Compliance or Catastrophe? The Shocking Truth About Fake ATEX Fans

Published 25 Jun 2025

Compliance or Catastrophe? The Shocking Truth About Fake ATEX Fans

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.

Specification Details Compliance Status Risk Assessment
Product Name CHERUBIM BCFT-300 Portable Explosion Proof Fan Fully Non-Compliant Extreme Hazard
Batch Number 11.2024 Recalled 18/03/2025 Active recall in progress
Technical Specs 110VAC, 190mm blade, 2800r/min, 3300m³/h Untested full assembly Unverified mechanical safety
Certification Claims ATEX Zones 1,2,21,22 Failed Directive 2014/34/EU Fraudulent certification
Sales Channel atex-supplies.com Website under investigation Unauthorised distributor
Country of Origin China No valid EU type-examination Unapproved manufacturing standards
Hazard Type Ignition source in explosive atmospheres Confirmed by EU authorities Can cause fatal explosions
Regulatory Actions • EU-wide ban
• Mandatory recall
• Market withdrawal		 Effective since 18/03/2025 Criminal penalties for non-compliance

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.

Dangerous Industrial FanIndustry 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.

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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.

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