In industries that operate in hazardous environments—such as oil and gas, chemical processing, and mining—selecting the right type of equipment is critical. Devices must be designed to avoid igniting flammable substances, but not all explosion protection methods are the same.
Two of the most common protection concepts are intrinsically safe (IS) and non-incendive (NI). Although they both reduce the risk of ignition, they differ significantly in design, application, and safety standards. This guide breaks down the key differences between intrinsically safe vs non-incendive devices to help you make an informed decision.
What Are Intrinsically Safe and Non-Incendive Devices?
Definition of Intrinsically Safe (IS)
An intrinsically safe device is designed to prevent explosions by limiting the electrical and thermal energy to levels below what is required to ignite a hazardous atmosphere. This protection method ensures that sparks or heat cannot cause combustion—even in the presence of flammable gases or dust.
IS devices comply with standards such as:
IEC 60079-11
ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU
NEC 500/505 (Class I, Division 1/Zone 0/1)
Want to explore top-rated IS-certified gear? View Intrinsically Safe Products →
Definition of Non-Incendive (NI)
Non-incendive devices, on the other hand, are constructed so that under normal operating conditions, they will not ignite hazardous atmospheres. They are not designed for use in environments where explosive conditions may be continuously present, but are acceptable for intermittent hazards.
NI devices follow standards like:
UL 913
CSA C22.2 No. 157
NEC 500 Class I, Division 2
What Are the Key Technical Differences?
Energy Control Mechanisms
IS Devices: Limit available energy at the source and throughout the circuit. This includes strict control of voltage, current, capacitance, and inductance.
NI Devices: Use rugged designs and energy-limiting components that prevent ignition only under normal operation—fault conditions are not considered.
Certification & Testing Standards
| Feature | Intrinsically Safe (IS) | Non-Incendive (NI) |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Limitation | Yes | No (normal operation only) |
| Fault Tolerance | Multiple faults tolerated | No fault conditions assumed |
| Testing Standard | IEC 60079-11, ATEX, NEC 500/505 | UL 913, CSA C22.2 No. 157 |
| Zone/Division Classification | Zone 0/1/2, Div 1/2 | Zone 2, Div 2 only |
Environmental & Use-Case Differences
IS Devices: Approved for Zone 0 (where hazards are continuously present).
NI Devices: Approved only for Zone 2 (hazards present under abnormal conditions).
Why Does the Difference Matter in Real-World Applications?
Choosing the wrong type of equipment for a hazardous area can lead to severe consequences:
Compliance Violations: Using NI in a Zone 0 environment can violate ATEX or OSHA regulations.
Safety Risk: IS equipment is fault-tolerant; NI is not. In failure scenarios, only IS prevents ignition.
Maintenance Procedures: IS devices can be serviced in-place in some cases; NI devices may require shutdown.
Unsure what device fits your hazardous area? Schedule a free call with a safety expert →
How to Choose Between Intrinsically Safe and Non-Incendive for Your Equipment?
Identifying the Hazardous Area Classification
First, assess the classification of your work environment:
| Hazardous Zone/Division | Required Device Type |
|---|---|
| Zone 0 / Div 1 | Intrinsically Safe |
| Zone 1 / Div 1 | Intrinsically Safe |
| Zone 2 / Div 2 | Non-Incendive or IS |
Always consult your safety manager or engineer before deployment.
Functional Requirements & Budget Constraints
IS devices are generally more expensive but support use in the most hazardous areas.
NI devices are more affordable and may suffice for Zone 2/Division 2 installations.
Retrofitting vs New Installations
If you’re upgrading equipment in a Zone 0/1 area, stick with IS.
For newly designated Zone 2 areas, NI could be a compliant, cost-effective solution.
What Are Common Examples of Each?
Typical Intrinsically Safe Equipment
Here are real examples of IS-certified gear available from Intrinsically Safe Store:
| Product Name | Type | Certification/Zone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intrinsically Safe Radio | Two-way Radio | ATEX Zone 1/2 | $347.78 |
| APG KARI Level Float Switch | Level Switch | Intrinsically Safe | $111.35 |
| IS Lantern – Nightstick XPR-5582RX | IS Flashlight | IECEx / ATEX | $441.46 |
| IS Signal Conditioner (Pepperl+Fuchs) | Signal Interface | IEC 60079-11 | $572.00 |
| Gizmo IS Battery Pack | Spare Battery | OEM Certified IS | $65.00 |
Browse our full selection of Intrinsically Safe Radios, IS Flashlights and more.
Typical Non-Incendive (ATEX Zone 2) Equipment
These devices are designed for lower-risk environments like Zone 2 or Division 2:
| Product Name | Type | Certification/Zone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xciel iPhone 14 Case – ATEX Zone 2 | Smartphone Case | ATEX Zone 2 | $837.00 |
| Xciel iPad Mini 6 Case – ATEX Zone 2 | Tablet Case | ATEX Zone 2 | $1,734.50 |
| Explosion Proof Solexy Ethernet Barrier | NI Barrier | ATEX/UL | $766.00 |
| Mini-TAC Pro NI Flashlight | Flashlight | Non-Incendive | $45.00 |
Explore affordable options for Zone 2 like ATEX Zone 2 Smartphone Cases
FAQ
Can an intrinsically safe device also be non-incendive?
No. Devices are designed and tested for one specific protection method. While their function may overlap, certification and compliance are distinct.
Can I use non-incendive devices in Zone 1?
No. Non-incendive equipment is only certified for Zone 2/Division 2 environments. Using it in Zone 1 could result in non-compliance and severe safety risks.
Do both types require calibration or recertification?
Yes, but intervals and procedures differ. IS devices may require more frequent inspection and testing due to their role in higher-risk zones.
Are intrinsically safe devices always more expensive?
Generally, yes. They require more rigorous testing and fault-tolerant design, but they offer greater protection and flexibility.
Do firmware updates affect IS vs NI ratings?
Yes. Any firmware change must be validated to ensure it does not alter the electrical behavior. Updates should only be applied under manufacturer guidance.
Comparison Table: Intrinsically Safe vs Non-Incendive
| Feature | Intrinsically Safe (IS) | Non-Incendive (NI) |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Limitation | Yes | No (design-based) |
| Zone Rating | 0/1/2 | Typically Zone 2 |
| Certification Standards | IEC 60079-11, ATEX, NEC/CEC | UL 913, CSA C22.2 157 |
| Typical Applications | Sensors, transmitters, radios | PCs, instrumentation, lighting |
| Maintenance Impact | Requires certified checks | Simpler checks |
| Relative Cost | Higher | Moderate |
Best Choice by Scenario
Zone 0 or Zone 1: Intrinsically Safe
Zone 2 (low risk): Non-Incendive
High-mobility tools (e.g., radios): IS
Industrial PCs in control rooms: NI
Multi-zone use flexibility: IS
Budget-conscious, fixed install: NI
Need help choosing the right protection level for your project? Get personalized product recommendations →
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between intrinsically safe vs non-incendive technology is vital for maintaining compliance and ensuring safety in hazardous environments. While both serve critical roles in explosion protection, they are not interchangeable.
Choose intrinsically safe for high-risk areas requiring fault tolerance, and non-incendive for stable, Zone 2 applications with fewer hazard conditions.
