ATEX Certification: Ensuring Safety in Hazardous Environments
In today's highly advanced and interconnected world, industries like oil & gas, chemical and petrochemical have achieved remarkable strides in enhancing efficiency and productivity. However, these sectors primarily operate in challenging and hazardous environments characterised by the presence of flammable gases, vapours, and dust particles. Ensuring safety in such conditions is of utmost importance, and one crucial aspect that plays a significant role in enabling a safe working environment is the ATEX certification.
This certification, established in accordance with the strict European Union guidelines, sets standards for equipment and protective systems intended for use in explosive atmospheres. By adhering to ATEX regulations, companies can mitigate risks, protect human life, and safeguard valuable assets, ensuring operations proceed smoothly and securely.
Understanding ATEX Certification
ATEX (ATmosphères EXplosibles) is a comprehensive certification standard that was originally developed in the European Union to meticulously regulate equipment and protective systems designed for usage in potentially explosive atmospheres. This certification guarantees that devices, machinery, and components not only comply with stringent safety requirements but also undergo rigorous testing to minimise the risk of explosions or fires in hazardous environments. By setting the bar high in terms of safety, ATEX ensures utmost protection and peace of mind in potentially volatile settings.
Zone Classifications
ATEX certification classifies hazardous environments into distinct zones, determined by the frequency and duration of explosive atmospheres' presence. These zone are:
- Zone 0: In this zone, an explosive atmosphere is present continuously or for long periods. Equipment designed for Zone 0 environments must possess the highest level of protection to prevent ignition.
- Zone 1: Explosive atmospheres are likely to occur during normal operations. Equipment used in Zone 1 areas must be suitably designed and certified to prevent ignition under such conditions.
- Zone 2: Explosive atmospheres are less likely to occur, and if they do, they are of short duration. Devices intended for Zone 2 must still be constructed to prevent ignition but with slightly relaxed requirements compared to Zone 1.
Zone 2 Requirements
For devices to achieve ATEX certification for Zone 2, they must meet stringent criteria:
- Enclosure and Housing: Devices must feature robust construction with well-sealed enclosures to prevent the ingress of potentially explosive substances.
- Temperature Limits: All components must operate within prescribed temperature limits to avoid generating sparks or excessive heat.
- Electrical and Mechanical Design: Wiring and internal components should be designed to minimise the risk of sparks or ignition.
- Testing and Certification: Devices undergo thorough testing to ensure they meet the specified safety standards for Zone 2 environments.
ATEX vs. IP Rating
While ATEX certification specifically concentrates on preventing explosions in hazardous atmospheres, the Ingress Protection (IP) rating system assesses a device's resistance to solid particles and liquids, covering a broader range of environmental factors. It is worth noting that IP ratings, although comprehensive, do not directly address explosion risks, making ATEX certification more suitable and imperative for environments where explosive hazards exist. Therefore, it is crucial to consider both ATEX certification and IP ratings when selecting equipment for hazardous environments to ensure optimal safety and functionality.
Industries Requiring ATEX Zone 2 Certified Devices
ATEX Zone 2 certified devices play a crucial role in various sectors, ensuring safety and preventing potential hazards in environments where explosive atmospheres are less likely but still possible. These industries rely on such devices to maintain operational efficiency while adhering to stringent safety standards. Here are some key sectors and industries that require ATEX Zone 2 certified devices:
- Oil and Gas Industry: The primary sector relies heavily on ATEX Zone 2 certified devices. These devices are essential due to the presence of flammable gases and vapours throughout drilling, refining, storage, and transportation processes.
- Chemical Industry: Chemical facilities can greatly benefit from employing ATEX Zone 2 certified devices. These devices effectively mitigate the risks of explosions during routine operations, ensuring enhanced safety measures throughout production, handling, and storage processes.
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: In pharmaceutical plants, the utilisation of volatile substances necessitates the usage of ATEX Zone 2 certified devices. This imperative measure ensures the safety of workers and mitigates the risk of potential explosions.
