Reliable communication is a critical requirement in hazardous industrial environments such as refineries, chemical processing plants, offshore platforms, and manufacturing sites. When explosive gases, vapors, or dusts are present, even basic equipment can become a safety risk. That’s why selecting an ATEX certified horn speaker is essential for public address, alarms, and emergency communication in designated Ex zones.
In this comprehensive guide, we explain how ATEX-certified horn speakers work, what makes them safe, the installation zones they are designed for, and how facilities use them to enhance safety. You’ll find guidance on choosing the right model, an overview of widely recognized high-search-volume speaker lines, and a detailed FAQ to support your communication system planning.
What Is an ATEX Certified Horn Speaker and Why Is It Required in Hazardous Zones?
An ATEX certified horn speaker is a specially engineered loudspeaker designed to operate safely in hazardous areas where explosive atmospheres may be present. These devices comply with ATEX directives that regulate equipment used in Ex zones, ensuring they cannot ignite the surrounding environment.
ATEX-certified horn speakers are required because hazardous environments contain flammable gases, combustible dusts, or ignitable vapors. A standard horn speaker might produce arcs, sparks, or excessive heat, all of which can trigger combustion. ATEX certification ensures that each component — from the enclosure to the cable entries — is designed to prevent ignition, even under fault conditions.
Key Safety Features
Explosion-proof or flameproof housing that contains internal ignition sources
High ingress protection (IP66 or IP67) for dust and water resistance
Temperature-safe components that remain within certified operating limits
Corrosion-resistant materials suitable for offshore and chemical environments
Compliance with ATEX Zones 1, 2, 21, and 22 depending on model
These engineering factors make an ATEX certified horn speaker indispensable in hazardous-area communication systems.
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How Does Industrial Audio Signaling Work in Hazardous Environments?
Industrial audio signaling involves transmitting speech, tones, alarms, and emergency messages loud enough to overcome ambient noise and reach personnel across large or complex areas. In hazardous zones, this becomes even more crucial — clear communication can mean the difference between a controlled shutdown and a serious incident.
Key Components of Industrial Audio Systems
Horn Speakers: Directional, high-output devices for long-range communication
Alarm Sounders: High-decibel devices for emergency and warning signals
Public Address (PA) Systems: Allow central or distributed announcements
Combined Horn + Beacon Units: Provide audio and visual alerts for redundancy
Why Horn Speakers Are Used
Horn speakers are ideal for industrial sites because they:
Deliver high sound pressure levels (SPL)
Cut through ambient noise generated by machinery
Provide directional output for targeted communication
Offer long-range coverage, critical for large outdoor areas
Whether used for daily operational messaging or life-saving emergency alerts, horn speakers form the backbone of industrial audio systems.
What ATEX Zones Are Horn Speakers Designed For?
Understanding hazardous-area classifications is essential when selecting an ATEX certified horn speaker. ATEX divides hazardous locations into zones based on the likelihood and frequency of explosive atmospheres.
Gas Atmospheres
Zone 0: Continuous presence of explosive gas
Zone 1: Likely presence during normal operation
Zone 2: Unlikely presence, and if present, short-lived
Dust Atmospheres
Zone 20: Continuous or frequent presence of combustible dust
Zone 21: Likely presence during normal operation
Zone 22: Unlikely presence and short-lived
Most ATEX horn speakers are designed for Zones 1, 2, 21, and 22, where emergency communication systems must remain fully safe and operational. They are not typically used in Zones 0 or 20 because those areas require intrinsically safe equipment with extremely low power levels — not the high-output performance of a horn speaker.
Need a refresher on hazardous area zones and certifications?
Make sure your horn speakers match the right ATEX/IECEx zone and Class I Division requirements before you design your system.
Which ATEX Certified Horn Speakers Are Commonly Used in Industry?
While every facility has unique needs, certain horn speaker families appear frequently in engineering specifications, hazardous-area designs, and online searches. Below are product lines with notably high search interest due to their widespread industrial use.
E2S Warning Signals – BEx Series
The E2S BEx family includes some of the most recognized hazardous-area horn speakers. Models like BExL15 and BExL25 are widely used in oil and gas, petrochemical processing, offshore environments, and large-scale manufacturing. Known for rugged aluminium or GRP construction and high SPL output, they are available in a variety of wattages and configurations.
E2S D-Series Alarm Horns
The D-series is well-known for high-decibel alarm horns used for emergency notification. Many models in the D-series are ATEX-certified and provide loud, clear tones suited for fire alarms, gas detection, and evacuation systems.
INDUSTRONIC DSP Series
INDUSTRONIC’s DSP line offers explosion-proof horn speakers designed for extreme industrial and outdoor environments. These corrosion-resistant speakers are common in petrochemical plants, power stations, offshore rigs, and chemical processing units.
Clifford & Snell Hazardous Area Sounders
Clifford & Snell horn speakers and sounders show consistently high search interest, especially for emergency applications in hazardous zones where multi-tone alarm signaling is needed.
Typical Features of High-Demand ATEX Horn Speakers
15 W to 25 W output options
IP66 or IP67 protection
Marine-grade aluminium or GRP housings
High SPL for long-distance sound projection
100-V line and low-impedance versions
These models are recognizable to engineers, maintenance planners, and safety professionals — and including them helps align your content with real search behavior.
