Using a standard steel socket in ATEX sites containing explosive gas, vapor, or combustible dust carries a spark risk. This guide covers when Al-Bronze / Be-Cu non-sparking sockets are required, the full size chart by drive size, and the correct model selection steps.
| Drive Size | Hex Opening Range | Length Range | Weight Range | Model Count |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/4″ | 17 – 60 mm | 50 – 80 mm | 0.35 – 1.36 kg | 14 models |
| 1″ | 19 – 100 mm | 58 – 118 mm | 0.62 – 4.50 kg | 21 models |
| 1.1/2″ | 30 – 155 mm | 80 – 158 mm | 2.07 – 19.00 kg | 28 models |
| 2.1/2″ | 50 – 190 mm | 130 – 220 mm | 9.22 – 43.60 kg | 29 models |
// Sizes are identical to the standard impact socket series; the only difference is the material (Al-Bronze / Be-Cu, spark-free). Manufactured to UNI-ISO 1174 / DIN 3121 standard, all metric.
// PRODUCT PAGE: Non-Sparking Impact Socket — all 92 models and size charts →
Identify the square drive of your wrench (3/4″, 1″, 1.1/2″, or 2.1/2″). This is the first criterion that determines which socket family you'll choose from.
Measure the nut's or bolt head's flat-to-flat width in millimeters and match it to the range in the chart above.
If the work area contains explosive gas, vapor, or combustible dust (refinery, chemical plant, firedamp-risk mine, munitions site, etc.), an Al-Bronze / Be-Cu non-sparking model is required instead of a standard steel socket.
The non-sparking series is dimensionally identical to the standard impact socket series — only the material differs. Using the drive/hex opening size of your standard socket as a reference, you can select its non-sparking equivalent directly.
| Criterion | Standard Impact Socket (4140 Steel) | Non-Sparking Socket (Al-Bronze / Be-Cu) |
|---|---|---|
| Spark risk | Sparks can occur under hard impact | Produces no sparks under hard impact |
| Environment | General industrial maintenance/assembly sites | ATEX sites containing explosive gas/vapor/dust |
| Sizes | Drive size / hex opening series | Identical sizes to the standard series — material differs only |
| Standard | UNI-ISO 1174 / DIN 3121 | UNI-ISO 1174 / DIN 3121 |
| Typical sectors | Heavy industrial maintenance and assembly lines | Oil & gas, chemical, mining, defense, maritime, energy |
ATEX, named after the French phrase "ATmosphères EXplosives," is the set of European Union directives regulating equipment and working conditions for use in explosive atmospheres. It consists of two complementary directives: 2014/34/EU, which applies to equipment manufacturers, and 1999/92/EC, which sets workplace requirements for employers. These directives govern the electrical and mechanical equipment used at facilities carrying an explosive gas/vapor/dust risk, such as refineries, petrochemical plants, mines, and flour mills.
Explosive atmospheres are classified into zones by frequency and duration: Zone 0, 1, 2 for gas/vapor environments, and Zone 20, 21, 22 for combustible dust environments. All equipment entering these sites — including hand tools — must be spark-free and ATEX-compliant; using standard steel hand tools carries a risk. Hydro Bard's non-sparking socket series meets this requirement with an Al-Bronze / Be-Cu alloy: it produces no sparks under hard impact and is manufactured to ATEX safety standards.
Refineries · drilling sites
Flammable solvent and vapor environments
Firedamp-risk work areas
Munitions production and storage
Refueling and maintenance areas
Shipbuilding and maintenance facilities
Manufacturing and storage facilities
Thermal power plants · natural gas facilities
Not sure about your site's ATEX requirements? Send us your measurement and environment information — Hydro Bard's engineering team will confirm the right model for you at no cost.
Free Assessment →Share your requirements, and we'll get back to you with a calculated model recommendation and full technical documentation.
Get a Quote →