- Food and Beverage Processing: Industries engaged in food processing and packaging may require the use of ATEX Zone 2 certified devices to ensure compliance with safety standards when dealing with combustible dust and vapours. Adopting such measures is crucial to maintain a secure operational environment.
- Paint and Coatings Manufacturing: ATEX Zone 2 certified devices are vital in facilities that handle paints, solvents, and coatings due to the potential explosion risks associated with these substances.
- Wastewater Treatment: To ensure compliance with safety regulations, treatment plants handling wastewater, sewage, and other hazardous substances must utilise devices that are certified for ATEX Zone 2. This certification guarantees utmost safety while maintaining the intended meaning and purpose.
- Mining Industry: Flammable gases and dust particles commonly exist within mines, amplifying the importance of employing ATEX Zone 2 certified devices. These devices play a critical role in ensuring effective communication, monitoring, and safety measures are in place.
- Power Generation: To ensure safe operation, power plants utilising diverse energy sources may necessitate the use of ATEX Zone 2 certified devices, especially in locations where combustible substances are present. This precautionary measure is crucial for maintaining security and mitigating potential hazards.
- Petrochemical Industry: Petrochemical facilities involved in the refining and processing of hydrocarbons, much like the oil and gas sector, derive advantages from the utilisation of ATEX Zone 2 certified devices.
- Agricultural and Farming: Environments where flammable gases and vapours are present, such as storage areas for agricultural chemicals and fuel, can utilise ATEX Zone 2 certified devices.
- Textile Manufacturing: In the textile industry, there are specific processes that involve combustible materials. For this reason, it is crucial to prioritise the use of ATEX Zone 2 certified devices to ensure a safe working environment is maintained.
- Transportation and Logistics: Locations like fuel storage depots, warehouses, and distribution centres may require ATEX Zone 2 certified devices to ensure safety during handling and storage of hazardous substances.
- Aerospace Industry: The use of ATEX Zone 2 certified devices is essential in aerospace manufacturing where volatile materials are involved. This ensures safety and compliance while maintaining high standards of operation.
Rugged Mobile Devices in the Hazardous Industry
Rugged mobile devices are essential tools for maintaining communication, monitoring processes, and ensuring worker safety. These devices, often used in Zone 2 environments, require ATEX certification to guarantee their safe operation. Features of ATEX-certified rugged mobile devices include:
- Durability: Rugged devices are designed to withstand harsh conditions, such as extreme temperatures, humidity, and mechanical stress.
- Sealing: ATEX-certified devices have robust sealing mechanisms to prevent the entry of hazardous substances.
- Intrinsically Safe Design: These devices are engineered to prevent sparking or overheating, reducing the risk of ignition.
- Battery Safety: Batteries used in ATEX-certified devices are designed to minimise the potential for energy discharge that could cause ignition.
- Emergency Communication: Rugged mobile devices enable workers to stay connected, call for help, or report incidents promptly, enhancing overall safety.
The presence of ATEX certification is crucial for maintaining safety in hazardous environments. ATEX-certified rugged mobile devices are indispensable tools, allowing workers to communicate, monitor, and collaborate efficiently while mitigating risks in potentially explosive atmospheres. With technological advancements, the integration of Conker ATEX-certified devices into industrial processes significantly enhances both worker safety and overall operational efficiency.
Conker Rugged Devices
Conker is a leading provider of rugged devices that are designed to withstand tough environments and challenging conditions. Our devices are built to withstand drops, vibrations, extreme temperatures, and exposure to water and dust, making them ideal for use in industrial, commercial, and outdoor settings. Conker devices are also highly customizable, with a range of accessories and add-ons available to meet the specific needs of different industries and applications.
One important feature of Conker's rugged devices has been their IP rating. Building on the popularity and success of the IP67 rated SX50 2D, Conker is proud to introduce an ATEX rated device, the SX50 EX, that not only a high degree of protection against dust, water, and other environmental hazards but is covered by ATEX Zone 2 certification. This makes them well-suited for use in environments where dust, water, and where explosive atmospheres are less likely but still possible, such as oil & gas, chemical and mining industry.
