Uncertified Unicorn LED Luminaires Pose Explosion Risk in Hazardous Areas

The EU Safety Gate has issued a critical safety alert regarding Unicorn LED luminaires (Models TB020, TB040ME2, TB060, TB075, TB080) falsely marketed as ATEX-certified for explosive atmospheres. These lights, sold via Alibaba, lack essential safety features and could trigger catastrophic explosions in Zone 1 environments with flammable gases.

If your facility uses ATEX lighting, this warning could prevent disaster, proving why false compliance is a lethal gamble.

Official Alert Reference: EU Safety Gate – Unicorn LED Recall

KEY DETAILS

Regulatory Actions:

• EU-wide ban & mandatory recall

• Criminal penalties for distributors

• Market surveillance alerts issued

Why This Crisis Demands Immediate Action

The Unicorn lights were sold as “ATEX-approved” for Zone 1 but lack:

• EN 60079-18 compliance (encapsulation “m” protection)
• Proper thermal/mechanical safety testing
• Genuine Notified Body certification

This is part of a dangerous trend:

• Fake ATEX certificates cloned from legitimate products

• Online marketplaces flooding industries with deadly fakes

• Cost-driven buyers unknowingly risking lives

How To Protect Your Facility

Demand Full Documentation

1. • Verify EN 60079-18 and ISO 80079-36/37 compliance

   • Confirm Notified Body certificates (4-digit NB code)

2. Inspect Physical Markings

   • Genuine ATEX lights show Ex mb II T4 ratings (Zone 1)

   • Check for tampered labels or vague documentation

3. Buy From Trusted Suppliers

   • Avoid Alibaba/unknown vendors

   • Use authorised distributors like Thorne & Derrick

4. Report Suspect Products

   • EU Safety Gate 

   • Local hazardous equipment regulators

Thorne & Derrick: Your Trusted ATEX Partner

As a leading hazardous area equipment distributor, we:
Supply 100% certified ATEX lighting compliant with EN 60079, ISO 80079, and BS EN 14986.
Provide full test reports and Notified Body approvals.
Help clients avoid legal liabilities and operational disasters.

The Bottom Line:

• Non-compliant ATEX equipment kills.

• Always demand proof of certification—never compromise.

Prioritising Safety in Hazardous Environments

At Thorne & Derrick, safety isn’t just a priority—it’s the foundation of everything we do. That’s why we were privileged to participate in the pilot delivery of the groundbreaking CompEX Level 1 Ex Awareness Course, hosted by Roxby Training Solutions at their Stockton training centre.

As trusted industry experts, we were invited to provide critical feedback on the course’s structure and delivery. Two of our team members—Terry McDonald (Safety Champion) and Regan Redpath (Apprentice Sales Engineer)—took part, achieving outstanding results:

• Regan Redpath became the first individual ever to pass the course.
• All T&D hazardous area specialists hold current CompEX Certifications (EX F/F+).
• Terry McDonald, our Safety Champion with 20+ years of experience, provided invaluable insights to shape future course improvements.

Delegate Testimonial: Regan’s Experience

“The course provided a clear and straightforward overview of hazardous areas—what they are, why they exist, and the potential dangers they pose. The content was well-structured and easy to follow, perfectly outlining essential safety measures to follow in such environments. This training is incredibly valuable and will benefit anyone who works in or accesses hazardous areas, ensuring they stay safe and informed.”

— Regan Apprentice Sales Engineer, First to Pass CompEx Level 1 Ex Awareness Course 

Compex level 1 ex awareness course

The CompEX Level 1 Ex Awareness Course provides essential training for professionals who:

• Enter or visit hazardous sites (e.g., engineers, logistics personnel, or site visitors).
• Perform hands-on trades (e.g., scaffolding, electrical work, welding, or mechanical maintenance).
• Design or specify ATEX/IECEx equipment.
• Deliver products or services into hazardous zones.

