The importance of a simple repair is often underestimated.
Most users pay attention to the following when buying:
- Performance and functionality
- Certification for zone 1 or zone 2
- Display size, camera, battery life
However, what is often overlooked is the type of protection used - and whether the device can be repaired at all.
Comparison: Types of protection and repair options
| Zündschutzart | Description | Repair possible? | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ex m (encapsulation) | Electronics fully encapsulated in resin | ❌ Nein | Display of defective or damaged socket outlet = total loss |
| Ex q (encapsulation) | Components embedded in quartz sand | ⚠ Teilweise | Difficult to repair, but possible with some devices. |
| Ex i (intrinsic safety) | The energy is so limited that no ignition can take place. | ✅ Me. | The components are interchangeable and very easy to maintain. |
| Ex d (flame-retardant housing) | The explosion remains enclosed in the pressure-resistant housing. | ✅ Me. | Appliances are usually heavy and bulky. |
Ex m encapsulation: total loss due to a small defect
This type of protection is often used in portable Ex smartphones, radios and scanners.
Advantages:
- Compact design
- High protection against ignition sources
Disadvantages:
- Repair not possible.
- Battery, socket or display not replaceable
- Defects usually lead to total losses.
Ex q - Encapsulation: Limited maintainability
In sand encapsulation, hazardous components are completely embedded in quartz sand.
Advantages:
- Protection from sparks and hot surfaces
- Partially modular design possible
Disadvantages:
- Repairs can generally only be carried out by the manufacturer.
- Limited interchangeability
Ex i - Intrinsic safety: Easy to repair and lightweight
The intrinsically safe type of protection limits the energy in the circuit to such an extent that no ignition can occur even in the event of a fault.
This means that lightweight and easy-to-maintain devices can be used in zones 0, 1 and 2.
Advantages:
- Devices can be repaired
- Battery, display and connections often replaceable
- Particularly useful for measuring and communication devices
Disadvantages:
- Increased development effort - intrinsic safety must already be taken into account in the design phase.
💡 Fazit: Für viele Anwendungen in ATEX-Bereichen ist Ex i die ideale Kombination aus Sicherheit, Benutzerfreundlichkeit und Wartungsfreundlichkeit.
Ex d - Flameproof enclosure: Possible, but costly
Ex d is also occasionally used in portable devices such as special cameras.
The technology is safe, but usually requires compromises in terms of weight and handling.
Advantages:
- Non ATEX-certified technology can also be used.
- High protection for zone 1
Disadvantages:
- The devices are heavy, large and unwieldy.
- Operation in potentially explosive atmospheres only with closed housing
Conclusion
When purchasing portable Ex devices, it is not only the certification that matters, but also how suitable the device is for everyday use and whether it can be repaired in an emergency.
Particularly in the case of high-priced devices, the choice of protection class can determine whether the investment is protected or electronic waste is produced.
🔍 Unser Tipp: Fragen Sie gezielt nach der Art des Schutzes und dessen Auswirkungen auf die Reparaturfreundlichkeit, bevor Sie sich für ein Produkt entscheiden.
💬 Sie sind sich nicht sicher, welches Gerät Sie wählen sollen? Sprechen Sie uns an – wir helfen Ihnen gerne dabei, das richtige Ex-Gerät für Ihre Anwendung zu finden.