Why does hazardous area wireless require a different approach? In hazardous areas, defined by areas where the potential for an explosion is always present or under fault conditions, wireless must be engineered to specific standards. Over time, this has driven a move away from standalone implementations toward adaptable, future-ready connectivity platforms designed for long-term safety, reliability, and innovation. We cover this in more detail in our Hazardous Area Wireless Buyers Guide 2026. Introduction Wireless in hazardous areas has always come with a different set of expectations. It must: Operate safely within explosive atmospheres, with RF (Radio Frequency) limits, heat rise, and fault conditions engineered to meet Ex requirements. Remain compliant throughout its service life covering: Product certification and equipment protection concepts Installation and commissioning in Ex-classified environments Inspection, maintenance, and change management over time Continue performing reliably long after installation, despite: Restricted access Exposure to varying temperatures, vibration, highly corrosive atmospheres, […]
How Do You Safely Extend Wireless Networks into Hazardous Areas? Ex-certified wireless enclosure systems enable you to extend your existing network into hazardous areas, helping maximize the value of your current infrastructure while accelerating digitalization across the site. That’s exactly what our iWAP107 and iWAPXN3 wireless enclosure systems are designed to do. Solutions designed specifically for wireless with fully certified explosion protection. In this article, we’ll explore how these systems are designed, why there are two enclosure options in our iWAP range, and how simple, practical design principles help deliver flexible wireless connectivity in hazardous areas. Why Do Hazardous Areas Need Wireless Enclosures? Most sites already have strong wireless networks in their safe areas, usually using one chosen vendor or technology to run several applications securely. When digitalization projects expand into areas where potential for an explosion is present, site teams must ensure the final solution is certified to the required […]
What is the safest and most compliant way to use antennas in hazardous areas? The answer depends on the application, installation constraints, and certification strategy. At Extronics, both certified antennas (including XBeam) and Simple Apparatus antennas (including iANT2XX range) are valid options when assessed correctly against IECEx/ATEX requirements, including IEC 60079-11. The content below explains how we evaluate these options so engineers can choose the best-fit approach based on risk, compliance, and system design. For anyone comparing how to choose an antenna for a hazardous area, this guide focuses on the certification and safety considerations that sit alongside wider antenna selection factors such as frequency, gain, coverage pattern, mounting location, cable losses, RF power, and environmental conditions. For a broader antenna buying guide, read our practical guide to antenna selection. Why different antenna approaches are used in hazardous areas It’s common to assume a certified […]
How do you keep your wireless infrastructure flexible as technologies evolve? By choosing antennas that already support the latest standards. The iANT antenna range is designed to work with the latest connectivity technologies including Wi-Fi 6E, 5G, LoRaWAN, and BLE. Connectivity challenges differ from site to site. Layouts, hazardous area classifications, and existing infrastructure all influence how wireless connectivity performs.As a result, the most effective wireless deployments are carefully engineered to suit the specific requirements of each environment, with antenna selection forming a key part of the overall wireless design rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. That’s where the iANT range fits in. Supporting critical use cases The iANT antenna range is built to support essential mission critical applications. A good example is real-time location systems (RTLS). Accurately tracking personnel on board (POB) provides clear visibility […]
Why is antenna selection so important? Antenna selection directly impacts coverage and reliability in real-world installations. Choosing the right antenna is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve wireless performance, helping deliver more consistent coverage and dependable connectivity. Whether you’re deploying LoRaWAN sensors, installing Wi-Fi 6E infrastructure, or using UHF RFID in industrial environments, the antenna you deploy directly influences coverage, signal quality, and long-term system stability. This practical guide covers key considerations when selecting an antenna: frequency, gain, mounting, technology, physical constraints, and radiation patterns, using examples from our latest iANT antenna range. Supporting Wireless Connectivity The iANT antenna range is built to keep pace with the latest wireless technologies. With options designed for diverse industrial use cases, our product range gives you the flexibility to specify the correct antenna for each use-case application. iANT antennas support the rollout of […]
The iRFID XN3 is a fixed UHF RFID reader enclosure designed for use in hazardous areas; specifically for use in Zone 2 and 22 environments. It allows RFID readers and antennas to operate safely in places where there may be explosive gases or dust. Built with a rugged design, the iRFID XN3 helps sites track assets in tough industrial settings like oil refineries, chemical plants, and manufacturing sites. The following use cases highlight just how versatile the iRFID XN3 can be, helping customers improve workflows and keeping projects moving efficiently. Streamlined Fueling Operations A recent use case focused on solving a key challenge at a fuel loading station: ensuring that only the right trailers receive fuel. Each trailer has a passive RFID tag mounted in the same position, typically on top, so the fixed antenna, […]