Directives 94/9/EC and ATEX95 specify new regulations for explosion protection for all types of devices for the European market. These directives also apply to industrial gear units of the MC series and planetary gear units. As of July 1, 2003, the directive 94/9/EC applies without limitations to the use of industrial gear units of the MC and X series and planetary gearmotors within the European Union. Other European countries, such as Switzerland, have also adopted this regulation.

Operating systems and machines in areas with potentially explosive air, gas, or air/dust mixtures require special procedures. If such a mixture formation cannot be ­prevented, specially protected gear units must be used. Applicable standards and ­regulations govern the use of equipment within existing hazard zones. They also ­prescribe the quality prerequisites that must be met by drive manufacturers.

The explosion-proof industrial gear units of the MC and X series and the planetary gear units from SEW-EURODRIVE meet the design requirements for group II, category 2G or 3G (potentially explosive gas atmospheres) and 2D or 3D (potentially explosive dust atmospheres). The gear units are suitable for use in zones 1 and 21 or zones 2 and 22.