What Drives the Cost of an ATEX Tablet

1. Zone and certification level

The zone sets the equipment category, and the category sets how much design and testing the tablet needs.

• Zone 1 / 21 (Category 2G / 2D) needs a protection concept such as intrinsic safety (Ex ib) or a flameproof enclosure (Ex db). Fewer models exist and each one needs more testing.
• Zone 2 / 22 (Category 3G / 3D) allows simpler concepts such as Ex ec or Ex ic. There are more models to choose from.
• Gas and dust groups and temperature class: IIC (hydrogen, acetylene) and IIIC (conductive dust) are the most demanding groups, and a lower surface temperature (T6 rather than T4) is harder to meet.
• Certificates: ATEX covers the EU. IECEx, UKEX, US Class/Division, JPEx or KCs are separate certificates, and not every model holds them.

A Zone 1 tablet can also be used in Zone 2. If your site has no Zone 1 areas where the tablet will go, a Zone 2 device is enough. See Zone 1 vs Zone 2 tablets.

2. Dedicated Ex tablet or certified iPad

A dedicated Ex tablet (for example the ecom Tab-Ex 03 DZ1, i.safe MOBILE IS930.1, Aegex 10 IS or Bartec Agile X IS) is certified as one device. You buy it, and later replace it, as one unit.

iPad options split the cost between a certified case or conversion and the iPad itself. Examples are the Xshielder iPad Pro 11 (Ex db case, ATEX Zone 1/21), the Xciel enclosures and the Atexxo converted iPads. Check what the certificate allows: whether the iPad can be swapped by the user, only by the manufacturer (the Xciel XCZ1 is factory-fitted only), or not at all.

3. Accessories that need their own certification

Only accessories covered by the tablet's certificate, or certified themselves, may be used in the hazardous area. Budget for them separately:

• chargers, cradles and power supplies (many Ex tablets may only be charged in the safe area)
• spare batteries, which must be the certified type
• cases, hand straps and carrying harnesses
• barcode scanners, headsets and vehicle mounts

4. Device lifecycle and OS support

The useful life of a tablet is limited by its software support, not only by its hardware. Ask for the security update commitment in writing and check when the chipset's support ends. A shorter support period means an earlier fleet replacement. Certified models also change less often than consumer devices, so check how long the model and its spare parts will be available. See step 4 of the buying decision guide.

5. MDM and software

Mobile device management licences, app development or porting, and integration with maintenance and ERP systems are running costs. Staying with the operating system and MDM platform you already use (Android, Windows or iPadOS) usually reduces setup and training work.

6. Certification paperwork

Each unit needs its documentation on file: the EU declaration of conformity, the EU-type examination certificate, the IECEx certificate of conformity where relevant, and the manufacturer's instructions. The tablet must also be entered in the site's Ex equipment register and included in inspections under IEC 60079-17.

7. Spares, repair and logistics

Repairs on certified equipment must be done by the manufacturer or an authorised workshop (IEC 60079-19). A cracked screen usually means shipping the unit away. Many operators keep a pool of spare tablets and batteries so work can continue while units are out for repair. Ask about repair turnaround, warranty terms and where the service centre is.

8. Volume and framework agreements

Fleet orders are usually quoted per project. Quantity, the length of a framework agreement, bundled accessories, and extended warranty or support terms all change the unit price.