Compare · Windows or Android for Zone 1

Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC vs i.safe MOBILE IS940.1

These two 10.1-inch intrinsically safe tablets do different jobs, so this is a choice between Windows and Android for Zone 1 work. The Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC (Ex ia) runs x86 Windows 11 IoT Enterprise and is Zone 0 rated inside its supplied case. The i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 (Ex ib) is an Android tablet with 5G that weighs 371 g less, and i.safe allows it to be charged inside the hazardous area. Both are certified for Zone 1/21 under ATEX and IECEx at IIC T4. Here is how they compare, and which we would choose for which team.

Our verdict

Which should you choose?

Pick by the software your team has to run and the gases on your site. If your Zone 1 work needs desktop Windows software, a sharper screen or Zone 0 access, we would choose the Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC. If you run Android apps, work in North America with gases in Groups A or B, charge in the zone, or want a lighter tablet with an alarm key and Ex-rated push-to-talk accessories, we would choose the i.safe MOBILE IS940.1.

Choose the Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC if…

  • Your engineers or inspectors run desktop Windows software in Zone 1: it is an x86 tablet with Windows 11 IoT Enterprise.
  • Some of your work is in Zone 0: it is rated Ga/Da for it inside the case Eaton supplies, while the i.safe MOBILE IS940.1’s certificate covers Zone 1/21.
  • You read drawings, data or dashboards on site: its screen is 2560 × 1600 at 540 nits, against 1200 × 1920 on the i.safe MOBILE IS940.1, which has no brightness figure in our data.
  • You store large files on the tablet, such as drawings, manuals or inspection photos: it has 256 GB with microSDXC up to 2 TB, against 128 GB and microSD.
  • Your site restricts cameras: Eaton offers a camera-free version of the Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC, while our data does not confirm one for the i.safe MOBILE IS940.1.
Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC in full

Choose the i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 if…

  • Your North American sites handle acetylene or hydrogen: it is listed for Class I Division 1 Groups A to D, where the Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC covers Groups C and D only.
  • Your crews work shifts longer than a battery: it may be charged inside the hazardous area within the certificate’s limits, where the Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC must be charged outside.
  • Your crews carry the tablet all shift: it weighs 1,059 g against 1,430 g, and is rated IP68 and MIL-STD-810H.
  • Your teams rely on push-to-talk or lone-worker alarms: it has a programmable red key and Ex-rated push-to-talk, headset and speaker-microphone accessories, while the IECEx conditions for the Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC allow no accessories or extensions in the hazardous area, apart from the carry case it needs in Zone 0.
  • Some of your crews work underground: the i.safe MOBILE IS940.M1 mining version adds Group I certification.
i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 in full

Key differences

Where they differ

  • Zone 0 or Zone 1 only

    Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC
    Ga / Da
    i.safe MOBILE IS940.1
    Gb / Db

    The Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC is rated Ga/Da, and Eaton limits Zone 0 use to the case it supplies. The i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 is rated Gb/Db for Zone 1/21. If any of your work is in Zone 0, only the Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC qualifies, and only inside that case.

  • Gas groups in North America

    Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC
    UL certificate CER230869: Class I Div 1 Groups C, D T4; Class I Zone 0 AEx ia IIB T4 Ga (US) / Ex ia IIB T4 Ga (CAN); UL 913 8th ed. Class I, II, III Div 1. Gas group is IIB in North America, IIC in Europe/IECEx.
    i.safe MOBILE IS940.1
    NEC 500 (QPS LR3081-7, 2025-08-13): Class I Div 1 Groups A, B, C, D T4; Class II Div 1 Groups E, F, G 155 °C; Class III; IP64; −20 °C to +55 °C

    The Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC’s UL listing covers Class I Division 1 Groups C and D at T4, so not acetylene (Group A) or hydrogen (Group B). The i.safe MOBILE IS940.1’s NEC 500 listing covers Groups A to D at T4. On a site classified by Division, this can decide the choice on its own.

  • Windows software

    Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC
    Built in (Windows 11 IoT, x86)
    i.safe MOBILE IS940.1
    Not possible (Android)

    The Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC runs x86 Windows software natively. The i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 is Android and cannot run Windows applications. If your software exists only for Windows, the choice is made.