How Do You Choose the Right ATEX Certified Horn Speaker?
Selecting a horn speaker for hazardous environments requires careful consideration of communication needs, coverage areas, environmental conditions, and compliance standards. Below are essential criteria for choosing the right model.
1. Required Output and Coverage
Determine the ambient noise level and coverage area. For example:
Quiet indoor zones: 100–110 dB(A) may suffice
Noisy outdoor refinery zones: 115–130 dB(A) recommended
2. Material and Environmental Resistance
Choose the enclosure material based on your operational environment:
Marine environments: Marine-grade aluminium or GRP
Chemical facilities: Acid-resistant coating or plastic composites
Dusty zones: IP66 or IP67
Humid or washdown areas: Fully sealed connections
3. ATEX Certification Level
Check the certification plate for:
Gas group (IIB, IIC, etc.)
Temperature class (T4, T5, etc.)
Zone suitability (Zone 1/2/21/22)
4. Mounting and Orientation
Horn speakers are directional — incorrect orientation can reduce effectiveness by 30–50%. Consider:
Mounting height
Orientation toward occupied zones
Potential obstructions
Exposure to weather
5. System Compatibility
Determine whether your infrastructure requires:
100-V line PA systems
Low-impedance speakers
Combined audible + visual alarms
Integration with fire detection or gas detection systems
Matching the speaker to your communication infrastructure ensures reliability and performance.
Equip your team to manage alarms safely in the field.
Pair your horn speakers with intrinsically safe tablets, smartphones and headlamps for inspections, testing and emergency response.
Comparison Table: Popular ATEX Certified Horn Speaker Families
| Product Family | Typical Output | Housing | Ingress Protection | Common Industrial Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E2S BEx Series (e.g., BExL15/BExL25) | 15–25 W | Marine-grade aluminium or GRP | IP66/IP67 | Public address, outdoor refinery communication |
| E2S D-Series Alarm Horns | High SPL up to 120–129 dB(A) | GRP or aluminium | IP66/IP67 | Emergency communication, fire alarms |
| INDUSTRONIC DSP Series | 15–25 W | Corrosion-resistant metal | IP67 | Offshore, chemical, heavy industrial environments |
| Clifford & Snell Ex Sounders | 100–120 dB(A) range | Rugged GRP | IP66 | Multi-tone alarms, evacuation alerts |
Best Choice By Scenario
Long-range PA announcements: E2S BEx Series
High-decibel emergency alarms: E2S D-Series
Harsh or corrosive environments: INDUSTRONIC DSP
Evacuation and multi-tone alerting: Clifford & Snell models
These recommendations help facilities choose appropriate solutions aligned with common industry requirements.
What Are Common Refinery and Chemical Plant Applications?
Refineries and chemical plants rely heavily on ATEX certified horn speakers for daily operations and safety-critical communication.
Public Address Systems
Used to broadcast:
Operational instructions
Shift changes
Production updates
Safety reminders
Emergency and Alarm Systems
Horn speakers are integrated with:
Fire detection
Gas leak detection
Emergency shutdown (ESD) systems
Facility-wide evacuation alerts
Hazardous Zone Coverage
Refineries typically place horn speakers in:
Process units
Distillation towers
Compressor buildings
Tank farms
Loading/unloading areas
Control rooms (safe area for monitoring but sounding into hazardous zones)
Dust-Hazard Chemical Plants
Facilities dealing with:
Fertilizers
Plastics
Resins
Pharmaceutical powders
require ATEX speakers to prevent ignition from electrostatic discharge or dust accumulation.
These applications highlight the critical role horn speakers play in protecting personnel and assets.
Not sure which ATEX horn speaker is right for your facility?
Our hazardous-area communication experts can help you specify the correct horn speakers, alarms and enclosures for your Ex zones.
Designing a full alarm system? Combine certified horn speakers with explosion proof enclosures for amplifiers and control equipment.
FAQs About ATEX Certified Horn Speakers
What makes a horn speaker ATEX-certified?
It must meet ATEX design and testing requirements for explosion-proof equipment, including flameproof enclosures, safe temperature ratings, and certified components suitable for specific hazardous zones.
Are ATEX horn speakers used indoors or outdoors?
Both. Their weather-resistant design and high IP ratings allow use in indoor process areas and harsh outdoor industrial locations.
Do horn speakers need maintenance?
Minimal maintenance is required. Periodic inspections ensure the enclosure, mounting hardware, and cable entries remain sealed and undamaged.
Can ATEX horn speakers be part of a fire alarm system?
Yes. Many models are used in fire and gas detection systems, as well as emergency shutdown signaling.
What is the typical lifespan of an ATEX horn speaker?
With proper installation, many models last 10–15 years, especially those built with corrosion-resistant materials.
Conclusion
An ATEX certified horn speaker is essential for public address, alarm signaling, and emergency communication in hazardous industrial environments. Designed to withstand extreme conditions and prevent ignition sources, these speakers protect workers and equipment while meeting regulatory requirements.
Whether your facility is a refinery, chemical plant, offshore rig, or manufacturing site handling flammable materials, selecting the right ATEX horn speaker ensures clear, reliable communication when it matters most. Understanding zone classifications, SPL requirements, environmental conditions, and speaker construction will help you choose the best solution for long-range communication and emergency alerts in Ex zones.
