What is the safest and most compliant way to use antennas in hazardous areas? 

The answer depends on the application, installation constraints, and certification strategy. 

At Extronics, both certified antennas (including XBeam) and Simple Apparatus antennas (including iANT2XX range) are valid options when assessed correctly against IECEx/ATEX requirements, including IEC 60079-11. 

The content below explains how we evaluate these options so engineers can choose the best-fit approach based on risk, compliance, and system design. 

Why different antenna approaches are used in hazardous areas  

It’s common to assume a certified antenna is the default “safe” choice for hazardous areas. In many projects, that’s absolutely true, it can be the simplest procurement and compliance route, especially when you want an end‑to‑end certified antenna solution such as XBeam. 

At the same time, some projects benefit from a different approach: using a fully passive antenna and assessing it as Simple Apparatus as part of an intrinsically safe (Ex i) RF (Radio Frequency) system. That route can expand antenna choice and help with coverage/performance needs without compromising safety, provided the full circuit is assessed correctly. 

Two compliant routes we support: 

1. Use a certified antenna: a straight forward option where certification and installation guidance are already defined for the antenna. 
2. Use a passive antenna: assessed as Simple Apparatus. An alternative option where we assess the antenna together with the barrier, radio, cabling, and installation to confirm the complete application is safe and compliant. 

What Simple Apparatus means  

The definition and use of Simple Apparatus in an intrinsically safe circuit is covered in IEC 60079-11.  

In practical terms, Simple Apparatus refers to devices that cannot store, generate, or release enough electrical energy to become an ignition source when connected into an Ex i (intrinsically safe) circuit under the defined conditions. 

A passive antenna is essentially a shaped conductor inside a housing. It has no internal power source, no active electronics, and no circuitry that can amplify or modify signals electrically. Because it can’t generate energy on its own, it can often be treated as Simple Apparatus when it is paired with an intrinsically safe RF source and suitable limiting equipment (for example an intrinsically safe barrier). 

What installers need to check 

1. The antenna must be fully passive

No internal electronics, matching circuits, boosters, or active GPS chips. If the antenna includes powered components, it is not Simple Apparatus. 

2. The materials must be suitable for the zone

Check the radome or plastic housing. Large plastic surfaces may require simple precautions (e.g., “clean only with a damp cloth”) to reduce static build‑up. 

3. RF input power must remain within safe limits

It is important that RF power is within safe limits when assessing the maximum RF power of the radio. If the radio exceeds the permitted limits, losses need to be built into the overall solution. Products like the iSOLATE protect against transient faults and blocks voltages from entering the RF line. When checking RF power, we assess the entire signal path (radio, cable, barrier, and antenna); not the antenna in isolation. 

How we assess a Simple Apparatus antenna 

Our assessment focuses on the real-world application and the full Ex i circuit: 

1. We examine the antenna to confirm it has no energy‑storing or voltage‑limiting components. 
2. We check for anything that suggests it needs power; if it does, it’s not passive. 
3. We review materials (including plastics/radomes) and surface area considerations. 
4. We evaluate any exposed metal parts and the potential for sparking due to metal-to-metal contact. 
5. We verify RF power across the full setup: radio, cable, barrier, and antenna. 

Customers can request this assessment from us. The output is a written report summarizing the applicable requirements, what we found, and our professional conclusion. 

Why this matters for modern hazardous-area connectivity 

Taking a balanced approach avoids locking projects into a single route. In summary: 

• Certified antennas provide a clear, streamlined compliance path for many installations. 
• The Simple Apparatus assessment route is an alternative that can provide more flexibility in antenna selection and performance/coverage optimization, when the system design supports it. 

Both approaches support safe, compliant digitalization; the key is choosing the right option for the specific zone, installation, and performance requirements. 

About the Author

ST

Simon Taylor

Configured Products Manager

Simon specializes in the testing, certification, and compliance of wireless enclosures, ensuring strategies that remain both innovative and Ex-safe. He has a deep passion for industry standards and isn’t afraid of a good compliance debate. Known for quickly identifying the critical path in complex projects, he brings clarity, confidence, and real value to his team and customers.

Last updated on January 30, 2026

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