Ex-proof means “Explosion Proof,” that is, “not having explosive characteristics.” This subject is explained in the European Commission’s (EC) ATEX Directive No. 94/9.

With this directive, the features required for equipment such as switchgear, motors, and pumps—which by their nature may create arcs during use—to be safely operated in flammable/explosive environments (such as gas filling facilities, flour mills, volatile flammable substance storage areas, etc.) are defined and classified.

Cables, however, are not autonomous equipment that form a system on their own, and therefore fall outside the scope of this directive. Indeed, as clearly shown on page 68, the final page of the user manual published by the European Commission regarding this directive, electrical cables are listed among the equipment not covered by the directive and are excluded from the scope of Ex-proof or ATEX certification.