Xciel · Certified Ex case
Xciel XCZ1 iPad mini 6
- Zone 1
- ATEX
- IECEx
- IIB
- T6
The Xciel XCZ1 iPad mini 6 is a flameproof (Ex d) case for the iPad mini (6th generation), certified for Zone 1 under ATEX and IECEx. The tablet inside is a standard iPad mini (6th generation) running iPadOS 27, so it works with the same apps and device management.
- Certified for
- Zone 1
- Protection
- Flameproof enclosure (Ex db)
- Screen
- 8.3-inch
- Temperature class
- T6 (≤ 85 °C)
- Ambient temperature
- −20 °C to +50 °C
- Operating system
- iPadOS 27
- Security updates
- Ended September 2026
- Weight
- 1350 g
- Price
- On request
Overview
Strengths and limitations
Strengths
- ATEX and IECEx certified, with published certificate numbers
- T6 temperature class, the strictest rating
- 5G on cellular versions
- A standard iPad mini (6th generation) inside, with the same apps and Apple device management
Limitations
- Gas group IIB: not rated for hydrogen or acetylene
- No dust zone rating
- Apple's minimum update period for this iPad has ended: for existing fleets only
- Not certified for Zone 0
Best for
Certification
Where you can use it
Gas
- Zone 0not certified.Explosive gas present continuously or for long periods
- Zone 1certified.Explosive gas likely in normal operation
- Zone 2certified.Explosive gas unlikely, and only briefly
Dust
No dust zones listed in our verified data. Check the certificate.
The Ex marking, decoded
Gas atmospheresZones 1 and 2
II2GExdbIIBT6Gb
IIEquipment group- Group II: equipment for surface industries (not mining).
2GATEX category- Category 2 for gas: suitable down to Zone 1.
ExExplosion protected- Certified to the IEC 60079 / EN 60079 series.
dbProtection type- Flameproof enclosure: the housing is built to contain an ignition inside it and stop the flame reaching the atmosphere outside.
IIBGas group- Gas group IIB, e.g. ethylene. Also covers IIA.
T6Temperature class- Surface stays below 85 °C. T6 is the strictest class.
GbProtection level- Equipment protection level Gb (high): suitable for Zone 1 and 2.
Gas atmospheresZones 1 and 2
ExdbIIBT6Gb
ExExplosion protected- Certified to the IEC 60079 / EN 60079 series.
dbProtection type- Flameproof enclosure: the housing is built to contain an ignition inside it and stop the flame reaching the atmosphere outside.
IIBGas group- Gas group IIB, e.g. ethylene. Also covers IIA.
T6Temperature class- Surface stays below 85 °C. T6 is the strictest class.
GbProtection level- Equipment protection level Gb (high): suitable for Zone 1 and 2.
Safe use
Rules for the hazardous area
- Ambient temperature (Ta)
- −20 °C to +50 °C
- Charging
- Outside the hazardous area only
- Battery swap
- Outside the hazardous area only
- Ports and accessories in the zone
- USB-C charging port cover and SIM card cover must be fitted in the Ex area (user may remove only their fasteners, outside the Ex area); no cable or wireless charging in a hazardous atmosphere
- Certified accessories
- Accessories are options only: magnet mounting system, locking system, capacitive stylus, ballistic nylon case, carrying handle, hard shell carry case, chest harness, shoulder strap. None is stated to be Ex-rated; the certificate covers the enclosure only.Unconfirmed, see note 2
- Operating temperature
- −20 °C to +50 °C
Conditions of use
Do not open the aluminium case. The iPad shall not be charged, by cable or wireless, when hazardous atmospheres are present; charge only with a suitably approved charger. Flameproof joints shall not be modified or repaired. Fasteners are thread-locked and must not be removed or replaced without the manufacturer's approval; the only fasteners the end user may remove are those of the USB charging port cover and the SIM card cover. Rubber bumpers must be fitted at all times and inspected before each use.
Specifications
Full specifications
Device specifications are for the iPad mini (6th generation) inside. “What works through the case” shows which of its features you can use in the case.
