What is driving the increase in industrial wireless enclosure sizes? Industrial wireless enclosure sizes are increasing because the wireless devices inside them are becoming larger, more capable and demanding more power. The main drivers are: Wireless devices that require more internal space. More capable devices that need additional supporting components. Bigger power supplies to support increased power demand. Internal clearance requirements to ensure the device(s) fit correctly. Maintenance accessibility, including practical access to lids and components. Together, these requirements mean the enclosure must be designed with enough internal capacity, clearance, and accessibility to support the hardware properly. Designing Around the Demands of Modern Wireless Devices Over the past 18 months, we have seen a significant increase in the size of the hazardous area wireless enclosures we are offering. That change is mainly being driven by […]
What does connectivity mean in potentially explosive environments? Connectivity in hazardous areas means enabling devices, systems, and networks to exchange data safely and reliably through wired or wireless connections within potentially explosive atmospheres. It is not just about establishing a connection; it’s about suitable equipment, protection methods, installation practices, and compliance with requirements such as ATEX or IECEx. Find out more here. Bringing clarity to connectivity in demanding environments In industrial environments, many connectivity-related terms have been used for years, but they are often used interchangeably. When these definitions become blurred, it can lead to confusion when designing, deploying, or evaluating wireless networks. To avoid this, it’s important to clearly understand what each term refers to. Below is a breakdown of some of the most commonly used connectivity terms for deploying wireless networks in hazardous […]
How Does Extronics Inspect Flameproof Enclosures to Meet Ex d Requirements? We inspect flameproof enclosures using GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) controlled verification, detailed flame path inspection, and calibrated measurement of threads and surface finishes to ensure full compliance with Ex d standards for explosion protection in hazardous areas. The iWAP107 aluminium enclosure is one example of how this inspection process is applied in practice. Inspection First: Our Approach to Flameproof Enclosures At Extronics (BARTEC’s IoT and Connectivity Brand), inspection is a core part of how we deliver safe, compliant equipment. Every flameproof enclosure is treated as a safety critical system, meaning each machined feature must perform exactly as intended to prevent ignition in hazardous areas. Our process is built around key standards: BS EN 60079-0 – General requirements for equipment in explosive atmospheres. BS […]
How does electronic mustering strengthen offshore emergency response? It provides clear visibility and accountability during an incident, helping operators confirm personnel safety quickly and respond with confidence. In an offshore facility emergency, mustering comes down to two critical questions: Who is onboard, and where are they? Can you get them to safety quickly and prove it afterwards? Electronic mustering, linked to a live electronic Personnel on Board (e-POB) system and supported by a Real-Time Location System (RTLS), gives offshore operators the visibility and evidence they need. It provides real-time awareness in the control room and a defensible record after drills or incidents. It turns emergency response from assumption into certainty. Offshore installations like FPSOs don’t always sit neatly under rules like SOLAS or the IMO MODU Code. These frameworks were originally developed for ships and mobile offshore drilling units, so how they apply […]
What to Consider When Managing Wireless Networks in Hazardous Areas? Managing wireless networks over their lifecycle in hazardous areas means planning for more than initial deployment. It requires a structured approach that considers: Compliance Installation Operation Maintenance Site planning Hazardous area wireless systems must meet certification and inspection requirements and are often difficult to access. Early design decisions shape how networks can be operated and expanded. A lifecycle-led approach helps keep systems safe, compliant, and fit for purpose over time. Using the Wireless Buyers Guide as a useful resource for your deployment The Hazardous Areas Wireless Buyers Guide provides essential deployment considerations including selecting the right wireless technologies, protection concepts, and compliant deployment methods in explosive atmospheres. While it is often used during specification, the guidance it contains applies across the entire working life of a wireless system. This article shows how to use the Buyers Guide as a practical resource when planning your deployment, helping teams plan, operate, and […]
How do you make Hazardous Area products easier to specify, order, and deploy; without compromising safety or compliance? By embedding proven engineering expertise into a rule-based digital system that guides every decision, removes friction, and gives customers clarity from the very first interaction. Simplicity as a Design Principle Digital transformation isn’t just about speed or efficiency. At Extronics, it’s about making complex, safety‑critical decisions easier for everyone involved starting with customers and extending through sales, engineering, and manufacturing. By embedding our engineering expertise into a rule‑based automation framework, we’ve taken something inherently complicated and made it intuitive, consistent, and transparent. This story comes from our Hazardous Area Connectivity Portfolio, specifically our wireless enclosures, where we design configurable hazardous area solutions that balance compliance, performance, and deployment efficiency. The Challenge: Complexity, Scale, and Time Pressure Hazardous […]