Which iWAP is right for my application? 

Choosing the right iWAP starts with your hazardous area requirements, but classification alone does not determine the best system. The wireless hardware, physical installation, environmental conditions and available infrastructure all influence the final configuration. 

Here is a list of key considerations when selecting your iWAP. 

• Wireless device(s) you want to install: The chosen hardware determines the power, connectivity and RF requirements the iWAP needs to support. 

• Enclosure size & weight: The enclosure needs to physically fit the equipment while remaining practical for the available space, mounting structure and installation method. 

• Environmental conditions: Temperature, ingress protection and enclosure material should be considered for the installation location. 

• Available power and network connection: AC (Alternating Current), DC (Direct Current), PoE (Power over Ethernet), copper Ethernet, fibre or the absence of conventional power can all affect the configuration. 

Comparing the iWAP Range 

*All enclosure weights are hardware dependent. The iWAP107 and iWAPXD5 also have options for ATEX/IECEx certification for Zones 2 and 22. The iWAP107 also provides cMETus Class I/II Division 1 options. 

1. Start With the Hazardous Area Requirement 

For Zone 1/21 applications, our iWAP107 offers a compact solution for housing compatible wireless devices, including Wi-Fi access points, LTE routers and IoT gateways. Where larger wireless hardware or more RF connections are required, the iWAPXD5 provides additional internal space and up to eight intrinsically safe RF outputs, offering greater flexibility for more demanding configurations. 

Both provide a purpose-built, certified alternative to a general-purpose enclosure, combining flexibility over wireless hardware selection with integrated RF isolation. This allows customers to retain their preferred wireless technology while benefiting from an enclosure system specifically engineered for hazardous area wireless applications. For Zone 2/22 and Division 2, the iWAPXN3 is specifically designed around these classifications, with the Solar iWAPXN3 providing an off-grid alternative. 

Or, if none of these solutions fit your requirements, then our configured products team can design an ETO solution specific to your requirements.  

2. Check the Wireless Hardware and Installation 

Once the hazardous area requirement is established, consider the wireless hardware you want to install and what it needs to operate properly for the intended application. 

Our iWAP enclosure system is a standardized product, meaning you get a high-quality Ex wireless enclosure system specifically designed for most wireless devices faster and with zero design hassle, with multiple configuration options to ensure you get the correct setup that you need.  

For example, customers can choose power options including Power over Ethernet (PoE), AC or DC, alongside Ethernet, fiber and antenna connection options as part of the standard configuration options. This flexibility makes it easier to match the enclosure to existing site infrastructure and the wireless device required. 

To simplify the selection process, we offer an easy-to-use online iWAP configurator. Customers can explore available options, select configurations that suit their requirements and visualize their chosen setup, making it easier to find the right solution without starting from scratch. You should also consider the available installation space, enclosure weight and how the system will be mounted. Our product datasheets provide dimensions and technical drawings to help assess these requirements before selecting an enclosure. 

All orders go through an engineering handover to ensure the suitability of the required wireless devices with the selected configuration. This can cover things like antenna positioning, dual radio devices, and power options to ensure we deliver the best possible solution to the customer based on the customer configuration request.   

3. Match the Material and Environment 

The most suitable enclosure material depends on the conditions at the installation site. Offshore platforms, coastal refineries and other high-salt environments expose equipment to salt and moisture, increasing the risk of corrosion. The iWAP107 and iWAPXD5 are available in epoxy-coated, marine-grade copper-free aluminum or optional 316L stainless steel. The stainless-steel option is particularly valuable where corrosion resistance, frequent cleaning or contamination-control requirements influence material selection. Our blog on designing Ex wireless enclosures for high-salt environments explains how materials, protective coatings and smaller design details affect long-term durability. 

The iWAPXN3 also uses epoxy-coated marine-grade aluminum, with additional thermal design features suited to exposed installations in hot, sunny conditions. Its white finish helps reflect solar radiation, while integrated cooling fins help dissipate heat. These features help control internal temperatures that could otherwise exceed the limits of the enclosed wireless device. Our blog on the effects of solar insolation explains why sunlight, enclosure color and heat generated by the equipment all matter. 

Operating temperature is another important consideration when specifying wireless infrastructure, particularly in environments exposed to extreme temperatures. While the iWAP107, XD5 and XN3 are certified for ambient temperatures of -20°C to +60°C, with -40°C options available on request, this is only part of the equation. 

The temperature inside the enclosure is just as important as the external ambient temperature. The heat generated by equipment installed within the enclosure can raise the internal temperature significantly. This temperature rise must be accounted for when selecting internal components to ensure they remain within their specified operating limits. In some cases, this may mean selecting alternative components, designed to operate across a wider temperature range. Taking this into account during the specification stage helps ensure reliable operation and avoids potential performance issues or equipment failure in demanding environments. 

4. Check the Available Infrastructure 

The iWAP range supports different combinations of PoE, AC, DC, copper Ethernet and fibre, depending on the product and configuration.    

The iWAP107 and XD5 support CAT6 copper up to 100m. Depending on the SFP installed, fibre configurations can support multimode distances up to 550 m and single-mode distances up to 20 km.  

Where conventional power is unavailable, the Solar iWAPXN3 combines one or two 30W solar panels with a 15Ah or 20Ah LiFePO₄ battery. The allowable wireless-device load varies according to available solar energy, so location and device power consumption need to be considered when specifying the system.  

Making the Final Selection 

Built for Wireless is the design philosophy our iWAP range. Rather than adapting a general-purpose enclosure, we’ve designed and engineered these systems specifically for wireless applications in hazardous areas. By bringing together explosion protection, wireless connectivity and practical installation considerations, we aim to make choosing the right solution more straightforward so you can get on with connecting your site. 

When selecting an iWAP, the key requirements to consider include: 

• Hazardous area classification 

• Wireless hardware and radio frequency (RF) requirements 

• Enclosure size, weight and mounting requirements 

• Environmental and temperature requirements 

• Available power 

• Copper Ethernet or fiber connectivity 

We’ve made it easy to explore your options. Try our easy-to-use online 3D iWAP configurator to build a configuration around your application requirements. Our team can then help review your selection and confirm the final specification.

Recommended Reading 

• Read more: Designing Ex Wireless Enclosures for High-Salt Environments 

• Read more: A Practical Outlook for Enabling Wireless Connectivity in Hazardous Areas 

• Read more: Design Principles Behind Hazardous Area Wireless Connectivity: iWAP107 and iWAPXN3 Explained 

• Read more: 5 Effects of Solar Insolation to Consider When Installing Hazardous Area Wireless Technology 

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 October 29, 2026

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