  • Charging in the hazardous area

    Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC
    Outside the hazardous area only
    i.safe MOBILE IS940.1
    Yes

    i.safe allows the i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 to be charged inside the hazardous area, within a charging range of 0 °C to +45 °C. The Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC must be charged outside it, with its own charger. For crews who cannot walk out to a charging point, this can decide the choice.

In the field

Head to head, by kind of work

Windows software, screen and processing

Edge: Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC

This is the real dividing line. The Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC runs Windows 11 IoT Enterprise on an Intel quad-core Atom (Apollo Lake) at 1.6 GHz, with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, and our data lists Windows desktop software as built in. For teams whose plant, maintenance or engineering software exists only as a Windows application, that is the whole case for it. Its 10.1-inch screen is 2560 × 1600 at 540 nits, a stylus is supplied, and the rear camera is 8 MP with 1080p video.

The i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 runs Android 14 on a Qualcomm QCM6490, a long-term support chipset, with 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage. Its 10.1-inch Gorilla Glass V3 screen is 1200 × 1920, with a 50 MP autofocus camera, 5G NR, Wi-Fi 6 and a dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM). Eaton lists Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac with optional LTE-A. For web tools and Android apps the i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 does the job; for Windows applications it does not.

Zone 0, gas groups and ratings

Even

Under ATEX and IECEx both are certified for Zone 1/21, gas group IIC and dust group IIIC, at T4 and 135 °C, with the same ambient range of −20 °C to +55 °C. The Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC is rated Ga/Da, intrinsically safe at level ia, and Zone 0 use is allowed only inside the case Eaton supplies, with a friction hazard warning. The i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 is rated Gb/Db at level ib, and neither it nor its certificate covers Zone 0.

North America reverses the picture. The Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC’s UL listing is Class I Division 1 Groups C and D at T4, with Class I Zone 0 AEx ia IIB T4, and in North America its gas group is IIB, so hydrogen and acetylene are outside it. The i.safe MOBILE IS940.1’s NEC 500 listing covers Class I Division 1 Groups A to D at T4, Class II Division 1 Groups E, F and G and Class III. Each tablet wins one of these two points, so which counts depends on your site.

Weight, charging and battery

Edge: i.safe MOBILE IS940.1

The i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 weighs 1,059 g against 1,430 g for the Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC, 371 g less, and it is rated IP68 against IP67. It may be charged inside the hazardous area, and i.safe lists the IS-DS940.1 docking station for it. Its battery is user-replaceable, changed outside the hazardous area only. The Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC’s battery is not user-replaceable, and Eaton’s conditions allow no charging, connecting or disconnecting in hazardous areas, with its dock for safe areas only.

The Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC has two 3,450 mAh cells at 7.2 V, 49.68 Wh, and Eaton quotes a typical 12 hours. The i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 has an 8,160 mAh battery, and our data has no battery-life figure for it, so we do not compare runtime. Test Eaton’s figure against your own workload, and note that a tablet that can be charged where it is used does not have to leave the zone to recharge.

Updates, accessories and field tools

Edge: i.safe MOBILE IS940.1

On updates, i.safe states security updates until Q4 2032 for the i.safe MOBILE IS940.1. Our data gives October 2034 for the Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC, which is Microsoft’s end date for the Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2024 edition, but Eaton does not state which edition it ships. We would not choose on that date: ask Eaton for the exact support end date for the version you order.

In the field, the i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 lists more. It has a freely programmable red key for SOS or a lone-worker app, Ex-rated accessories for use in the zone (the IS-PTTB1A.1 push-to-talk button, headsets and the IS-RSM3A.1 remote speaker microphone) and a mining version, the i.safe MOBILE IS940.M1. The Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC scans through a camera app, with Aegex’s AegexScan as an option, and supplies a stylus. Eaton’s conditions of use allow no accessories or extensions in the hazardous area, and our data lists no key or ruggedness standard for it.

