charges: In ATEX zones, electrostatic charges may be present inside the valve. The user is responsible for taking precautions.
- Cleaning: In ATEX zones, clean the valve and its control regularly to avoid dust accumulation.
- Modifications: Do not modify the valve or its control without prior approval from the Danfoss advisory service.
Manufacturer information
Danfoss A/S
Practical help
Common problems
The user is responsible for taking all necessary precautions to avoid the risk of electrostatic discharge inside the valve.
It is the user's responsibility to check for leaks after installation, especially in systems with internal explosive atmospheres.
Clean the valve and its control regularly to prevent dust accumulation.
Before use
- Verify working conditions match the identification plate and technical data.
- Ensure all electrical connections are properly made.
- Confirm installation tightness after assembly.
- Ensure pipes are depressurized and purged of fluid.
- Verify the valve is suitable for the specific refrigerant and hazardous zone.
- Ensure personnel are trained in ATEX risks if working in an ATEX zone.
Specs in practice
- xxxE Designation
- Indicates products with O-rings suitable for flammable (HC) refrigerants.
- ATEX Group I
- Products approved for use in potentially explosive atmospheres (Zone 0, 1, or 2).
- ATEX Group III
- Products with ignition sources; must not be used in potentially explosive atmospheres.
Images and diagrams
- Table 1 provides a classification matrix mapping product groups (A-F) to refrigerant types (Non-flammable vs. Flammable) and hazardous zones (Zone 0, 1, 2) to ensure correct component selection.
Model compatibility
- Only use original Danfoss parts.
- Do not mount valves at open ends of lines in ATEX zones.
- Use only EX approved coils if coils are used.
Manual page author
Michael Turner
Technical manual editor
Reviews PDF manuals for structure, safety notes, and practical product details so readers can find the right information quickly.