Certification
- ATEX marking
- II 2G Ex db IIB T6 GbUnconfirmed, see note 1
- ATEX certificate
- ExVeritas 23ATEX1721XUnconfirmed, see note 1
- IECEx marking
- Ex db IIB T6 GbUnconfirmed, see note 1
- IECEx certificate
- IECEx EXV 23.0054X
- Protection level (EPL)
- Gb
Device
- Type
- Certified Ex case
- Tablet inside
- iPad mini (6th generation)
- Fitting
- Fitted by the maker
- Tablet can be removed
- No (certificate: do not open the case; fitting by Xciel or authorised partner only)
- Launched
- 2024
- Part numbers
- XCZ1MINI6 (case only); XCZ1 mini 6-64-x, 6-256-x and -4G variants
- Operating system
- iPadOS 27
- Edition
- iPadOS (consumer; no LTSC or enterprise edition)
- OS at launch
- iPadOS 15
- OS upgrades
- Still supported by iPadOS 27 (current)
- Security updates
- Ended September 2026
- Processor
- Apple A15 Bionic (6-core CPU, 5-core GPU)
- Processor architecture
- Arm
- Memory (RAM)
- 4 GB
- Storage
- 64 GB, 256 GB
What works through the case
- Apple Pencil / stylus
- Capacitive stylus compatible (Xciel 'MicroFibre Capacitive Stylus' option); Apple Pencil attach/charge not possible through the sealed case (not stated by Xciel)Unconfirmed, see note 3
- Side and volume buttons
- External power, volume and mute buttons
- Touchscreen
- Works through the case glass window; stylus and gloves compatibleUnconfirmed, see note 3
- Screen cover
- Integral glass window (part of the flameproof enclosure)
- Charging
- USB-C through a screwed port cover; charge outside the hazardous area only; no wireless charging in a hazardous atmosphere
- USB-C port
- Via the charging port cover (user may remove only the cover fasteners, outside the hazardous area); data use not stated
- SIM card
- SIM card cover; user may remove its fasteners
- Removed or disabled
- Nothing stated as removed or disabledUnconfirmed, see note 3
- Mounting points
- Magnet Mounting System (XCZ1-MM), locking system, carrying handle, shoulder strap, chest harness (options)
Field capabilities
- Push-to-talk
- Via app (third-party PTT apps over Wi-Fi/cellular; no PTT key; Ex-rated? n/a)Unconfirmed, see note 4
- Lone worker
- Via app (third-party lone-worker apps)Unconfirmed, see note 4
- Barcode scanning
- Via app (camera-based scanning; no scan engine)Unconfirmed, see note 4
- NFC reading
- Not possible (no NFC reader on any iPad)Unconfirmed, see note 4
- 3D scanning / LiDAR
- Not possible (no LiDAR on this iPad)
- Remote expert / video calls
- Via app (FaceTime, Teams or remote-assist apps; needs camera and audio access through the case)Unconfirmed, see note 4
- Windows desktop software
- Not possible (iPadOS only)
- Bluetooth gas detectors
- Via app (Bluetooth 5.0; vendor app; no maker-certified integration listed)Unconfirmed, see note 4
Display and camera
- Display
- 8.3-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD, P3, True Tone, antireflective coating
- Resolution
- 2266 × 1488 (326 ppi)
- Brightness
- 500 nits
- Pen / stylus
- Apple Pencil (2nd generation), Apple Pencil (USB-C); magnetic attach and charge (2nd gen)
- Rear camera
- 12 MP Wide, f/1.8
- Front camera
- 12 MP Ultra Wide, Center Stage
- Video
- 4K video
Connectivity
- Network
- Wi-Fi only or Wi-Fi + Cellular (5G)
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Bluetooth
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Satellite positioning
- GPS/GNSS on Wi-Fi + Cellular models; digital compass and Wi-Fi location on all
- SIM
- eSIM and Nano-SIM (cellular models)
Physical and power
- Weight
- 1350 g (including the tablet)
- Dimensions
- 247.6 × 187.1 × 35.6 (general dimensions, certificate) mm
- Ingress protection
- IP54
- Battery
- 5034Unconfirmed, see note 5
- Battery energy
- 19.3
- Battery life
- Up to 10 hours web or video on Wi-Fi
- Hot-swap battery
- No
- Replaceable battery
- No
- Ports and expansion
- USB-C; magnetic Apple Pencil connector
- Docking
- USB-C hubs and docks; Smart Connector or magnetic keyboard accessories where the iPad has them. Not usable through sealed Ex cases except the USB-C or Lightning charging port where the case exposes it.
Controls & Accessibility
- Keys
- Top button with Touch ID sensor, volume buttons; no programmable hardware key
- Push-to-talk key
- No
- Biometrics
- Touch ID (top button)
Fleet and support
- Manufacturer
- Xciel Inc, USA
Only specifications we could check are listed. A numbered marker next to a value means it is unconfirmed: it comes from a single or secondary source, or sources disagree. The matching note at the foot of the page explains each one. See the Xciel Inc website for the full data sheet.