Specifications

Full specifications side by side

Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC vs i.safe MOBILE IS940.1: full specifications
Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PCi.safe MOBILE IS940.1
Ex rating
Certified forZone 1/21Zone 1/21
ProtectionIntrinsic safety (Ex ia)Intrinsic safety (Ex ib)
Gas groupIICIIC
Temperature classT4 (≤ 135 °C)T4 (≤ 135 °C)
Mining versionNot in our datai.safe MOBILE IS940.M1: also certified for Group I (underground mining)
Certification
ATEX markingII 1GD Ex ia IIC T4 Ga / II 1GD Ex ia IIIC T135°C DaII 2G Ex ib IIC T4 Gb / II 2D Ex ib IIIC T135°C Db
ATEX certificateNemko 25ATEX1018XEPS 24 ATEX 1 010 X
IECEx markingEx ia IIC T4 Ga / Ex ia IIIC T135°C DaEx ib IIC T4 Gb / Ex ib IIIC T135°C Db
IECEx certificateIECEx NMK 25.0029X (Issue 0, 2026-05-26)IECEx EPS 24.0001X (issue 1, 2025-02-06
Other approvalsUL 913 / CSA C22.2 No. 60079-0 and -11IA South Africa (MTEx-S/24.0456 X), PCEC China (CE24.5940X), INMETRO (BRA 24.GE0015X), Japan-Ex, PESO, KCs
North AmericaUL certificate CER230869: Class I Div 1 Groups C, D T4; Class I Zone 0 AEx ia IIB T4 Ga (US) / Ex ia IIB T4 Ga (CAN); UL 913 8th ed. Class I, II, III Div 1. Gas group is IIB in North America, IIC in Europe/IECEx.NEC 500 (QPS LR3081-7, 2025-08-13): Class I Div 1 Groups A, B, C, D T4; Class II Div 1 Groups E, F, G 155 °C; Class III; IP64; −20 °C to +55 °C
Zone 0Zone 0 rated only inside the case supplied by the maker.Not in our data
Protection level (EPL)Ga / DaGb / Db
Dust groupIIICIIIC
Max surface temperature (dust)135 °C135 °C
Safe use
Ambient temperature (Ta)−20 °C to +55 °C−20 °C to +55 °C
ChargingOutside the hazardous area onlyYes
Battery swapOutside the hazardous area onlyOutside the hazardous area only
Ports and accessories in the zoneNo accessories or extensions in the hazardous area; SIM/microSD slots not to be opened; docking connector and charging only in safe areas.USB-C and 16-pin ISM covers closed in Ex areas. In Ex areas only these may be connected to the 16-pin ISM: headset IS-HS2A.1, remote speaker microphone IS-RSM3A.1, PTT button IS-PTTB1A.1 (with or without headset IS-HDHS1x.1). The 12-pin dock interface may stay open. Nano-SIM and microSD (IS-SD164.1 / IS-SD1128.1 or cards meeting the entity parameters) allowed in their slots in the Ex area.
Certified accessoriesEaton accessory list: carry case GEC-ATP-CC-01 (required in Zone 0), anti-glare screen protector GEC-ATP-AGSP-01, USB cables GEC-ATP-STUSBS-01, IS USB adapter GEC-ATP-ISUSB-01, shoulder strap GEC-ATP-SHST-01, stylus with tether GEC-ATP-STYT-01, docking station GEC-ATP-DOST-01 (safe area), hands-free harness GEC-ATP-HFHA-01, power adapter GEC-ATP-POAD-XX-01. Ex-area use of each accessory is not stated beyond the case, strap and stylus.Ex-rated for use in Ex area: IS-HS2A.1 headset, IS-RSM3A.1 speaker microphone, IS-PTTB1A.1 PTT button, IS-HDHS1A/B/C.1 headsets (headband, neckband, helmet), IS-DS940.1 docking station, microSD IS-SD164.1/IS-SD1128.1. Charging via IS-DS940.1 or MC930.1 multi charger; PROTECTOR 2.0 USB-C cable only outside Ex areas. Leather cases, vehicle mount, carry straps also listed.
IP code in the Ex certificateIP67 in the ATEX marking printed in Eaton's manual (Nemko 25ATEX1018X ... Um = 20V IP67); not in the IECEx database marking for NMK 25.0029XUnconfirmed, see note 1Not in our data
Operating temperature−20 °C to +55 °C−20 °C to +55 °C
Conditions of useDo not remove or replace the battery pack in hazardous areas; use only battery AAEB-100-XX and charge it only on the tablet; charge only with Eaton charger GEC-ATP-POAD-x-01; do not open the SIM/SD port in a hazardous location; in Zone 0 use only inside Eaton case GEC-ATP-CC-01 (friction hazard); avoid friction on the enclosure; inspect for damage; service only by Eaton; do not charge, connect or disconnect in hazardous areas; no accessories or extensions in hazardous areas (IECEx NMK 25.0029X conditions a-j). Um = 20 V appears in the ATEX/UL marking printed in the instruction manual, not in the IECEx text.Battery may be replaced outside explosion hazardous areas only; protect against excessive UV light and high electrostatic charge; USB-C interface under IP cover may only be opened outside hazardous areas; 16-pin ISM interface must be closed with its cover when not in use in hazardous areas; ambient −20 °C to +55 °C; charging temperature limited to 0 °C to +45 °C (IECEx EPS 24.0001X issue 1). Safety instructions: protect from high-energy impacts; zones 1, 2, 21, 22 only.