To find the right rugged device with the perfect amount of ruggedness for your business get in touch with us today.
What would you like to do now?
About Conker
Founded in 2008, Conker is a British producer of business-rugged tablets, touch screens, and mobile devices, providing durable and reliable systems for successful digital transformation. The firm’s consultative approach delivers fit-for-purpose solutions that improve productivity and streamline business processes, supported by its easy-to-work-with UK-based service team. Customers include Eastern Forklift Trucks Limited and the food waste company, Winnow Solutions. Conker has a partnership with Fusion UEM by VXL and intends to expand its technology partnerships.
Led by founder and CEO, James Summers, Conker’s collaborative approach now empowers mobile workers to measurably improve productivity and make their lives easier by automating the mundane and streamlining business processes. The business has received recognition within The Financial Times’ FT 1000: Europe's Fastest-Growing Companies (2018) and Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500 (2017). The company legally trades as Tablet Technologies Ltd. For more information visit: https://www.weareconker.com
The Ingress Protection Rating: Why And Where It Matters
| IN THE NEWS |
IP ratings
What is an Ingress Protection Rating and why is Rugged Testing crucial? Get to know why these features are imperative for your business devices - no matter what industry you are in.
In today’s fast-paced and technology-driven world, electronic devices have become an essential part of every business operation. However, not all devices are created equal, and not all can withstand the harsh environments of various industries. This is where ingress protection and rugged testing come into play. Ingress protection rating refers to the level of protection that a device offers against solids and liquids, while rugged testing ensures that a device can withstand extreme conditions such as drops, vibrations, and temperature changes.
In this article, we will explore the importance of IP rating and rugged testing for your business devices, regardless of the industry. We will examine how a device’s ability to withstand harsh conditions can significantly impact a business’s productivity, efficiency, and bottom line. So, let’s dive in and discover why these features are crucial for any device in today’s fast-paced and demanding business world.
How Ingress Protection Rating Plays An Important Role
What sets rugged devices apart from standard consumer products is their ability to take a beating while on the job. These devices are made to meet the demands of the harshest work environments. As a result, you will expect that rugged devices pass specific ruggedness tests.
Electronics devices typically cannot tolerate wet and dirty contaminants, especially when it comes close to their crucial parts and system. Any dust or water entering an electronic enclosure will eventually cause damage. The harm can vary; for example, dust built up may cause some layers to be insulated and overheat. If dirt inserts between surfaces, it may cause poor conductance and create problems for connectors and switches.
Dust is not the only problem, though. Water and moisture buildup can cause numerous issues to delicate microcircuits. A business where devices are exposed to the mercy of the weather or wet environments risk device failure sooner than later.
Ingress protection rating is critical because it allows users to gauge how safe it is to use certain devices in specific environments and applications.
Why Does Ingress Protection Play An Important Role?
What sets rugged devices apart from standard consumer products is their ability to withstand the harshest work environments. These devices are designed to take a beating while on the job and to pass specific ruggedness tests to ensure their durability. However, in addition to physical stress, electronic devices can also be partially or fully resistant to dust and water contaminants that can cause significant damage to their internal components.
Dust and other solid objects can be particularly harmful to electronic devices. When particles build up, they can create insulation layers that cause the device to overheat. Additionally, dust can cause poor conductance, leading to problems with connectors and switches. That is why the ingress protection rating is critical. It allows users to gauge how well a device is protected from total dust and water.
Water and moisture can also wreak havoc on electronic devices. Devices with good a IP rating have liquid ingress protection. Continuous immersion, high-pressure water jets, or high-temperature spray-downs are not a problem. This is particularly important for businesses that operate in wet or humid environments where devices are exposed to moisture regularly.
