Working in explosive or hazardous environments demands the highest safety standards, especially when it comes to electronic equipment. Whether in oil rigs, chemical plants, or mining operations, the wrong device can trigger catastrophic consequences. That is where ATEX intrinsically safe devices come in.
These devices are engineered to prevent sparks and high temperatures, ensuring safe operation in environments where flammable gases, vapors, or dust are present. But what does “ATEX intrinsically safe” actually mean? And how can you ensure your equipment meets the correct certifications?
This guide breaks down the essentials of ATEX certification, intrinsic safety principles, and which devices you can trust to keep your team safe.
Looking for certified equipment? Explore our full collection of ATEX-certified gear designed for hazardous environments.
What Does ATEX Mean?
ATEX stands for “Atmosphères Explosibles,” derived from two European Union directives for controlling explosive atmospheres:
ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU – Applies to equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres
ATEX Directive 1999/92/EC – Focuses on minimum safety requirements for workplaces in explosive atmospheres
When a product is ATEX certified, it has passed rigorous testing to ensure it will not ignite an explosive environment under normal or faulty operating conditions.
What Is Intrinsic Safety?
Intrinsic safety (IS) is a protection method that limits the energy—electrical and thermal—available in a device so that it cannot ignite a hazardous atmosphere.
Rather than using heavy containment, IS devices are designed to:
Limit voltage and current to non-incendiary levels
Prevent short circuits or overheating
Continue safe operation even during faults
This makes IS ideal for industries that use communication, sensing, or lighting equipment in classified areas.
Need help choosing the right device? Talk to an intrinsic safety expert
What Makes a Device ATEX Intrinsically Safe?
A device labeled ATEX intrinsically safe meets both the ATEX directive requirements and follows the intrinsic safety protection concept (usually marked with the symbol “Ex i”).
Here are key indicators that a device qualifies:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| ATEX Zone Rating | Zone 0, 1, or 2 for gas; Zone 20, 21, or 22 for dust |
| Equipment Group | Group I (mining) or Group II (non-mining) |
| Temperature Class (T1–T6) | Indicates maximum surface temperature |
| Marking | Includes symbols like “Ex”, equipment category, gas group, temperature |
| Certificate Number | Issued by a Notified Body |
Example:
A common marking might read:
II 2G Ex ib IIC T4 Gb
This means:
Equipment Group II (non-mining)
Category 2G (high gas protection)
Ex ib (intrinsic safety level “ib”)
IIC (hydrogen or similar gases)
T4 (max surface temp 135°C)
Gb (equipment protection level)
Why Is ATEX Intrinsically Safe Certification Important?
Safety and legal compliance are the two most compelling reasons. Using non-certified devices in explosive atmospheres is not only dangerous—it is illegal in many jurisdictions.
Benefits of using ATEX intrinsically safe devices:
Avoid regulatory fines or shutdowns
Prevent workplace explosions and injuries
Maintain operational uptime with reliable, tested gear
Qualify for insurance in hazardous environment work
Shop with confidence. All our products come with verified certifications.
Which Industries Require ATEX Intrinsically Safe Devices?
Many sectors involve environments where flammable gases or dusts are common. These include:
Oil and Gas
Chemical and Pharmaceutical
Mining
Paint and Coatings
Grain Handling
Wastewater Treatment
Manufacturing and Petrochemical Plants
Industry metric:
According to the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, over 100,000 workplaces in the EU alone are classified as potentially explosive, emphasizing the broad need for ATEX compliance.
What Are the ATEX Zones and How Do They Affect Device Choice?
ATEX zones define how often explosive atmospheres are expected to occur. Your zone determines the level of device protection required.
| Zone | Environment | Typical Device Requirement |
|---|
| Zone 0 | Gas present continuously or long periods | Ex ia (highest intrinsic safety) |
| Zone 1 | Gas likely during normal operation | Ex ib |
| Zone 2 | Gas unlikely or short duration | Ex ic |
| Zone 20 | Dust present continuously | Ex ia |
| Zone 21 | Dust likely during normal operation | Ex ib |
| Zone 22 | Dust unlikely or short duration | Ex ic |
How to Read an ATEX Label?
