What makes the EXgate^TM215 and EXgate^TM360 different from a standard hazardous area enclosure? 

The EXgate^TM range is designed around a specific challenge: how do you take standard wireless, and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) hardware into a Zone 1 hazardous area without making the enclosure larger or more complex than the application requires? 

Our EXgate^TM215 and EXgate^TM360 combine Ex d flameproof protection, corrosion-resistant stainless-steel construction and a radio frequency (RF) transparent dome. Two enclosure sizes then allow the system to be matched more closely to the installed hardware, from smaller gateways and repeaters to larger wireless access points and radios. 

That combination of hazardous area protection, compact packaging and wireless-focused design sits behind the EXgate^TM range. 

Why design an Ex enclosure specifically around wireless hardware? 

A general-purpose Ex enclosure can protect electrical equipment, but wireless hardware adds another consideration: the enclosure must provide the required hazardous area protection while allowing the installed wireless hardware to exchange data with devices and network infrastructure outside the enclosure. 

Rather than redesigning the wireless hardware itself or selecting from a limited range of Ex certified wireless devices, an enclosure approach can allow suitable standard devices to be installed within a certified hazardous area solution. Device size, power dissipation, product safety requirements and RF performance still need to be assessed for the final configuration. We explore these checks in our 6 design considerations for Ex certified wireless enclosure systems. 

Why does EXgate^TM use Ex d protection? 

Both EXgate^TM models use the Ex d, or flameproof, protection concept for Zone 1 applications. 

Ex d does not rely on keeping a potentially explosive atmosphere out. Instead, the enclosure is designed to withstand the pressure of an internal explosion. Its engineered flame paths cool the hot gases passing through them, preventing flames from propagating to and igniting the surrounding explosive atmosphere. This makes the concept well suited to housing standard electrical and wireless components, provided the final configuration remains within the parameters of the enclosure certification. 

We cover this in more depth in What is an Ex d enclosure?. For EXgate^TM, the key point is what the protection concept enables: a certified Zone 1 enclosure that can be configured around a range of wireless devices. 

Why does EXgate^TM use an RF-transparent dome? 

One of the most distinctive EXgate^TM design features is the RF-transparent dome. 

Many modern gateways, access points and repeaters use antennas integrated into the device. Putting that hardware inside a fully metallic enclosure would interfere with the RF signal, so EXgate^TM combines a stainless-steel flameproof enclosure with a non-metallic dome that allows radio signals to propagate through it. 

While EXgate^TM is the ideal solution for wireless devices containing integrated (or internal) antennas, both models can also support devices using external antenna connections where required. Our practical guide to antenna selection covers the wider considerations around antenna type, frequency, positioning and coverage where external antennas are required. 

Why are there two EXgate^TM enclosure sizes? 

The EXgate^TM 215 is the more compact option, making it particularly suited to smaller IIoT gateways, nodes, repeaters and similar communications hardware.  

The EXgate^TM 360 provides more internal space for larger wireless access points, radios and gateways. 

Choosing between them therefore starts with the device footprint, the required internal clearances and the space available at the installation location.  

EXgate^TM are shallow and light-weight compared to other stainless steel flameproof enclosures, particularly useful where equipment needs to be mounted beneath ceilings, alongside existing services or where projection from a wall or structure needs to be minimized. 

Both EXgate^TM models are designed for wall and ceiling mounting, allowing the enclosure to be selected around the hardware and physical installation requirements rather than simply defaulting to the largest option. Access, cable routing and the practical space needed for installation and maintenance should also be considered as part of the final selection. 

Designed for corrosive industrial environments 

Hazardous area equipment may be exposed to moisture, salt and other corrosive environmental conditions, particularly in offshore, marine and petrochemical applications. 

The EXgate^TM range uses 316L stainless steel, providing high corrosion resistance for demanding industrial environments. Material selection is therefore an important part of the enclosure design, helping the enclosure withstand the environmental conditions it may encounter while protecting the wireless hardware installed inside. 

Why offer direct and indirect cable entry? 

Installation specifications differ between sites and projects, so EXgate^TM supports more than one connection approach. 

Cables can enter directly through suitable cable glands, while an optional Ex e junction box provides an indirect-entry arrangement. The junction box can accommodate connections such as Ethernet, power and fiber, allowing field cabling to terminate separately from the main Ex d enclosure. 

This can be useful where site or project specifications call for indirect termination, or where the installation benefits from a more accessible connection interface. 

 Why choose EXgate^TM 

The choice between the two models is primarily driven by the wireless device and the physical requirements of the installation: 

• Hardware size: EXgate^TM 215 suits smaller gateways, nodes and repeaters, while EXgate^TM 360 provides greater capacity for larger access points, radios and gateways. 

• Antenna configuration: The RF-transparent dome supports integrated antennas, while external antenna arrangements can also be accommodated where required. 

• Available installation space: The smaller enclosure can help where footprint and projection need to be minimized. 

• Connection method: Direct entry, indirect entry through an Ex e junction box, or connectorized arrangements can be selected around the project specification. 

• Environmental conditions: 316L stainless-steel construction supports use in corrosive industrial, offshore and marine environments. 

The objective is not simply to put wireless hardware inside an Ex enclosure. It is to select an enclosure architecture that supports the hardware, RF performance, installation method and environment together. 

That is the principle behind EXgate^TM: a compact, configurable route for extending modern wireless and IIoT hardware into Zone 1 hazardous areas while keeping the design focused on the device and the installation. Contact an expert if you’d like more information around our full enclosure offering and how we can support hazardous area digitalization. 

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 3, 2026

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