Ingress protection plays a crucial role in ensuring the reliability and durability of electronic devices in harsh work environments. It provides a standard way to measure a device’s ability to resist damage from solid objects and water, offering complete protection to sensitive internal components. By selecting a device with a high IP rating, businesses can ensure that their electronic devices are better equipped to handle the challenges of a job, ultimately leading to increased productivity and efficiency.
Explaining Ingress Protection Rating
In a previous blog, we outlined everything related to IP Ratings which can be viewed here.
An Ingress Protection rating indicates how resistant a device is to intrusion from water, dust, or any other harmful ingress. This rating system is developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission’s (IEC’s) Technical Committee 70 to define an electronic device’s levels of sealing effectiveness against foreign bodies.
Ingress Protection Ratings are considered an international standard. Unlike vague terminology including “waterproof”, an IP rating is made to be more specific. This combination of letters and numbers indicates the protection level of a device.
Measuring Ingress Protection Rating
IP Ratings are straightforward. The letters’ IP’ are always followed by two numbers which indicate the degree of protection a device offers. The first number shows the level of protection against solids, and the second number shows the level of protection against liquids. A third letter that describes other information can also be included but is most often not.
Why IP Ratings Matter
For a device to have an ingress protection rating, it must pass testing by an independent and certified company. The testing company will then assign a numerical IP Rating to the device. This shows users how well the item is protected against foreign objects.
With an IP rating, users will be able to use a product in certain environments confidently. It offers an assurance that the product can withstand winds, heavy use, extreme environments, changing weather, and more.
Using IP Rated products such as rugged devices means that the users are fully aware of its protective measures – or lack thereof. This improves the total cost of ownership and increases the overall safety of the users and devices.
Additionally, a user of IP Rated equipment is fully aware of its protective measures (or lack thereof), so they can work more safely, with less risk of injury to themselves or damage to the equipment. One thing that users need to understand is that ignoring IP ratings can mean instant damage to their devices.
Measuring Ingress Protection Rating
All of Conker’s rugged tablets are fully rugged tablets with an IP65 rating or above. These devices are dust-proof and can handle low-pressure water jets from any direction. Conker’s rugged devices are designed to provide complete protection against the elements, making them ideal for businesses in a variety of industries. With Conker’s devices, businesses can rest assured that their technology investments will last longer and operate more reliably than standard consumer products.
A perfect example is a dusty packaging area for food products. Fine dust and particulates can create problems with your device’s components. Rugged devices are ideal for these environments versus regular commercial devices because every part of the device is dustproof.
The same goes for companies operating where water or moisture may cause problems to the devices. For example, the utility industry requires workers to be out in the open where sudden weather changes may cause rains or drizzle. This is where an IP rating of 65 and higher comes into play as it offers water resistance.
Conker NS82
The Conker NS82 is of the top choices for businesses out there that are completely reliant on their devices. No matter what the industry. This powerful Windows 10 tablet will help team members complete tasks quickly and efficiently. With an IP65 Rating, the Conker NS82 is dust-tight and can withstand low-pressure jets of water. This device is an all-in-one rugged tablet that provides your team with the best computing and data-collecting power required for daily operations.
Conker SX50
For businesses that rely on Android devices, the rugged Conker SX50 is the best handheld in the market. To improve business efficiency, the Conker SX50 2D rugged tablet with fingerprint sensor is any business’ best option. It comes with an IP67 rating and extended battery life having a 4,000 mAh capacity, allowing teams to work for long periods without needing to charge consistently. The Conker SX50 2D is robust enough to be used in the most demanding work environments.
Fit For Purpose Solutions
Conker understands the value of durability, device longevity, and uptime. That is why, Conker works endlessly to ensure that devices are fit-for-purpose, not just rugged. Solutions require more than just technology. That is why we build devices that are adapted to your specific business needs. To start empowering your mobile workforce today, contact Conker and see what rugged solutions are best for your operations.
Understanding Ingress Protection Rating and Rugged Testing will help you decide which device is perfect for your operations. Dust and liquids will always be bad for electronic devices, keeping them out is crucial to extending your device’s lifespan, so always check these numbers before making a purchase.
