What is UHF RFID?

UHF RFID (Ultra-High Frequency Radio-Frequency Identification) is a wireless technology that uses radio waves to automatically identify and track tagged objects over long distances.

UHF RFID Readers in Hazardous Areas: Common Questions Answered

By enabling wireless connectivity, they make it easier to track equipment, support inventory management, coordinate inspections, and reduce manual work. But when deploying RFID in hazardous areas, where gases, vapors, or dust could ignite, it’s natural to have questions about what’s allowed and how to keep everyone safe.

For this article, Simon Taylor, our Configured Products Manager, has collected some of the most common questions we hear from customers exploring UHF RFID readers in these types of environments.

What regulations apply to installing wireless equipment in hazardous areas?

On top of the usual requirements that relate to the specific protection concept being used, all equipment must comply with IEC 60079-0. Within this standard, Table 5 sets limits for the safe transmission of RF energy—something that’s often overlooked.

Are RF power limits specific to iWAP and iRFID, or do they apply to all hazardous-area wireless devices?

They apply to all equipment, regardless of Zone or Division, where radio frequencies are intentionally transmitted. The allowed RF power decreases as you move to higher-risk gas groups. For example, you can transmit up to 6 W in the presence of Propane (IIA), but only 2 W where Hydrogen (IIC) may be present.

What are the safety risks of not complying with RF standards in hazardous areas?

Standards and regulations exist for one main reason: safety. Ignoring them can introduce risks that aren’t always obvious—RF energy is a prime example.

With iWAP and RFID, RF can heat materials without direct electrical contact, creating local hot spots. It can also induce currents in isolated metal parts. Either of these effects, under the right conditions, could ignite a potentially explosive atmosphere.

How is RF energy risk typically managed when deploying RFID systems in hazardous areas?

The risk is typically managed by controlling how much RF energy is allowed to radiate. In most wireless or RFID systems, the goal is usually to keep insertion loss low (natural loss of signal as it passes through, cables, connectors and equipment), as this minimizes natural signal degradation.

In hazardous areas, however, installers may deliberately add attenuation (intentional reduction of signal strength). This controlled insertion loss reduces total radiated power to a level that is safe for the specific gas or dust present.

What are the safety and performance trade-offs of limiting RF power in hazardous-area RFID installations?

The main benefit is regulatory compliance and safe operation in hazardous areas. The trade-off is performance. Signal attenuation doesn’t just reduce transmitted power. It also weakens the signal received back at the radio.

How can RFID help streamline inspections, inventory checks, and equipment tracking in industrial environments?

RFID can make everyday tasks much simpler and more efficient. For inspections, it lets teams quickly scan and log equipment without paperwork. For inventory, it speeds up counting and tracking, reducing human error. And for equipment tracking, RFID provides real-time visibility of assets across a site, helping ensure nothing is lost or misplaced.

In Conclusion

Understanding the basics of safe UHF RFID deployment can make planning much easier, especially when working in hazardous areas. With clear guidance and the right equipment, it’s entirely possible to achieve the performance you need while staying within the required safety limits.

The solutions from Extronics are designed to support safe and reliable UHF RFID use in hazardous areas, helping customers meet their compliance needs without compromising day-to-day operations.

If you’d like to explore the technical side of UHF RFID deployment in more detail, please read our detailed guide here: How to Deploy UHF RFID Readers & Keep EIRP Below Safe Limits

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 February 24, 2026

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