This training goes beyond basic compliance to deliver real-world benefits:

• Fewer incidents – because educated teams spot risks before they become emergencies
• Greater confidence – standardised knowledge means everyone works from the same safety playbook
• Watertight compliance – not merely passing ATEX/IECEx tests but actually knowing them

Thorne & Derrick can be safely trusted to specify and supply electrical, mechanical, process, and instrumentation equipment for use in hazardous areas zones and explosive atmospheres.

SPECIAL THANKS

“Thank you to Roxby and CompEX for the invite to participate in and provide feedback on the very first Ex Awareness (Ex A) Level 1 course. Having worked in the industry for almost 2 decades, one thing that no longer shocks me is the difference in levels of competency from company to company and industry to industry. Any course that can help improve knowledge and awareness can only be a big positive.

The course provides a very basic introduction to hazardous areas, highlights the hazards/risks and demonstrates the severe consequences if we don’t all take our responsibilities seriously. I believe the course bridges the knowledge gap for those people entering the industry and also for people working in office based roles for those organisations who operate in this high hazard industry. I should also congratulate our very own Regan Redpath for being the very first person to pass the course.”

 – Terry McDonald, Sales & Business Development Manager at T&D

COMPEX

CompEX is a recognised certification scheme for validating the competency of staff working in all industries with potentially hazardous and explosive atmospheres.

ROXBY TRAINING SOLUTIONS

Roxby Training Solutions is a provider of specialised industrial training, offering accredited courses in hazardous areas (ATEX/CompEX), electrical safety, and technical competency.

ABOUT US

Thorne & Derrick International are your single-source supplier of Electrical, Mechanical, Process & Instrumentation Equipment for use in industrial, hazardous area zones and explosive atmospheres.

T&D provide an outstanding service to UK and international customers – we are highly customer responsive and absolutely committed to providing a world-class service.

Compliance isn’t optional—it’s the difference between safety and catastrophe

A critical safety alert has been issued by the EU Safety Gate (Alert A12/01977/24) regarding the CHERUBIM BCFT-300 industrial fans falsely marketed as ATEX-certified for use in explosive atmospheres. These fans, sold via atex-supplies.com, lack essential safety features and could trigger catastrophic explosions in environments with flammable gases or dust.

If your company relies on ATEX, UKEX, or IECEx equipment, this guide could save lives—and prove why cutting corners on compliance is a deadly mistake.

For full details, see the EU Safety Gate Report.

KEY DETAILS

The CHERUBIM BCFT-300 (Batch 11.2024) is a 110VAC explosion-proof fan sold on atex-supplies.com. Despite being marketed for Zones 1/2/21/22, its unsafe design risks causing fatal explosions in flammable atmospheres.

Why This Matters More Than Ever

The CHERUBIM BCFT-300 fan was sold online via atex-supplies.com, claiming to be safe for Zones 1, 2, 21, and 22—yet it lacked genuine certification and could trigger explosions. This is part of a growing trend:

• Falsified ATEX/IECEx certificates are being used to sell unsafe equipment.

• Unregulated online marketplaces are flooded with hazardous products.

• Cost-driven procurement leads to deadly compromises in safety.

Industry Warning: Rise of Counterfeit ATEX Equipment

Recent reports highlight a surge in fraudulent ATEX-certified products entering the market, including fake fans, lighting, and sensors. These products often

• Use copied certification numbers from legitimate equipment.
• Feature altered labels to mimic genuine compliance.
• Lack proper testing for explosive atmospheres.

Stay Safe: Trust Only Verified ATEX Solutions

• Never compromise on compliance—explosion-proof equipment saves lives.
• Share this alert to raise awareness in your network.