Understanding Rugged Devices and IP Ratings
In the past decade, rugged devices are finally getting the recognition they deserve. After all, these powerful tools are made to provide the right solutions for common mobile workforce challenges. Rugged devices have all the functionality of a consumer tablet or mobile phone and more. These devices also come with additional features which make it possible to work under compromising environmental conditions.
In this article, we will take a look at rugged devices and IP ratings. We will also review why rugged mobile devices are great for business use, particularly for companies that require data mobility in challenging working environments.
To understand the true definition of rugged devices, let’s start by defining what an IP rating is. An IP rating determines how resistant a device is to environmental elements such as dust and water. IP ratings consist of two numbers: The first number represents protection from solid objects such as dust particles; while the second number shows the device’s water resistance. For example, an IP68 rating means that a device is completely dust-proof and can withstand immersion in water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. If either of the numbers is an "X" or a "0" it means there is no rating.
Rugged devices are engineered with special components and materials to increase their durability and longevity in harsh environments. These devices also come with additional features such as shock and vibration resistance, greater temperature tolerance, and higher drop protection. As a result, rugged devices can be used in any environment to ensure maximum product reliability. However these other environmental factors are NOT represented in the IP rating. As an increasing number of consumer devices carry an IP rating it's important to understand what an IP rating tells you about the device but also to be aware that operating temperature range, shock (e.g. drop) and vibration (e.g. use on a vehicle or fixed to operating machinery) are rarely if ever cover by consumer products. These factors should be detailed on the datasheets of any rugged device.
Defining Rugged Devices and IP Ratings
What is a Rugged Device?
A rugged device is a type of hardware designed especially to tolerate the harshest of environments. For example, exposure to extreme temperatures, shocks, drops, water, and dust should no longer be a reason for device failure in businesses. As access to data is crucial for businesses across many industries, from logistics to retail and construction as well as emergency services, rugged devices have become THE solution to downtime and device breakages.
Types of Rugged Devices
Generally, there are three levels of ruggedness: semi-rugged devices, fully-rugged devices, and ultra-rugged devices. These three levels are measured according to how much exposure a mobile device can endure:
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Semi-rugged devices – These are an enhanced form of commercial off-the-shelf hardware (COTS). This means that all the parts of the device are the same but are augmented for better protection.
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Fully rugged devices – These devices are designed from the inside out to work in the most extreme conditions. Fully rugged devices are durable, resistant to shocks, drops, and vibrations, waterproof, and dust resistant. For example, a fully-rugged tablet may have a toughened screen, a thicker case, and an ultra-resistant hard drive.
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Ultra-rugged devices – These devices are designed specifically for military use. Military-Grade or Military Standard ultra-rugged devices can survive under the most extreme conditions.
Industries that Benefit from Rugged Devices and their Key Benefits
From extreme temperatures to dusty environments, wet conditions, and then back to the office again, rugged devices are built to last. They can tolerate a range of hazards including exposure to fluids, extreme vibrations, and more.
These devices are becoming increasingly popular across a multitude of industries, allowing device longevity and greater levels of productivity without compromising functionality.
Some of the industries that will benefit when using rugged devices are:
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Construction and building
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Engineering
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Automotive
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Manufacturing
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Healthcare
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Transport
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Warehouse and logistics
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Public sector
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Education
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Hospitality and Leisure
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Utilities and Services
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Retail
Durability
Rugged tablets play an integral role in many industries, this can be put down to their durability and ability to perform even in the harshest environments. In manufacturing, for example, employees from all operational levels can benefit from being equipped with rugged mobile devices as tasks such as record keeping, inventory management, customer interaction, communication, and even transactions can be handled more efficiently. This is because they can withstand the tough conditions of the factory, production line, or warehouse.
Conker rugged devices come with numerous benefits including dust resistance, long battery life, water resistant, and excellent support.
