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.
As of 2026, there is no widely available ATEX or IECEx Zone 1 certified Ex case for any iPad model. Organisations requiring Apple ecosystem devices in hazardous areas should consider iPhone-based solutions instead.
Xshielder (Norway) offers ATEX Zone 1 certified Ex cases for the iPhone 17 Pro Max, providing Apple ecosystem access — iOS 25, App Store, Face ID, and enterprise MDM via Jamf or Intune — in hazardous areas. See Tab-Ex vs Aegex Tab-Ex vs Bartec Tab-Ex Alternatives intrinsicallysafephones.com for details.
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.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.