In high-risk industries such as oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, and petrochemical processing, the presence of explosive gases, vapors, or dust makes it essential to use certified equipment. A single spark from a non-compliant electronic device can trigger a disaster.
To mitigate such risks, Zone 1 certified tablets provide a solution that balances rugged mobility with intrinsic safety. These tablets allow personnel to complete mission-critical tasks — inspections, data capture, communication — without compromising safety.
This guide will break down what Zone 1 certification means, what to look for in a certified tablet, and which products stand out for performance in hazardous environments.
What Does “Zone 1 Certified” Mean?
In the ATEX and IECEx classification systems, hazardous areas are divided into zones based on the frequency and duration of the presence of explosive atmospheres:
Zone 0: Continuous or long periods of explosive gas presence
Zone 1: Likely presence during normal operations
Zone 2: Explosive atmosphere occurs only abnormally or briefly
A Zone 1 certified tablet is built to safely operate in environments where explosive gases are expected to be present during standard processes. These devices are rigorously tested to ensure they won’t cause ignition, even under fault conditions.
Certification bodies for Zone 1 include:
ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU
IECEx Scheme
CSA/UL for North America
Why Are Zone 1 Tablets Critical in Hazardous Environments?
Zone 1 tablets are crucial tools for digital transformation in safety-sensitive fields. They replace paper-based methods and standard electronics with mobile computing that complies with strict safety protocols.
Key advantages include:
Compliance: Avoid regulatory violations and fines
Mobility: Take computing power into the field
Efficiency: Conduct inspections, reporting, and data capture in real-time
Communication: Stay connected via LTE, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth even in restricted areas
Durability: Withstand drops, water, dust, and chemical exposure
These advantages make Zone 1 tablets indispensable for digital workflows in explosive atmospheres.
Key Features to Look for in a Zone 1 Certified Tablet
Intrinsically Safe Design
Intrinsic safety means the device is designed to prevent any spark or heat that could cause ignition. This is achieved through energy-limiting circuits, tight component tolerances, and sealed enclosures.
Operating System Compatibility
Choose a tablet that supports your preferred ecosystem, whether it’s Android (for ease of use and app flexibility) or Windows (for enterprise-level application compatibility).
Rugged Build Quality
Zone 1 tablets must handle the rigors of industrial environments, including:
Drops (MIL-STD-810G or 810H certified)
Water/dust ingress (IP65 to IP68 ratings)
Glove- and wet-touch operability
Extended temperature ranges
Connectivity and Sensor Integration
Ensure the device supports 4G/LTE, GPS, NFC, and Bluetooth. These features are essential for field teams relying on real-time data and location tracking.
Battery Life and Hot Swap
Field operations often last longer than a single charge. A Zone 1 tablet with hot-swappable batteries ensures minimal downtime.
Top Zone 1 Certified Tablets Available Today
Below are top-rated Zone 1 certified tablets available from Intrinsically Safe Store, curated for their safety credentials, usability, and performance.
1. Ecom Tab-Ex® 03 DZ1
Certifications: ATEX Zone 1, IECEx, CSA
Operating System: Android 13
Display: 8″ WUXGA (1920×1200), glove-compatible touchscreen
Unique Features:
Samsung DeX support (mobile/desktop flexibility)
GPS/GLONASS, LTE, and NFC
Replaceable battery with optional charger
Ideal For: Oil & gas fieldwork, refinery inspections, chemical plant reporting
2. i.safe MOBILE IS930.1
Certifications: ATEX Zone 1/21, IECEx
Operating System: Android 13
Display: 8″ capacitive multi-touch, glove-friendly
Unique Features:
Zero-touch deployment (enterprise ready)
Programmable hardware buttons
Android Enterprise support for MDM integration
Ideal For: Maintenance teams, asset tracking, barcode scanning in volatile areas
3. Getac EX80 (Windows)
Certifications: ATEX Zone 1, IECEx
Operating System: Windows 10 Pro
Display: 8.0″ LumiBond® touchscreen, usable with gloves/stylus
Unique Features:
Intrinsically safe stylus
Full suite of Windows desktop applications
Shock-absorbing frame, sunlight-readable display
Ideal For: Engineering, technical drawing review, digital signatures in field audits
Side-by-Side Product Comparison
| Feature | Ecom Tab-Ex® 03 DZ1 | i.safe MOBILE IS930.1 | Getac EX80 (Windows) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certification | ATEX Zone 1, IECEx | ATEX Zone 1/21, IECEx | ATEX Zone 1, IECEx |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 13 | Windows 10 Pro |
| Display | 8″ WUXGA | 8″ capacitive | 8″ LumiBond® |
| Glove Operable | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Camera | 13 MP | 13 MP | 8 MP |
| Connectivity | LTE, NFC, GPS | LTE, NFC, GPS | Wi-Fi, GPS, BT |
| Best For | Field data entry | Asset management | Engineering tasks |
FAQs About Zone 1 Certified Tablets
What is the difference between Zone 1 and Zone 2 tablets?
Zone 1 tablets are certified for environments where explosive gases are likely during normal operations, while Zone 2 is for areas with occasional or abnormal presence of explosive atmospheres. Zone 1 tablets meet stricter safety requirements and can be used in both zones.
Are Zone 1 tablets only for oil and gas industries?
No. While oil and gas is a primary market, Zone 1 tablets are also used in:
Chemical plants
Pharmaceutical manufacturing
Wastewater treatment facilities
Mining
Food and beverage sectors (with explosive dust risks)
Can I use any Android app on a Zone 1 tablet?
Yes, as long as the app does not compromise device performance or introduce cybersecurity risks. Many tablets support Google Play or managed app ecosystems for business applications. Always follow your company’s mobile device management (MDM) policy.
How often do Zone 1 tablets need to be calibrated or inspected?
Hardware inspection intervals depend on usage and manufacturer guidelines. While calibration isn’t typically needed like gas detectors, periodic integrity checks and software updates are recommended to maintain compliance.
What happens if I use a non-certified tablet in Zone 1?
This creates a severe explosion risk. Using non-certified electronics in hazardous environments is a violation of safety regulations and can result in:
Fire or explosion
Equipment damage
Fines and legal liabilities
Insurance issues
Injuries or fatalities
Best Use Cases by Industry
| Industry | Recommended Tablet | Key Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Oil & Gas | Ecom Tab-Ex® 03 DZ1 | Inspection & reporting |
| Utilities & Power | i.safe MOBILE IS930.1 | Digital workflow & safety checks |
| Chemical Manufacturing | Getac EX80 | Engineering & CAD in the field |
| Pharmaceutical | Ecom Tab-Ex® 03 DZ1 | Compliance documentation |
| Mining | IS930.1 | Real-time asset tracking |
Conclusion
For teams working in high-risk environments, a Zone 1 certified tablet is more than just a smart device — it’s a lifeline. These tablets combine rugged engineering, global certifications, and enterprise features to deliver mobile computing where it was once too dangerous to bring any electronics at all.
Whether you need Android flexibility or Windows-based power, there’s a Zone 1 tablet that matches your use case. Investing in certified technology not only ensures safety compliance but also boosts productivity and field data accuracy.
