Should you choose EXgate^TM or iWAP for wireless equipment in a hazardous area? 

The right choice depends on more than hazardous area classification. Considerations should include: 

• The wireless device 

• Antenna arrangement 

• Enclosure size and weight 

• Mounting location 

• Available power and network connections 

• Internal space 

• Environmental conditions 

All these factors can influence which approach is most practical. Our EXgate^TM, and iWAP ranges provide different ways to accommodate wireless equipment in hazardous areas, so the best option depends on how the complete application requirements come together. 

1. Start With the Wireless Hardware 

Before comparing enclosures, identify the access point, gateway, router, radio, or other wireless device the site wants to use. 

Many industrial sites already have preferred network vendors or hardware platforms chosen around Information Technology (IT) policy, cybersecurity, compatibility, and wider digitalization plans. Where appropriate, using the same technology in hazardous and non-hazardous areas can help maintain a more consistent network strategy. 

We cover the wider deployment options in our guide to extending wireless networks into Ex zones. For this decision, the next question is how the selected wireless hardware needs to interact with its antennas and physically fit within the installation. 

2. Does the Device Use Integrated or External Antennas? 

Our EXgate^TM range uses a radio-frequency-transparent enclosure approach that can accommodate compatible wireless equipment using internal or external antennas. 

The EXgate ^TM215 is the smaller of the enclosure sizes and is intended for equipment such as gateways, nodes, and repeaters. The EXgate ^TM360 provides more space for equipment including access points, radios, gateways, and repeaters. 

Our iWAP 107, iWAP XD5, and iWAP XN3 use our iSOLATE technology to provide intrinsically safe Radio Frequency (RF) outputs for suitable external antennas. The iWAP XD5 provides greater internal capacity than iWAP 107 where larger wireless devices need to be accommodated. 

Where antenna selection is a major part of the application, our practical guide to antenna selection covers frequency, gain, radiation pattern, mounting, and clearance in more detail.

3. How Much Space Is Available for the Enclosure?

A technically suitable enclosure still has to fit the installation.

EXgate^TM215 has a diameter of 215 mm, weighing approximately 8 kg including its mounting bracket but excluding the wireless device. EXgate ^TM360 is larger at approximately 364 mm in diameter.

Enclosure sizes vary across the iWAP range. The aluminum iWAP107 measures approximately 415 × 315 × 250 mm. The iWAP XD5 offers a larger enclosure, while the iWAP XN3 is available in four standard sizes. 

Weight is another consideration. Stainless-steel configurations can be considerably heavier than aluminum versions, depending on the installed hardware. 

These figures should not be treated as a simple size or weight ranking. The complete installed assembly and the available installation space are what matter. Consider: 

• Mounting space and clearance: A smaller enclosure may be easier to accommodate where space is restricted. Larger configurations need more room not only for the enclosure, but also for brackets, cable entries, antennas, and access for inspection or maintenance. 

• Weight and support: Heavier configurations may need more consideration around lifting, positioning and structural support, particularly where equipment is installed at height or access is restricted. 

 4. Is There Enough Internal Space for the Complete Configuration?

External dimensions are only half of the physical-installation question. 

The wireless device may need to sit alongside power components, media converters, connectors, RF components, and other supporting hardware. There also needs to be enough usable space for cable routing, access to terminals and connectors, heat management, and maintenance. 

Our article on design considerations for Ex-certified wireless enclosure systems explains why simply fitting the device inside the enclosure is not enough. Where several devices are required, our guide to multi-device deployment in iWAP hazardous area enclosures covers the additional considerations in more detail.

5. What Hazardous Area Does the Installation Need to Cover?

The enclosure must match the hazardous area and certification requirements of the installation. 

• EXgate ^TM215: Provides a Zone 1 option under ATEX and IECEx for applications using suitable gateways, nodes and repeaters. 

• EXgate ^TM360: Also provides a Zone 1 option under ATEX and IECEx, with a larger enclosure for compatible wireless equipment. 

• iWAP 107: Designed for Zone 1 and 21 applications and also available with North American Class I and II, Division 1 certification. 

• iWAP XD5: Certified under ATEX and IECEx for Zones 1 and 21, while providing additional enclosure capacity for larger wireless devices. 

• iWAP XN3: Designed for Zone 2 and 22 applications and also supports North American Division 2 requirements.

6. What Infrastructure and Environmental Conditions Need to Be Considered?

The infrastructure and environmental conditions at the intended location can influence which enclosure or configuration is most practical. Consider: 

• What power is available? Consider the power available at the installation site, whether alternating current (AC), direct current (DC) or Power over Ethernet (PoE). Depending on the wireless device’s requirements, a suitable power supply or PoE injector can be fitted within the enclosure to provide the correct power. Where fixed power is difficult or impractical to provide, such as a remote or off-grid location, the Solar iWAP XN3 offers an alternative for suitable low-power wireless devices in Zone 2 and Division 2 applications. We cover when solar power may be appropriate, along with practical considerations around system sizing and deployment, in our practical overview of solar-powered wireless in hazardous areas. 
• Will the enclosure be exposed to salt or corrosive conditions? Material selection becomes more important in offshore, coastal, and other high-salt environments. Options across the range include 316L stainless steel and protected marine-grade aluminum, depending on the enclosure. Our guide to designing Ex wireless enclosures for high-salt environments explains these considerations in more detail. 
• What temperatures and solar exposure will it experience? Ambient temperature, heat generated by the wireless device, enclosure size, and direct sunlight can all affect internal temperature. These factors need to be considered together so the equipment remains within its operating limits. Our article on the effects of solar insolation on hazardous area wireless technology covers this in more detail, including the design features used on iWAP XN3 to help manage heat. 
• Could the installation location affect wireless performance? Metal structures, mounting height, antenna position, and the surrounding environment can all affect coverage. We cover these wider outdoor installation considerations in our guide to outdoor hazardous area wireless installations. 

Choosing the Right EXgate^TM or iWAP for Your Application 

Rather than asking which range is better, select an enclosure based on the complete application rather than one specification in isolation. 

We offer both EXgate^TM and iWAP because hazardous area wireless applications do not all have the same requirements. Starting with the wireless hardware, antenna design, physical installation, certification, and existing infrastructure provides a clearer route to the enclosure architecture and model that best fit the site. If you’d like to speak to one of our experts, contact us here for support. 

About the Author

JE

James Eastwood

Product Manager

James brings experience from engineering and sales into his role as a product manager. His mix of technical understanding and commercial perspective supports the strategic development of our market-leading products.

Last updated on November 6, 2026

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