In hazardous industrial environments, the equipment you use must meet strict safety standards to ensure the protection of workers and facilities. One often overlooked but critical piece of equipment is the printer. For operations in explosive atmospheres, standard printers pose ignition risks due to sparks, heat, or electrical malfunctions.
This is where intrinsically safe printers come in. These devices are engineered to eliminate ignition sources, ensuring they can operate safely even in zones with flammable gases, vapors, or dust. In this guide, we’ll explore what makes a printer intrinsically safe, how to choose the right one, and which models are the best fit for various industrial applications.
What Are Intrinsically Safe Printers?
An intrinsically safe printer is a specialized device designed to function in hazardous environments by eliminating risks of ignition. This is achieved by limiting electrical and thermal energy in the device, so even in the event of a fault, the printer cannot trigger an explosion.
These printers are critical for use in industries such as oil and gas, chemical processing, mining, pharmaceuticals, and food manufacturing—essentially anywhere combustible substances are present and safety regulations require explosion-proof equipment.
Why Are Intrinsically Safe Printers Critical in Industrial Settings?
In sectors where flammable substances are present, even a minor spark from a conventional printer can lead to catastrophic outcomes. Traditional printing hardware may contain components that generate heat or emit electrical discharge, both of which are hazardous in explosive atmospheres.
By contrast, intrinsically safe printers are built to conform to rigorous safety standards. These devices ensure continuous operation in compliance with workplace safety codes, protecting both employees and infrastructure.
Failure to comply with hazardous area classification requirements can result in operational shutdowns, legal penalties, and most importantly, endangerment to human lives. Therefore, using certified intrinsically safe devices is not just best practice—it’s mandatory in many regulated industries.
What Certifications Should You Look For?
When choosing an intrinsically safe printer, it’s essential to verify its certification status. The most common and globally recognized standards include:
ATEX Certification
This European directive classifies equipment for use in explosive atmospheres (Zones 0, 1, 2 for gas, and Zones 20, 21, 22 for dust). A printer with ATEX certification ensures it complies with EU safety requirements for explosive atmospheres.
IECEx Certification
The International Electrotechnical Commission System for Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in Explosive Atmospheres (IECEx) offers a global standard. It verifies that the printer is tested and approved for hazardous environments.
NEC and NFPA Compliance (U.S.)
The National Electrical Code (NEC) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) provide classification systems such as Class I, Division 1 and 2 (for gases) and Class II, Division 1 and 2 (for dust). Printers certified under NEC can be safely used in hazardous areas within the U.S.
Additional Labels to Consider
IP Ratings: Ingress Protection against water and dust.
Zone Ratings: To determine specific environments of use (Zone 1, Zone 2, etc.).
Top Intrinsically Safe Printers for Industrial Use
Below are top-tier intrinsically safe printers engineered for reliable performance in explosive environments. These models meet ATEX, IECEx, or equivalent safety standards and are optimized for industrial-grade tasks.
1. BARTEC Intrinsically Safe Barcode Printer
Certifications: ATEX Zone 1 and 2, IECEx
Type: Thermal transfer barcode printer (Zebra ZT111 base)
Key Features:
- Mounted inside a pressurized (Ex p) stainless steel enclosure
- Based on the widely used Zebra ZT111 printer for ease of use and integration
- Equipped for hazardous areas with user-friendly access and purging system
Applications: Best suited for high-risk hazardous zones in oil & gas, petrochemical, and energy sectors where barcode labeling is mission-critical.
2. Pepperl+Fuchs Label Printer Solution
Certifications: ATEX Zone 1/21, Zone 2/22, IECEx
Type: Fully enclosed label printer
Key Features:
Available in multiple configurations (wall, pedestal, tabletop)
Modular design for easy maintenance and upgrade
Optional external operator interface with touchscreen
Applications: Suited for flexible deployment across various environments including pharmaceutical labs, processing plants, and logistics hubs that demand onsite hazardous area labeling.
