ATEX Zone Classification Guide for Rugged Mobile Phone Buyers and Users

When working in hazardous environments, safety is your top priority. Understanding ATEX (Atmosphères Explosibles) zone classification helps you choose the right rugged mobile phone for your needs. This guide will explain the different ATEX zones, what they mean, and how they impact your choice of mobile devices.

What is ATEX?

ATEX is a set of regulations designed to ensure that equipment used in explosive atmospheres is safe. The term “ATEX” comes from the French “ATmosphères EXplosibles.” These regulations are crucial for anyone working in environments where flammable gases, vapors, or dust are present.

Zone Classifications

ATEX zones categorize hazardous areas based on the frequency and duration of the presence of an explosive atmosphere. As a general note, Zone 0, 1, and 2 are referred to as Gas and Vapor zones, while Zone 20, 21, and 22 are Dust zone classifications.

Here’s what you need to know about each zone and how it affects your choice of a rugged mobile phone.

Gas and Vapor Zones

Zone 0:

• Definition: An area where an explosive atmosphere is present continuously, for long periods, or frequently.
• Example: Inside a storage tank that holds flammable gas.
• Impact on Phones: For Zone 0, you need a phone that is intrinsically safe, meaning it cannot produce sparks or heat that could ignite the gas. These phones are designed to operate safely in such extreme conditions.

Zone 1:

• Definition: An area where an explosive atmosphere is likely to occur in normal operation occasionally.
• Example: Areas near gas valves or pumps where leaks might happen.
• Impact on Phones: Phones used in Zone 1 must be robust and capable of preventing ignition during normal operation. They should be able to handle occasional exposure to hazardous atmospheres.

Zone 2:

• Definition: An area where an explosive atmosphere is not likely to occur in normal operation but, if it does, will persist for a short period only.
• Example: Areas where gas leaks might occur and are quickly detected and repaired, like around pipelines.
• Impact on Phones: For Zone 2, phones must be safe for use under normal operating conditions and must prevent ignition even if a fault occurs.

Dust Zones

Zone 20:

• Definition: An area where an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust is present continuously, for long periods, or frequently.
• Example: Inside silos storing grain dust.
• Impact on Phones: Phones used in Zone 20 need to be intrinsically safe and designed to prevent ignition in these high-risk areas.

Zone 21:

• Definition: An area where an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust is likely to occur in normal operation occasionally.
• Example: Areas around machinery that handles flour or sugar, where dust can accumulate.
• Impact on Phones: In Zone 21, phones must be capable of operating safely during normal operations and occasional exposure to dust clouds.

Zone 22:

• Definition: An area where an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust is not likely to occur in normal operation, but if it does, it will persist for a short period only.
• Example: Storage areas where dust might accumulate but are cleaned regularly.
• Impact on Phones: Phones for Zone 22 must prevent ignition during normal use and under less severe fault conditions.

Choosing the Right Rugged Mobile Phone

When selecting a rugged mobile phone for use in ATEX zones, look for devices that are certified for the specific zone in which you will be working. The certification ensures that the phone has been tested and proven safe for those conditions.

ATEX Certification Marking

ATEX-certified equipment is marked with specific codes indicating its suitability for different zones. Here’s a breakdown of what these codes mean:

• II 1G Ex ia IIC T4 Ga:
• II: Equipment Group II (for use in areas other than mines).
• 1G: Equipment Category 1 for gas environments (Zone 0).
• Ex: Equipment complies with ATEX.
• ia: Intrinsic safety level “a” (suitable for Zone 0).
• IIC: Gas Group IIC (hydrogen, acetylene).
• T4: Temperature class (maximum surface temperature 135°C).
• Ga: Equipment protection level for gas atmospheres.

Practical Tips

Assess Your Work Environment: Identify the specific zones in your workplace. This will help you determine the level of protection needed for your phone.

Check Certifications: Always check that the phone you are considering is certified for the appropriate ATEX zone. For example, phones for Zone 0 and Zone 20 must be highly secure and intrinsically safe to prevent any ignition sources. Devices for Zone 1 and Zone 21 requires robust safety measures but not as stringent as those for Zone 0 and Zone 20, while phones for Zone 2 and Zone 22: Needs to be safe for use in these environments but can allow for occasional exposure to hazardous conditions.

Consider Durability: Besides ATEX certification, ensure the phone is rugged enough to withstand physical impacts, extreme temperatures, and other harsh conditions typical in industrial environments.

Conclusion

Understanding ATEX zone classification is essential for choosing the right rugged mobile phone for hazardous environments. By selecting a phone that meets the required safety standards, you can ensure safe and reliable communication in areas with explosive atmospheres. Always consult with certified suppliers and manufacturers to ensure compliance with ATEX directives and keep safety at the forefront of your decision-making process.

References

• Health and Safety Executive (HSE): ATEX and explosive atmospheres
• Intrinsically Safe Store: ATEX Zones
• Ecom Instruments: ATEX Explained