Device
TypeDedicated Ex tabletDedicated Ex tablet
Launched2026Unconfirmed, see note 22024Unconfirmed, see note 3
Part numbersGZ1A1W51A1A1 (WiFi); GZ1A1G51A1A1 (LTE); carry case GEC-ATP-CC-01; dock GEC-ATP-DOST-01Model M940A01; battery BPIS940A.1A (MBP940AA01) per DoC; R. STAHL Art. No. 329056 (Tablet Set), 329467 (Tablet Set no Camera)Unconfirmed, see note 4
Operating systemWindows 11 IoT EnterpriseAndroid 14
EditionWindows 11 IoT Enterprise (channel/LTSC year not stated; Eaton: 'Windows 11 IoT')Unconfirmed, see note 5Android 14
Security updatesUntil October 2034Unconfirmed, see note 6Until Q4 2032
ProcessorIntel quad-core Atom (Apollo Lake) 1.6 GHz base, 1.8 GHz burstQualcomm QCM6490 octa-core (long-term support chipset)
Processor architecturex86Arm
Memory (RAM)8 GB8 GB
Storage256 GB, MicroSDXC up to 2 TB128 GB, microSD supported
Field capabilities
Push-to-talkNot in our dataVia accessory (IS-PTTB1A.1 PTT button on the 16-pin ISM interface; Ex-rated? yes) and PTT app
Emergency / SOSNot in our dataBuilt in (freely programmable red key, e.g. SOS / lone worker)
Lone workerNot in our dataVia app (red key assigned to a lone-worker application; third-party app)
Barcode scanningVia app (camera-based; Eaton lists no scan engine)Via app (50 MP camera-based; no dedicated scan engine listed)
NFC readingBuilt in (NFC)Built in (NFC)
3D scanning / LiDARNot possible (no depth sensor)Not possible (no depth sensor listed)
Remote expert / video callsVia app (front and rear cameras; a camera-free version is also offered)Via app (front and rear cameras, Wi-Fi 6 / 5G; third-party app)
Windows desktop softwareBuilt in (Windows 11 IoT, x86)Not possible (Android)
Display and camera
Display10.1-inch AHVA (IPS-type), 1000:1 contrast, 170 degree viewing angle10.1-inch Corning Gorilla Glass V3 (3rd generation), usable with gloves
Resolution2560 × 1600 (WQXGA)1200 × 1920
Brightness540 nitsNot in our data
TouchNot in our dataUsable with gloves (maker); wet-touch not stated
Pen / stylusStylus supplied (type not stated)Passive stylus available as accessory (IS-Stylus Set, 'stylus for operating touch screens'); not in the box
Rear camera8 MP autofocus with flash (Eaton: camera-free version available)50 MP autofocus
Front cameraFront camera 1920 x 1080 stills (megapixels not stated; 2 MP in Eaton manual)5 MP fixed focus
Video1080p at 30 fpsNot in our data
Connectivity
NetworkWi-Fi; optional LTE-A Cat 12 / UMTS5G NR and 4G LTE
Wi-Fi802.11 a/b/g/n/acWi-Fi 6 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/e/k/r/ax/v) with hotspot
BluetoothBluetooth 5.2Bluetooth 5.2
NFCYesYes
Satellite positioningGPS, GLONASS, GalileoGPS, A-GPS, Glonass, A-Glonass, Beidou, Galileo
SIMNano-SIM (LTE version)Nano-SIM + eSIM (dual SIM)
Physical and power
Weight1430 g1059 g
Dimensions278 × 207 × 13.8 (28.3 at battery section) mm266.17 × 168.46 × 19.82 mm
Ingress protectionIP67IP68
RuggednessNot in our dataMIL-STD-810H
Battery2 x 3450 (7.2 V)8160
Battery energy49.6830.2Unconfirmed, see note 7
Battery lifeTypical 12 h (Eaton datasheet)Not in our data
Replaceable batteryNoYes
Ports and expansion5-pin magnetic charging connector; docking connector (LAN, USB 2.0/3.0, USB-C, HDMI, SD, audio jack); microSDXC and nano-SIM under port cover; VESA 75 x 35 mm mount (Eaton)USB-C; 12-pin docking interface; 16-pin ISM interface (audio/PTT accessories; the page text also calls it '13-pin'); nano-SIM + eSIM; microSD
DockingDock DS100M (Aegex) / GEC-ATP-DOST-01 (Eaton), safe area only; shoulder strap; VESA mountIS-DS940.1 docking station (VESA 100; charging in Ex area); IS-MC930.1 six-bay multi charger; vehicle mount
KeyboardNo (slate)No (slate)
Controls & Accessibility
KeysNot in our dataFreely programmable red key (e.g. lone worker / SOS); additional programmable side buttons
Push-to-talk keyNot in our dataNo
Glove touchNot in our dataYes
Fleet and support
Preinstalled appsAegexScan barcode-scanning application (optional, Aegex)Not in our data
ManufacturerEaton Electric Limited (MTL), United Kingdomi.safe MOBILE GmbH, Germany

