Explosion-proof industrial tablets

Website:getac.com

2. Aegex Technologies

Specializes in intrinsically safe tablets. Its Aegex100M is specified for ATEX/IECEx Zone 1 and Class I, Division 1, with a Zone 0 configuration available using a specified case. This makes it worth considering for higher-risk hazardous locations.aegex.com

Website:aegex.com

3. i.safe MOBILE

A specialist in explosion-protected mobile computing. Its IS945 family is worth investigating, particularly if you need a Windows-based tablet for hazardous industrial workflows. Confirm the exact model's North American approvals and current availability.cssi.com

Website:isafe-mobile.com

4. Exloc Instruments

A specialist supplier offering a range of hazardous-area tablets and explosion-protected enclosures for selected Apple iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab and Microsoft Surface devices. Useful if you want to compare several hardware platforms through one supplier. Verify whether each option is certified as a complete device or uses an approved enclosure.www.exloc.com

Website:exloc.com/collections/tablets

5. Glacier Computer

Offers industrial computing solutions for hazardous locations, including Aegex Class I, Division 1 tablets and other rugged tablet configurations for industrial field operations. A useful option when purchasing through an industrial systems supplier.glaciercomputer.com

Website:glaciercomputer.com

6. Atexxo Manufacturing

Supplies converted and certified tablets, including Samsung-based Android devices and iPad-based solutions for certain hazardous-area classifications. Its range includes solutions intended for Zone 1/21 applications. Check the certification for the complete assembled product and its exact configuration.www.directindustry.com

Website:atex­xo.com

Which supplier should you shortlist?

These are starting points, not a substitute for checking the exact product approval.

What to verify before purchasing

• Location classification: Class I, Division 1 or 2 in North America, or ATEX/IECEx Zone 0, 1 or 2 for gas hazards and Zone 20, 21 or 22 for dust hazards.
• Certification details: Request the certificate and confirm the gas group, temperature class, ambient temperature range and dust protection, as applicable.
• Operating system: Windows versus Android, along with required software and connectivity.
• Accessories: Docks, chargers, batteries, barcode scanners and cases must be approved for the intended use where required.

For US installations, confirm compliance with the applicable hazardous-location requirements and the authority having jurisdiction. Ordinary ruggedness ratings such as IP67 or MIL-STD-810 do not establish explosion protection.

One question to narrow this down: Do you need Class I, Division 1 (higher-risk gas/vapor environments), Class I, Division 2, or an ATEX/IECEx Zone 1 or Zone 2 tablet? That will help identify the most appropriate certified models.

Getac currently has one of the broader dedicated rugged-tablet portfolios. Its current EX lineup includes Windows and Android tablets, with models such as the F110-EX, K120-EX, UX10-EX, ZX80-EX and ZX10-EX certified for ATEX/IECEx hazardous environments.www.getac.com+1

Pepperl+Fuchs/ecom is particularly interesting if you need intrinsically safe equipment for more hazardous zones. Its Tab-Ex family includes equipment certified for Zone 1/21 and Division 1 as well as Zone 2/22 and Division 2, depending on the specific model.www.pepperl-fuchs.com

One important caveat

Don't assume that a tablet described as merely “rugged,” “IP68,” or “MIL-STD-810” is safe in an explosive atmosphere. The exact tablet SKU and certification marking need to match the hazardous location. For example, Getac explicitly says to verify the specific product's approval/specification and device label before deployment.www.getac.com+1

If you're buying for a U.S. oil & gas, chemical, refinery, or manufacturing application, I can also narrow this down to tablets certified for Class I, Division 1/2, including UL/CSA/cCSAus markings, and give you a side-by-side comparison of screen size, Windows vs. Android, IP rating, MIL-STD rating, and approximate pricing.