How to Protect Your Workforce

1. Demand Full Certification

   • Verify both electrical AND mechanical compliance

   • Check for BS EN 14986 on fans

   • Confirm ISO 80079 standards are met

2. Validate Through Official Channels

   • Cross-check certificates in EU NANDO database

   • Contact notified bodies directly

3. Beware of Red Flags

   • Prices significantly below market

   • Vague or incomplete documentation

   • Sellers avoiding technical questions

4. Report Suspicious Products

   • EU Safety Gate for European alerts

   • UK Trading Standards for British market

Industry Leaders in the Fight Against Fake ATEX Equipment

A concerning number of ATEX-certified products currently available do not meet essential safety standards. While some components within these products may carry individual certifications, the complete assemblies often lack proper testing and compliance.

Key Concerns:

• Products marketed as ATEX-certified without meeting BS EN 14986:2017 requirements for mechanical safety

• Incomplete compliance with ISO 80079-36 and -37 standards

• Certificates that only validate electrical components, not full assemblies

• Genuine risk of ignition when used in explosive atmospheres

The lower cost of non-compliant equipment represents a false economy, as these products may fail dangerously in hazardous environments. Responsible procurement requires thorough verification of all relevant certifications before purchase and use.

EXPERTS IN EQUIPMENT FOR EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERES

LEADERS IN ATEX INNOVATION TO THE HAZARDOUS AREA INDUSTRIES

Specialist Distributors of Electrical Heating, Lighting, Power & Process Instrumentation Equipment with ATEX IECEx Certification and DSEAR Regulatory Compliance to deliver significant safety and reliability improvements in the Industrial, Explosive Atmosphere & Energy sectors. Based in the UK, we are highly customer responsive and absolutely committed to providing a world-class service.

Since 1985, we have provided expert technical support and express delivery from extensive UK stocks to worldwide destinations.

Hazardous Area Explosive Atmospheres

How to Identify Fake ATEX-Certified Equipment: 5 Expert-Backed Tips

In environments where explosive atmospheres are a real risk, the use of compliant, genuine ATEX-certified equipment is critical—not only for operational safety but also for regulatory adherence. Unfortunately, fake ATEX products are increasingly entering global markets, putting lives, assets, and reputations at serious risk.

Below are five practical and experience-based checks you can carry out to verify the authenticity of ATEX-labelled equipment.

1. Scrutinise the Equipment Label for Accuracy

Start with the most accessible detail: the equipment label.

Ask yourself:

• Does the text look professionally formatted?

• Is all the expected information present and clearly spaced?

• Is the ATEX coding (e.g., II 2 G Ex d IIC T6 Gb) accurate and legible?

• Does the CE or UKCA marking look legitimate and correctly placed?

Poor-quality printing, missing details, and odd spacing are early warning signs. Falsely certified manufacturers often neglect small but crucial formatting standards.

2. Match the Certification to the Equipment

Always verify the ATEX certification against the product details. A genuine certificate should:

• Clearly match the model and product type

• Be issued by a recognised Notified Body (EU) or UK Approved Body

• Include verifiable certificate numbers

Use public databases or reach out directly to the issuing body to cross-check certifications. Any mismatch could indicate a forgery.

3. Look for Dual Certification (ATEX and IECEx)

Many reputable manufacturers obtain dual certification—both ATEX and IECEx—to support global market access. While not mandatory, this adds credibility.

If a product claims both certifications:

• Verify each independently

• Ensure consistency across all certification numbers and product details

Absence of dual certification doesn’t necessarily mean a product is fake, but its presence, when valid, often reinforces authenticity.

4. Evaluate the Equipment’s Build Quality

Poor craftsmanship is often a hallmark of fake equipment.

Ask:

• Does the build quality reflect its stated rating?

• Are the materials and finishes consistent with hazardous area requirements?

• Are there visible defects or signs of substandard manufacturing?

Inconsistent quality or a “cheap” feel should prompt further due diligence. If the physical product raises concerns, do not install it without rigorous verification.

5. Investigate the Manufacturer’s Legitimacy

Conduct a background check on the manufacturer:

• Visit the company’s website. Does it reflect a legitimate operation that manufactures ATEX-compliant products?