Inventory Management
For the warehouse and logistics industry, rugged devices are fundamental. Without these IP-rated mobile devices, failures and breakages would quickly occur. This would hinder productivity and impact negatively on inventory management. But through the power of rugged and the right set of applications, such processes are made substantially more efficient.
Public Sector use
Those working in emergency services – whether it’s the police, ambulance, or fire services – consider rugged mobile devices to be a necessity. When it comes to working in the field of public safety, the availability of critical communication, access to real-time data and durability is key.
Different IP Ratings Explored
Rugged mobile devices are built to meet more than the minimum standard features that commercial or consumer devices have. Still, not all rugged devices are made the same. A true rugged tablet or mobile phone must be able to demonstrate its durability in both field and laboratory testing. The two methods of testing that determine the “ruggedness” of a device are the MIL-STD-810: Environmental Engineering Considerations and Laboratory Tests and the Ingress Protection (IP) rating system.
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MIL-STD-810 – To be MIL-STD-810 compliant, technology must have endured a series of tests designed by the US military to assess tolerance under, particularly harsh settings. These methods of testing are extensive and cover a wide range of situations and conditions.
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IP Rating – Also known as International Protection Ratings, this is an international standard of EN 60529 (British BS EN 60529:1992). The standard is utilized to define the levels of sealing effectiveness of an electrical device against foreign materials such as water, dust, dirt, and moisture, which may damage internal parts.
Technology must have a minimum rating of IP54 to be considered “fully rugged”. This means a rugged device can endure exposure to dirt or dust, with some water resistance. However, in industries where greater levels of protection against shock, water, and dust are required, for example in manufacturing, utilities, and engineering, a higher IP rating is recommended for more robust rugged devices.
An IP rating of IP65 and above ensures that the device can completely withstand dust, dirt, and water contact. It can also survive when exposed to low-impact pressure water jets for up to 15 minutes. Furthermore, devices with this IP rating will also withstand a meter drop.
For working environments that are unpredictable when it comes to weather, like a construction site, a higher IP rating, such as IP67 may be required. This protects against up to 1 meter of water submersion for 30 minutes.
As technology becomes more integral to the way businesses are run, so does the need for reliable Mobile devices that can withstand the most difficult working conditions. Thanks to the advances in technology today, rugged devices are readily available and often the standard choice for businesses across an array of industries worldwide.
Conker Rugged Devices
Conker is a leading provider of rugged devices that are designed to withstand tough environments and challenging conditions. Our devices are built to withstand drops, vibrations, extreme temperatures, and exposure to water and dust, making them ideal for use in industrial, commercial, and outdoor settings. Conker devices are also highly customizable, with a range of accessories and add-ons available to meet the specific needs of different industries and applications.
One important feature of Conker's rugged devices is their IP rating. Conker devices have IP ratings ranging from IP65 (the SX82) to IP67 (the SX50 2D), indicating a high degree of protection against dust, water, and other environmental hazards. This makes them well-suited for use in environments where dust, water, and other contaminants are present, such as warehouses, manufacturing plants, and construction sites.
To find the right rugged device with the perfect amount of ruggedness for your business get in touch with us today.
What would you like to do now?
About Conker
Founded in 2008, Conker is a British producer of business-rugged tablets, touch screens, and mobile devices, providing durable and reliable systems for successful digital transformation. The firm’s consultative approach delivers fit-for-purpose solutions that improve productivity and streamline business processes, supported by its easy-to-work-with UK-based service team. Customers include Eastern Forklift Trucks Limited and the food waste company, Winnow Solutions. Conker has a partnership with Fusion UEM by VXL and intends to expand its technology partnerships.
Led by founder and CEO, James Summers, Conker’s collaborative approach now empowers mobile workers to measurably improve productivity and make their lives easier by automating the mundane and streamlining business processes. The business has received recognition within The Financial Times’ FT 1000: Europe's Fastest-Growing Companies (2018) and Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500 (2017). The company legally trades as Tablet Technologies Ltd. For more information visit: https://www.weareconker.com