3. Artidor AR-090 Label Printer
Certifications: Complies with ATEX and IECEx requirements
Type: Stainless steel thermal transfer printer
Key Features:
316-grade stainless steel housing
Cutting mechanism for label customization
Designed for hygienic environments
Applications: Perfect for industries such as pharmaceuticals, food production, and biotechnology, where equipment must withstand both explosive risks and stringent sanitation protocols.
Comparison Table: Intrinsically Safe Printers
| Printer Model | Certifications | Key Features | Ideal Industries |
|---|---|---|---|
| BARTEC Intrinsically Safe Barcode Printer | ATEX Zone 1/2, IECEx | Zebra ZT111, pressurized housing, barcode labeling | Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, Energy |
| Pepperl+Fuchs Label Printer | ATEX Zone 1/21, 2/22, IECEx | Modular enclosure, optional touchscreen | Logistics, Pharmaceuticals, Manufacturing |
| Artidor AR-090 Label Printer | ATEX/IECEx Compliant | Stainless steel, optional cutter | Food, Pharma, Biotech |
Best Intrinsically Safe Printer by Industry
Choosing the right intrinsically safe printer depends on your industry’s specific needs:
Oil & Gas: The BARTEC Ex p Slot-Printer offers rugged protection and system integration for high-risk environments.
Manufacturing & Logistics: The Pepperl+Fuchs solution provides flexibility in configuration and deployment.
Pharmaceutical & Food: The Artidor AR-090 excels in clean environments due to its corrosion-resistant stainless steel housing.
What Should You Consider When Choosing an Intrinsically Safe Printer?
1. Certification Compatibility
Ensure the printer meets all relevant certifications based on your region and industry standards.
2. Environmental Durability
Check for housing material, ingress protection, and resistance to heat or moisture.
3. Mounting Options and Integration
Consider whether the printer can be wall-mounted, integrated into existing systems, or operated remotely.
4. Printing Speed and Volume
Select a printer that meets your throughput requirements without compromising safety.
Industry Statistics on Hazardous Area Equipment Use
According to recent industrial safety studies:
60% of chemical plants require ATEX-certified printing equipment as part of their compliance audit.
85% of oil and gas facilities mandate intrinsically safe devices in Class I, Division 1 zones.
Demand for hazardous area labeling systems has grown 11% annually since 2020, driven by stricter compliance protocols.
Summary of Industry Benchmarks:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Growth rate of hazardous printing demand | 11% annually |
| Usage in Class I, Division 1 facilities | 85% |
| Adoption rate in EU chemical plants | 60% |
| Expected CAGR (2023–2028) | 8.3% |
FAQs About Intrinsically Safe Printers
What makes a printer intrinsically safe?
An intrinsically safe printer is engineered to prevent ignition in explosive environments by limiting energy discharge, both thermal and electrical.
Are intrinsically safe printers required by law?
Yes, many industries operating in hazardous environments must comply with ATEX, IECEx, or NEC regulations, which may mandate the use of certified intrinsically safe equipment.
Can I convert a standard printer to make it intrinsically safe?
No, modifications are not sufficient. Only manufacturers can design and certify devices under applicable safety standards.
Do intrinsically safe printers require special maintenance?
While maintenance is similar to regular printers, it must be performed according to safety guidelines specific to hazardous zones.
Where are intrinsically safe printers commonly used?
They are used in petrochemical plants, pharmaceutical manufacturing, oil rigs, chemical processing facilities, and any area with flammable materials.
Conclusion
Investing in intrinsically safe printers is essential for operational safety, regulatory compliance, and peace of mind in hazardous work environments. With numerous configurations, certifications, and application-specific features, these printers ensure that productivity does not come at the cost of safety.
Whether you’re labeling containers in a chemical plant or managing logistics in a gas refinery, the right intrinsically safe printer ensures reliable performance and protects your team from unnecessary risks.