• Is there sufficient technical documentation, product data, or contact information?

• Are there press releases, case studies, or recognisable industry affiliations?

• Have they been referenced by trusted suppliers?

A lack of transparency or absence from trusted directories should raise suspicion. Always use multiple sources to confirm legitimacy.

The threat of fake ATEX equipment is real and growing. However, by applying these five practical checks, ranging from label scrutiny to manufacturer due diligence, you can mitigate the risks and maintain full compliance in explosive atmospheres.

Stay vigilant, stay compliant, and always verify.

THORNE & DERRICK

Thorne & Derrick International are UK based and are the leading specialist distributors of LV, MV and HV cable accessories and tooling from 600V to 132kV complemented by an extensive range of hazardous area certified electrical equipment (ATEX and IECEx) to provide compliant, safe and optimised power, heating and lighting. Thorne and Derrick International supports critical infrastructure projects across power, utilities, rail, construction, oil & gas, marine, and process industries. With over 40 years of industry expertise, Thorne & Derrick International delivers trusted products, technical support, and tailored solutions to meet the evolving needs of the energy and industrial process markets. Thorne & Derrick is committed to building future-ready capabilities through apprenticeship programmes that nurture talent, drive performance, and close the skills gap in our industry.

Heat Loss Calculations & Thermal Efficiency Services

Thorne & Derrick are leading distributors and stockists of the Eltherm range of electrical heat tracing systems and components, engineered for industrial, commercial, and hazardous area applications.

Eltherm is a globally recognised manufacturer of innovative heating solutions, specialising in ATEX-certified heat tracing technology designed to:

• Maintain process temperatures

• Prevent freezing

• Provide thermal protection in mission-critical environments

Expert advice for Heat Tracing Applications

Our team of trained sales engineers is available to support your heat tracing needs — from designing complex, multi-kilometre systems for major projects to supplying custom heating cable kits for plant winterisation and factory applications.

We supply Eltherm’s extensive range of ATEX, IECEx, and UKEX-certified heat tracing products & Hazardous Area Electrical Heating Solutions, suitable for installation in:

• Zone 1 and Zone 2 hazardous areas

• UL/CSA Class I Division 1 & 2 (C1D1/C1D2) classifications

We serve industries such as oil & gas, chemicals, food & beverage, and water treatment, offering tailored, compliant, and energy-efficient solutions.

Why Is a Heat Loss Calculation Important?

Uncontrolled heat loss can lead to:

• Temperature instability
• Higher energy consumption
• Reduced system efficiency and safety risks

What Is a Heat Loss Calculation?

A heat loss calculation determines the rate at which heat escapes from a system to its surrounding environment. Key factors include:

✅ Material composition
✅ Surface area exposure
✅ Ambient and internal temperatures
✅ Insulation properties
✅ Environmental conditions (e.g., wind, humidity, altitude)

Our heat loss calculation services include:

IBC & Drum Heating
Maintain optimal temperatures for viscous fluids such as bitumen, oils, and chemicals — preventing crystallisation or degradation.

Pipework & Valve Trace Heating
Protect pipelines from freezing and maintain flow during cold conditions.

Tank & Vessel Heating
Ensure critical storage tank temperatures in sectors like food processing, pharmaceuticals, and petrochemicals.

Hazardous Area Heating
ATEX/IECEx certified heat tracing for safe operation in explosive gas and dust environments.

Engineering-Led Support

What sets Thorne & Derrick apart?

✔️ Decades of experience
✔️ In-house technical support
✔️ Certified ATEX/IECEx solutions
✔️ Fast, responsive design-to-delivery service

Thorne & Derrick

With over 35 years of experience, Thorne & Derrick are trusted specialists in electrical, mechanical, and process safety equipment for explosive and industrial environments. We offer:

• Innovative heating, lighting, and power systems

• Expertise in hazardous area compliance

• Support for global clients across oil & gas, petrochemicals, water treatment, and manufacturing