Field and mobile workers have high demands on their explosion-proof tablets. Rugged tablet PCs have long been indispensable in potentially explosive atmospheres. They enable flexible, mobile working even in harsh industrial environments.
There is a wide range of devices to choose from – but having explosion protection certification significantly reduces the market overview. Which manufacturers offer explosion-proof tablets, and what are the key factors when making a selection? We present four leading providers.
Ecom: industrial tablets for a wide range of applications
The Pepperl+Fuchs brand Ecom Instruments offers a wide range of mobile devices for hazardous areas. In addition to cell phones and smartphones, these include explosion-proof tablets based on Android and Windows, including the Tab-Ex and Pad-Ex models for various ATEX zones.
These rugged industrial devices are certified for use in hazardous environments, such as those certified by ATEX or CSA. They are suitable for applications in Zone 2 and offer advanced safety features depending on the model.
Can be used across industries
Ecom's ex-tablets are used in a wide range of industries, including:
✔ Oil and gas industry
✔ Chemical, pharmaceutical and food industries
✔ Aviation and energy supply
The devices enable efficient maintenance and servicing by supporting digital processes directly on site.
Bartec: Robust explosion-proof tablets for professional users
Bartec offers explosion-proof tablet PCs with expandable country approvals. The technical data sheets list certifications for ATEX zones 1/21 or 2/22.
One example is the Agile X – a high-performance industrial tablet that offers reliable performance even in highly sensitive Ex zones. Maintenance technicians, operating personnel, engineers and project managers benefit from the robust design and versatile functions.
For a tablet PC to prove its worth in production or storage halls, vehicles and hazardous environments, it must be resistant to impact, water and dust. Bartec therefore relies on durable hardware with a high protection class.
Getac: Ex-protected tablets with military robustness
Getac is known for its extremely robust rugged tablets, which often meet military standards. Getac also offers high-performance, durable devices with the appropriate certifications for potentially explosive atmospheres.
Getac tablets are optimized for challenging environments:
- ATEX and IECEx certification for Zone 2/22
- IP protection class up to IP67 for dust and water resistance
- High shock and vibration resistance in accordance with military standards
With long battery life, anti-glare displays and high processing power, Getac tablets are particularly suitable for use in extreme working environments, such as on drilling rigs, in refineries or in chemical production..
i.safe MOBILE: Specialist in explosion-proof communication technology
i.safe MOBILE specializes in mobile devices for hazardous environments and offers a wide range of explosion-proof smartphones and tablets. The devices are certified for use in Zone 1/21 and Zone 2/22 and meet international standards such as ATEX, IECEx and CSA.
Key features of the i.safe MOBILE tablets:
✔ Certifications for the highest explosion protection requirements
✔ IP68 protection class for water and dust resistance
✔ Increased impact resistance for harsh industrial environments
✔ High-performance batteries for long periods of use without recharging
i.safe MOBILE tablets are particularly suitable for critical infrastructures, utilities, chemical plants, and the oil and gas sector. Thanks to state-of-the-art communication technology, they enable secure and efficient digital networking in potentially explosive atmospheres.
Which ex-certificate do you need?
Industrial tablets are used in a wide range of applications – from oil rigs to chemical plants and dusty food production environments. Collaborative workers must also remain mobile in potentially explosive zones.
Various factors are crucial when choosing the right tablet.:
- ATEX, IECEx or North American certifications?
- Protection class (IP67/IP68) against dust and water?
- Shock, vibration and temperature resistance?
A robust housing is essential in industrial applications. Ex tablets must not only be explosion-proof, but also mechanically resistant – for safe and long-lasting use in critical environments.