FAQ · Updated June 2026
Are Samsung, Apple & Google Tablets
Intrinsically Safe?
Short answer: no. No consumer tablet from Samsung, Apple, or Google is intrinsically safe. Using one in a hazardous area classified under ATEX or IECEx is illegal and dangerous. Here's why — and what the certified alternatives are.
Never use a consumer tablet in a hazardous area
Standard tablets contain lithium-ion batteries, unprotected circuits, and components that can generate sparks or sufficient heat to ignite explosive gas or dust atmospheres. Only ATEX/IECEx certified devices may be used in classified zones.
Are Samsung Tablets Intrinsically Safe?
No. Standard Samsung Galaxy Tab devices — including the Galaxy Tab S series, Galaxy Tab A series, and Galaxy Tab Active series — are not intrinsically safe. Samsung does not manufacture any ATEX or IECEx certified tablets.
However, some Ex equipment manufacturers use Samsung hardware as the base for their certified products. The ecom Tab-Ex 05 DZ2 by Pepperl+Fuchs, for example, is built around a Samsung Galaxy Tab Active and is certified for ATEX Zone 2 (gas) and Zone 22 (dust). The key difference: ecom adds a certified protective housing with energy-limiting circuitry, and the complete assembly undergoes certification by a Notified Body.
Are Apple iPads Intrinsically Safe?
No. Apple does not manufacture any ATEX or IECEx certified iPad. No iPhone or iPad is intrinsically safe in its standard form.
However, Xshielder (Norway) manufactures an ATEX Zone 1 and IECEx certified Ex case for the iPad mini 6. The case limits the electrical energy available to the iPad's external interfaces and provides a certified enclosure. The iPad inside retains full functionality: App Store access, Apple Pencil support, and enterprise MDM via Jamf or Intune.
This is currently the only way to use an iPad in Zone 1 hazardous areas. The Ex case starts at approximately €800, compared to €3,000–4,500 for dedicated Android or Windows Ex tablets.
Are Google Tablets Intrinsically Safe?
No. Google Pixel Tablets are not intrinsically safe. There are no ATEX or IECEx certifications for any Google-branded tablet, and no third-party manufacturer currently offers an Ex-certified housing for Google tablets.
If your organisation requires an Android-based intrinsically safe tablet, the certified options are dedicated Ex tablets from manufacturers like i.safe MOBILE (IS930.1, Zone 1) and ecom/Pepperl+Fuchs (Tab-Ex series, Zone 2).
What Makes a Tablet Intrinsically Safe?
Intrinsic safety (Ex i) is a protection concept where the electrical energy in a device is limited below the level needed to ignite an explosive atmosphere. For a tablet to be certified as intrinsically safe, it must pass testing under IEC 60079-11, covering:
- • Battery energy limitation and fault protection
- • Maximum surface temperature under fault conditions
- • Spark energy below the Minimum Ignition Energy (MIE) of target gases
- • Component spacing and circuit separation
- • Enclosure integrity under mechanical stress
Learn more about intrinsic safety and other protection methods at exknowledge.com — Protection Methods.
Zone 1 vs Zone 2 — Why It Matters
ATEX and IECEx classify hazardous areas into zones based on how often an explosive atmosphere is present. Zone 1 means an explosive atmosphere is likely during normal operation. Zone 2 means it's only likely in abnormal conditions.
Most offshore platforms, refineries, and chemical plants have areas classified as Zone 1. A device certified only for Zone 2 cannot legally be used in Zone 1.
For a deeper explanation, see exknowledge.com — Zone Classification and our Zone 1 vs Zone 2 tablet guide.
Certified Alternatives at a Glance
| Device | Zone | OS | Based on | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xshielder iPad Ex Case | Zone 1 | iPadOS | iPad mini 6 | ~€800 |
| i.safe MOBILE IS930.1 | Zone 1 | Android | Custom | ~€3,500 |
| Aegex10 IS | Zone 1 | Windows 11 | Custom | ~€4,500 |
| ecom Tab-Ex 05 DZ2 | Zone 2 | Android | Samsung Galaxy Tab Active | ~€3,200 |
See the full comparison: 5 Best ATEX Zone 1 Tablets in 2026
Need help choosing?
The right tablet depends on your zone classification, required apps, and existing IT infrastructure. Start with the basics at exknowledge.com, or jump to our 2026 comparison.