Those who work in explosion-prone areas know: safety and certification come first. ATEX-certified devices are tested and approved according to strict standards. This applies not only to the device itself but always to the entire system, including the housing, electronics, seals – and yes, also to accessories like a display protection film.
1. the ATEX approval is only valid in tested condition
Every ATEX device is a technically tested system. The manufacturer specifies in its EU declaration of conformity and in the operating manual exactly which components and accessories are part of this testing.
If another, non-approved accessory is used, the tested condition changes – and thus the ATEX certification becomes void.
Example:
A smartphone for Zone 1/21 was tested with a specific type of glass or plastic film. If a different film is applied, the surface temperature, electrostatic discharge capacity or protection class (e.g. IP68) may change.
The device is no longer considered explosion-proof, even if it still functions technically.
2. electrostatic charge is a real risk
Plastic display protection films can become electrostatically charged. In an explosive atmosphere, even a small discharge is sufficient to trigger an ignition event.
Manufacturer-approved protective films are therefore designed to be conductive or dissipative and meet the requirements of EN 60079-0 ("Explosive Atmospheres - Equipment - General Requirements").
A commercially available film from the electronics trade, on the other hand, is not tested, can build up a surface charge, and is therefore a safety risk.
3 Warranty, liability and insurance
If a device is operated with unauthorized accessories, the manufacturer loses:
its product liability,
his ATEX guarantee,
and in the event of a serious incident, the insurance coverage may also be lost.
In the event of damage, it will be checked whether the device was used as intended. Even an unauthorized film, a third-party charger, or another battery can be considered improper use.
4. recommendation from practice
Only use accessories approved by the manufacturer – and do so consistently. This applies not only to:
Display protection films
Chargers and docking stations
Headsets or wireless modules
Protective covers and holders
But also for spare parts like batteries or seals.
Only in this way does the device remain fully ATEX-compliant, and you can rely on the tested values for explosion protection.
Conclusion
An ATEX device is no ordinary smartphone or tablet - it is safety-relevant work equipment.
Even small deviations from the tested condition, such as an unapproved screen protector, can invalidate the safety concept.
Therefore:
Only use original accessories - no compromises in the Ex area.