Only values we could check are listed; “Not in our data” means we have not verified it, not that the tablet lacks it. A numbered marker means a value is unconfirmed, and the matching note at the foot of the page explains why. Prices are on request for both.

Impartial advice

Still deciding between the two?

Both tablets are intrinsically safe and certified for Zone 1/21, so the choice comes down to your software and your gases: Windows or Android, Groups C and D or A to D, Zone 0 or not. Tell us about your sites and we will help you choose impartially.

FAQ

Common questions

Is the Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC better than the i.safe MOBILE IS940.1?

Neither is better across the board. The Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC suits teams that need x86 Windows software, a sharper screen or Zone 0 access. The i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 suits Android teams, Division 1 sites with Group A or B gases, crews who charge in the zone and anyone who wants a lighter tablet. Both are intrinsically safe and certified for Zone 1/21.

Can either tablet be used in Zone 0?

Only the Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC, and only inside the case supplied by Eaton. The i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 is certified for Zone 1/21 (protection level Gb/Db) and is not certified for Zone 0.

Do both cover hydrogen and acetylene in North America?

No. The i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 is listed for Class I Division 1 Groups A to D, which include acetylene and hydrogen. The Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC is listed for Groups C and D only. Under ATEX and IECEx both are rated for gas group IIC.

Can you charge either tablet in the hazardous area?

Only the i.safe MOBILE IS940.1, within its certificate’s limits and a charging range of 0 °C to +45 °C. The Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC must be charged outside the hazardous area with Eaton’s charger, and its battery is not user-replaceable.

Which gets security updates for longer?

On the dates we have, the Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC, to October 2034, but that is Microsoft’s date for the LTSC 2024 edition and Eaton does not state its edition. i.safe states Q4 2032 for the i.safe MOBILE IS940.1. Treat the Eaton date as unconfirmed until Eaton confirms it.

Can the i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 run Windows software?

No. It is an Android tablet, and our data lists Windows desktop software as not possible on it. The Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC is an x86 tablet that runs Windows 11 IoT Enterprise.

How much do the Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC and i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 cost?

Prices depend on volume, configuration and region, so both are on request. Contact us for a price.

Notes on unconfirmed values

  1. Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC: From Eaton's manual; the IECEx certificate doesn't state an IP code.
  2. Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC: Approximate: the maker doesn't publish a launch date. Based on the certificate date or the maker's announcement.
  3. i.safe MOBILE IS940.1: Approximate: the maker doesn't publish a launch date. Based on the certificate date or the maker's announcement.
  4. i.safe MOBILE IS940.1: Order codes from a certificate or distributor; confirm them with the maker when ordering.
  5. Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC: The maker doesn't state the edition year.
  6. Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC: Microsoft's end date for Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2024. The maker doesn't state the edition year.
  7. i.safe MOBILE IS940.1: Calculated from the maker's battery capacity and voltage; the maker doesn't state watt-hours.

Facts last verified on against certificates, declarations of conformity and manufacturer data. The sources for each tablet are listed on its page: Eaton MTL GECMA IS Tablet PC and i.safe MOBILE IS940.1. Always check the certificate for your exact model before use. Spotted an error? Tell us.