Why is it beneficial to extend my existing wireless network infrastructure into Ex zones? 

Extending your existing safe-area wireless infrastructure into Ex zones gives IT teams greater freedom to use the same network strategy and wireless technologies site-wide, rather than creating separate hazardous-area solutions that require additional integration with the wider network.  

At Extronics, we provide Ex enclosure systems that are built for wireless connectivity. 

Key benefits of Ex enclosure systems can include: 

• Maintaining consistency with existing network strategy, hardware choices, and operational practices. 

• Avoiding an additional hazardous area-specific wireless platform where it is not needed. 

• Supporting existing IT policy, cybersecurity, compatibility, maintenance, and digitalization plans. 

• Selecting wireless technology around the application and site requirements. 

This flexibility is increasingly useful as industrial wireless technology evolves. The Wi-Fi Alliance highlights performance benefits associated with Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7, while the GSMA identifies private 5G as an option for low-latency, high-bandwidth industrial connectivity. GSA’s June 2026 data also shows continued growth in enterprise private Long Term Evolution (LTE) and 5G deployments. 

Extronics (BARTEC’s Connectivity & IoT brand) help bridge the gap between mainstream wireless technology and hazardous area requirements. Rather than replacing or adding to the customer’s network strategy, Extronics enables customers to extend their existing choice of wireless technologies to be deployed in Ex environments using a range of wireless enclosures covering Zone 1/Div 1 and Zone 2/Div 2 environments.  

Extending existing wireless infrastructure into Ex zones: The Extronics approach 

There are two main Extronics–enabled approaches. The best use of our technology depends on where the active wireless equipment needs to be located, the hazardous area classification, the required coverage, the expected operating conditions, and the practical constraints of the site. 

1. Install wireless equipment in the hazardous area using a certified enclosure

In some applications, the wireless device needs to be physically located inside the hazardous area. This may be driven by: 

• Site layout 

• Coverage requirements 

• Metal structures 

• The need to position equipment close to workers, assets, or instruments. 

A certified hazardous area enclosure system can provide a route for installing selected wireless equipment in Zone 1 or Zone 2 environments. This can give operators better flexibility over hardware choice, particularly where the range of dedicated hazardous area wireless devices is limited or does not offer the latest  wireless technology. 

Examples include:  

• iWAP107 – a Zone 1/21 and Class I/II Division 1 enclosure system for selected wireless equipment. 

• iWAPXD5 – a larger, higher-capacity Zone 1, 2, 21, and 22 enclosure designed to accommodate bigger wireless devices, including Wi-Fi access points, UHF RFID readers, and LTE routers. 

• iWAP XN3 – a Zone 2/22 and Class I/II Division 2 enclosure system for selected wireless equipment. 

2. Keep wireless equipment in the safe area

For other applications, the access point, router, gateway, or radio can remain in a safe area, with only the antenna positioned within the hazardous zone to provide the required wireless coverage. In this arrangement, the active connection device remains outside the hazardous area, while the antenna provides the required RF coverage within the Ex zone. Keeping the active equipment outside the Ex zone can simplify access for maintenance, replacement, or future upgrades.  

The antenna arrangement still needs to be appropriate for the hazardous area classification and installation. In some cases, a suitably certified antenna may be the most beneficial route whereas in others, a simple apparatus antenna can be used with RF isolation technology to provide an alternative compliant deployment method. 

Examples include: 

• Xbeam range – Ex-certified antenna options for hazardous area deployments where the access point or radio remains in the safe area, with models suited to Wi-Fi and wider wireless frequency requirements. 

• iSOLATE501 with a suitable iANT2xx simple apparatus antenna – an RF isolation route for using a simple apparatus antenna in the hazardous area. 

What needs to be considered for either approach? 

The main considerations are: 

• Hazardous Area Classification: Hazardous areas are defined according to the likelihood of an explosive atmosphere occurring, as well as how long it might persist if it does. Explosive gas atmospheres may result from the presence of a flammable substance, such as a gas, vapour, mist, or combustible dust.  While standard designations use Zone 0, Zone 1, or Zone 2 for gases (and Zones 20, 21, and 22 for dusts), the fundamental goal is matching your equipment protection level directly to the risk of that specific environment. 

• Full Equipment Suitability: Zone classification alone does not determine overall suitability or account for every factor associated with explosive risks in the installation environment. Any electrical equipment installed in the hazardous area, including the enclosure and antenna arrangement, must be suitable for the relevant classification and protection method. This includes the specific Gas or Dust Group (since some gases and dusts are far easier to ignite than others) and the Temperature Class (T-rating) For North American installations, local requirements such as Class/Division (US) or Class/Zone (Canada) standards must also be factored in. 

• RF Energy Output: RF energy must be evaluated whenever signals are transmitted into or within a hazardous area. IEC 60079-0 sets explicit threshold power and energy limits for radio-frequency sources to prevent ignition. (Note: approach varies North American Class/Division environments). For details on these limits, see our guide to calculating the maximum RF power for a hazardous area wireless device. 

Choosing the right wireless technology and protection route 

The right wireless technology and hazardous area protection method will depend on the use case, site requirements and existing network infrastructure. A few simple questions can help identify which deployment route is most appropriate: 

• Does the wireless device need to be physically located within the hazardous area, or can it remain in a safe area?  

• What hazardous area classification does the installation need to meet?  

• Is there an existing wireless technology, access point, gateway, or radio that the site wants to retain?  

• What coverage is required for each wireless or mobile device, and are there physical constraints such as distance, metal structures or limited installation locations?  

• Are there environmental considerations, such as outdoor exposure, high temperatures, or high-salt conditions?  

The answers will help determine whether installing the wireless equipment within a certified enclosure or keeping the active equipment in the safe area and extending the RF signal through an appropriate antenna arrangement is the better route.

Where Extronics fits 

Extronics provides vendor-agnostic support for extending wireless networks into Ex zones. By combining certified enclosure systems, antenna solutions, RF isolation and hazardous area wireless knowledge, we help operators identify the most appropriate route for their application. The objective is to give operators a practical route to extend preferred or current-generation technologies into Ex zones without unnecessary hardware lock-in. 

To discuss how Extronics can support your wireless application, contact us for more information. 

Further reading 

• Wireless technology and connectivity strategy: Wireless Technology used in Hazardous Areas and the Hazardous Area Wireless Buyers Guide. 

• Certified enclosure route: Design principles behind hazardous area wireless connectivity and 6 design considerations for Ex certified wireless enclosure systems. 

• Antenna and RF protection route: Ex protection options for deploying wireless into hazardous areas, our guide to intrinsically safe isolators, the practical guide to hazardous area antennas and our antenna selection guide. 

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 August 26, 2026

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