In many industries, the manufacture, processing, transport or storage of combustible materials results in the creation, or release into the surrounding environment, of gases, vapors or mist. Other processes create combustible dust. An explosive atmosphere (French: ATmosphère EXplosive) can form in conjunction with the oxygen in the air which can result in an explosion if ignited.

To guarantee the highest possible level of safety in these areas, the legislatures of most countries have developed appropriate obligations in the form of laws, regulations and standards with which our switches fully comply.