page 22 of 96` Important information: Equipment marking (ATEX)VACUUBRAND equipment bearing the ATEX mark(see rating plate)The classification according to ATEX is only valid for the inner part (wet-ted part, pumped gas or vapor) of the equipment. The equipment is notsuitable for use in external, potentially explosive atmospheres (environ-ment).The overall category of the equipment depends on the connected com-ponents. If the connected components do not comply with the classifi-cation of the VACUUBRAND equipment, the specified category of theVACUUBRAND equipment is no longer valid.Vacuum pumps and vacuum gauges in category 3 are intended for con-nection to equipment in which during normal operation explosive atmo-spheres caused by gases, vapors or mists normally don’t occur; or, if theydo occur, are likely to do so only infrequently and for a short period only.Equipment in this category ensures the requisite level of protection dur-ing normal operation.The use of gas ballast or the operation of venting valves is only permit-ted if thereby explosive atmospheres normally don’t occur in the interiorof the equipment or, if they do occur, are likely to do so only infrequentlyand for a short period.The pumps are marked with ”X” (according to EN 13463-1), i.e., restric-tions of the operation conditions:• The equipment is designated for a low degree of mechanical stressand has to be installed in a way so that it cannot be damaged fromoutside.Pumping units have to be installed so that they are protected againstshocks from the outside and against glass splinters in the event ofbreakage (implosion).