Understanding an ATEX label ensures you’re using the right device for the right zone. Let’s break one down:
Example Label:
II 1D Ex ia IIIC T135°C Da
II: Non-mining
1D: Zone 20 (Dust), Category 1
Ex ia: Intrinsically safe (two-fault protection)
IIIC: Conductive dust
T135°C: Max surface temp
Da: High protection level for dust
If your operation involves combustible dust like flour or sugar, this is the rating you’d need.
What Are the Top ATEX Intrinsically Safe Devices?
All products listed below are available at the Intrinsically Safe Store and meet ATEX certification requirements for various zones.
Ecom Smart-Ex 02 DZ1
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Certification | ATEX Zone 1, IECEx |
| Device Type | Intrinsically Safe Smartphone |
| Use Case | Oil and Gas, Chemical, Industrial Sites |
| Notable Features | Android OS, LTE, IP68, Gorilla Glass |
| Product Link | View Product |
Nightstick XPP-5422GMX Dual-Light Flashlight
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Certification | ATEX Zone 0, Class I Div 1 |
| Device Type | Intrinsically Safe Flashlight |
| Use Case | Confined spaces, underground work |
| Notable Features | Dual-light mode, magnetic mount, IP67 |
| Product Link | View Product |
i.safe MOBILE IS930.1 Rugged Tablet
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Certification | ATEX Zone 1, IECEx |
| Device Type | Intrinsically Safe Tablet |
| Use Case | Field data capture, inspections, SCADA |
| Notable Features | 8” display, Android 10, replaceable battery |
Sensear SM1P ISDP Intrinsically Safe Headset
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Certification | ATEX Zone 1, IECEx |
| Device Type | Intrinsically Safe Hearing Protection |
| Use Case | High-noise areas with flammable gases |
| Notable Features | Bluetooth, noise suppression, VOX |
| Product Link | View Product |
Best Choice for Each Industry
| Industry | Recommended Device | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Oil and Gas | Ecom Smart-Ex 02 DZ1 | Durable smartphone with Zone 1 certification |
| Mining and Tunnels | Nightstick XPP-5422GMX | Safe for Zone 0, bright dual-light with hands-free use |
| Utilities and Field Ops | IS930.1 Rugged Tablet | Field data capture with robust construction |
| Chemical Plants | Sensear SM1P ISDP Headset | Intrinsically safe hearing protection with comms |
How Do ATEX and IECEx Certifications Compare?
Both ATEX and IECEx aim to ensure device safety in explosive atmospheres, but differ in jurisdiction and process.
| Feature | ATEX | IECEx |
|---|
| Region | European Union | International |
| Legal Mandate | Mandatory in EU | Voluntary (adopted in many regions) |
| Testing Body | Notified Body | IECEx Certification Body |
| Marking Example | II 2G Ex ib IIC T4 Gb | Ex ib IIC T4 Gb |
Many modern devices carry dual certification to serve both markets.
How Do You Know If a Product Is Compliant?
Use this checklist before purchasing:
ATEX Label clearly marked
Notified Body Certificate available (e.g., DEKRA, TÜV)
Manufacturer datasheet includes zone rating and temperature class
Verified listing from a trusted vendor like Intrinsically Safe Store
Conclusion
Choosing the right ATEX intrinsically safe device is essential for maintaining safety and compliance in explosive atmospheres. From rugged communication tools to advanced tablets and flashlights, certified devices help protect both personnel and infrastructure.
Always verify the certification level, understand your ATEX zone, and choose products that align with your operational needs. Intrinsically Safe Store offers one of the most comprehensive collections of ATEX-certified equipment tailored for critical industries.
FAQs About ATEX Intrinsically Safe Devices
What does ATEX intrinsically safe mean?
It refers to equipment that is certified to operate safely in explosive atmospheres by using intrinsic safety methods to prevent ignition.
Are ATEX and IECEx certifications the same?
They are similar in intent but differ by region. ATEX is required in the EU, while IECEx is used internationally. Many devices are certified for both.
Can I use a Zone 2 device in a Zone 1 area?
No. Devices certified for Zone 2 are not safe enough for Zone 1, where explosive gases are more likely to occur.
What is the difference between Ex ia and Ex ib?
Ex ia provides higher protection suitable for Zone 0 environments, while Ex ib is used in Zone 1 settings.
Do I need intrinsically safe equipment in dusty environments?
Yes. Operations in environments with combustible dusts like flour, grain, or chemicals require ATEX-rated equipment for dust zones (20, 21, 22).
