In hazardous industrial environments such as oil refineries, chemical plants, and underground mines, safety isn’t just a priority—it’s a regulatory requirement. A key part of ensuring safety is using equipment that won’t ignite flammable gases, vapors, or dust. This is where intrinsically safe smartphones come into play. But not all smartphones labeled as "intrinsically safe" are created equal. Two globally recognized certification systems—ATEX and IECEx—set the standards that determine whether a smartphone is truly safe for explosive atmospheres.

This article breaks down everything you need to know about ATEX and IECEx certifications in the context of intrinsically safe smartphones—what they are, how they work, why they matter, and how to ensure your mobile device meets the necessary safety criteria.

What Are ATEX and IECEx Certifications?

ATEX Certification (Europe)

ATEX stands for “Atmosphères Explosibles,” derived from European Union directives. It governs the use of equipment in potentially explosive environments.

There are two main ATEX directives:

1. ATEX 114 (Directive 2014/34/EU): Applies to manufacturers and products used in explosive atmospheres.

2. ATEX 153 (Directive 99/92/EC): Focuses on workplace safety standards for employers.

Devices like intrinsically safe smartphones must meet ATEX 114 requirements to be legally sold and used in ATEX-zoned areas within the European Economic Area (EEA).

IECEx Certification (International)

The IECEx system is the International Electrotechnical Commission's scheme for certifying equipment intended for use in explosive atmospheres. Unlike ATEX, which is European, IECEx is globally recognized and accepted in many countries including Australia, South Africa, Canada, and more.

IECEx follows globally harmonized standards such as IEC 60079, ensuring consistent product safety evaluations across regions.

Why ATEX and IECEx Matter for Intrinsically Safe Smartphones

A smartphone might be rugged or waterproof—but that doesn’t mean it's safe in an explosive zone. An intrinsically safe smartphone must comply with ATEX and/or IECEx standards to ensure it won’t cause ignition in volatile environments.

These certifications:

• Ensure Worker Safety by eliminating potential ignition sources

• Support Legal Compliance in regulated industries

• Build Trust with employees and contractors using the devices

• Allow Cross-Border Use in multinational operations

Understanding the Zoning System

Both ATEX and IECEx classify hazardous areas into zones based on the frequency and duration of explosive atmosphere presence:

For Gases/Vapors:

• Zone 0: Explosive gas atmosphere present continuously or for long periods

• Zone 1: Likely to occur in normal operation

• Zone 2: Unlikely to occur or for short duration

For Dust:

• Zone 20: Explosive dust atmosphere present continuously

• Zone 21: Likely to occur in normal operation

• Zone 22: Unlikely or short-term presence

Intrinsically safe smartphones are generally designed for Zone 1 or Zone 2, and only a few are approved for Zone 0 due to stricter requirements.

What Do Certification Labels Look Like?

An ATEX or IECEx-certified smartphone will carry a label like this:

Example (ATEX Label):
II 2G Ex ib IIC T4 Gb

• II: Equipment group (II = non-mining industries)

• 2G: Category (2 = high protection level; G = gas)

• Ex: Explosion-proof standard

• ib: Type of intrinsic safety protection

• IIC: Gas group (IIC = hydrogen, acetylene – most dangerous)

• T4: Maximum surface temperature (≤135°C)

• Gb: Equipment protection level (Gb = high level of protection)

Example (IECEx Label):
Ex ib IIC T4 Gb
This follows a similar structure, omitting the equipment group.

These labels indicate not just that the phone is intrinsically safe, but how safe it is, for what substances, and in which environments.

How Do Manufacturers Achieve Certification?

To get ATEX or IECEx certification, smartphone manufacturers must:

1. Design for Safety: Limit voltage, current, and surface temperature; use sealed, non-sparking enclosures.

2. Submit to Testing: Devices are rigorously tested by notified bodies (for ATEX) or certification bodies (for IECEx).

3. Undergo Quality Audits: Manufacturers’ production processes must ensure ongoing compliance.

4. Receive Documentation and Labeling: Approved phones are labeled and listed in official databases.

Examples of bodies that grant certification include DEKRA, TÜV Rheinland, Baseefa, and UL.

ATEX vs. IECEx: Key Differences

Takeaway: For operations across Europe, ATEX is required. For global companies, IECEx is preferred or required in many non-European markets.

Popular Intrinsically Safe Smartphones with ATEX and IECEx Certifications

Here are some examples of smartphones that meet both ATEX and IECEx standards:

1. Ecom Smart-Ex® 02

• Zone 1/21 certified

• ATEX and IECEx compliant

• Android OS, push-to-talk, glove-friendly touchscreen

2. i.safe MOBILE IS540.1

• 5G-enabled device for Zone 1

• Rugged, waterproof, and certified for both ATEX and IECEx

3. Sonim XP10 IS

• Certified for Class I Div 1 and IECEx

• Loud audio, emergency features, and mission-critical PTT support

Final Thoughts

Understanding ATEX and IECEx certifications is essential when selecting an intrinsically safe smartphone for hazardous environments. These certifications are not just formalities—they are the foundation of operational safety in industries where the cost of error is human lives.

For businesses operating in explosive atmospheres, ensuring that all communication devices, especially smartphones, are certified under these globally recognized standards is non-negotiable. When in doubt, always consult a safety expert or certification body before deploying any new mobile technology in the field.