Compare
How it compares
Best in this comparison
XcielXciel XCZ1 iPad mini 6This tablet | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Certified Ex case | Certified Ex case | Certified Ex case | Converted tablet |
| Screen size | 8.3-inch | 8.3-inch | 11-inch | 8.3-inch |
| Availability | Current | Current | Current | Current |
| Gas zones | Zone 1, Zone 2 | Zone 1, Zone 2 | Zone 1, Zone 2 | Zone 1, Zone 2 |
| Dust zones | — | Zone 21, Zone 22 | Zone 21, Zone 22 | Zone 21, Zone 22 |
| Protection | Flameproof enclosure (Ex db) | Flameproof enclosure (Ex db) | Flameproof enclosure (Ex db) | Flameproof enclosure (Ex db) |
| Gas group | IIB | IIC | IIC | IIC |
| Temperature class | T6 (best in this comparison) | T6 (best in this comparison) | T6 (best in this comparison) | T4 |
| Certification | ATEX + IECEx | ATEX + IECEx | ATEX | ATEX + IECEx |
| North America | — | — | — | Class I Division 2 |
| Ambient temperature | −20 °C to +50 °C | −20 °C to +40 °C (standard range: no Ta is marked on IECEx TPS 25.0016X, so IEC 60079-0 applies) | −20 °C to +45 °C | −20 °C to +50 °C |
| Charging in the Ex area | Not allowed | Not allowed | — | Not allowed |
| Operating system | iPadOS 27 | iPadOS 27 | iPadOS 27 | iPadOS 27 |
| Security updates | Ended September 2026 | At least until October 2029 (Apple's minimum) | 7–8 years (based on previous iPad Pro support) (best in this comparison) | Ended September 2026 |
| Weight | 1350 g | 1396 g | 1350 g | 990 g (best in this comparison) |
| Display | 8.3-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD, P3, True Tone, antireflective coating | 8.3-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD, P3, True Tone, fully laminated, antireflective coating | 11-inch Ultra Retina XDR tandem OLED, ProMotion 10-120 Hz, P3, True Tone, antireflective coating; nano-texture glass option on 1 and 2 TB | 8.3-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD, P3, True Tone, antireflective coating |
| 5G | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pen / stylus | Apple Pencil (2nd generation), Apple Pencil (USB-C); magnetic attach and charge (2nd gen) | Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (USB-C); hover | Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (USB-C); magnetic attach and charge, hover | Apple Pencil (2nd generation), Apple Pencil (USB-C); magnetic attach and charge (2nd gen) |
| Replaceable battery | No | No | No | No |
| Hot-swap battery | No | No | No | No |
| Price | On request | On request | On request | On request |
FAQ
Common questions
Is the Xciel XCZ1 iPad mini 6 certified for Zone 1?
Yes. The Xciel XCZ1 iPad mini 6 is certified for Zone 1 with the marking II 2G Ex db IIB T6 Gb. Equipment certified for Zone 1 can also be used in Zone 2.
Can the Xciel XCZ1 iPad mini 6 be used in Zone 0?
No. It is not certified for Zone 0. Zone 0 needs equipment with protection level Ga, such as Ex ia intrinsic safety.
What type of explosion protection does the Xciel XCZ1 iPad mini 6 use?
It uses a flameproof enclosure (Ex db), a form of explosion-proof protection. The housing is built to contain an ignition inside it and stop the flame reaching the surrounding atmosphere.
What does T6 mean for the Xciel XCZ1 iPad mini 6?
Its surface stays below 85 °C, so it is suitable for gases that only ignite above that temperature. Check the ignition temperature of the substances on your site.
Can you charge the Xciel XCZ1 iPad mini 6 in a hazardous area?
No. The certificate only allows charging outside the hazardous area.
Which tablet is inside the Xciel XCZ1 iPad mini 6?
A standard iPad mini (6th generation). A certified enclosure that lets a standard consumer tablet be used in hazardous areas.
Which ports and accessories can be used with the Xciel XCZ1 iPad mini 6 in the hazardous area?
USB-C charging port cover and SIM card cover must be fitted in the Ex area (user may remove only their fasteners, outside the Ex area); no cable or wireless charging in a hazardous atmosphere
What operating system does the Xciel XCZ1 iPad mini 6 run?
iPadOS 27. Apple guarantees security updates until at least September 2026; earlier iPads have had longer support.
How much does the Xciel XCZ1 iPad mini 6 cost?
Prices for certified hazardous-area tablets depend on volume, configuration and region, so they are on request. Contact us for a price.
Notes on unconfirmed values
- The IECEx marking is from the certificate. The ATEX version is from a distributor; the ATEX certificate isn't published. Return to note 1
- Not checked against the certificate for this exact model. Return to note 2
- Inferred from related information; not stated by the maker for this exact model. Return to note 3
- Not confirmed by the maker for this exact model. Return to note 4
- Apple states battery capacity in watt-hours only; this figure is from the case maker's documents. Return to note 5
Sources and verification
Facts last verified on against:
- IECEx Certificate Database (ExVeritas): IECEx EXV 23.0054X issue 1, 2025-01-20, Current
- IECEx Certificate Database (ExVeritas): IECEx EXV 19.0026X issue 2, 2023-06-22, Current
- Bureau Veritas CPS Germany: EU-Type Examination Certificate EPS 22 ATEX 1 162 X, revision 3, 2025-04-01 (EXd-TABLET-M6 and M7), read from Atexxo PDF
- IECEx Certificate Database (Bureau Veritas CPS): IECEx EPS 22.0020X issue 3, 2025-04-01, Current
- Xciel: XCZ1 iPad Mini 6 datasheet (PDF)
- Xciel: XCZ1 iPad Mini 5 datasheet (PDF, 2022-10)
- Xciel: I.S. iPad range page (read 2026-10-25)
- Xciel: Online store: XCZ1 iPad mini 7 / 6 / 5 enclosure pages (read 2026-10-25)
- Apple: Identify your iPad model (model numbers, years)
- Apple: UK PSTI Statements of Compliance, one per model (regulatoryinfo.apple.com/ukpsti): first supply date and minimum 5-year defined support period
- Apple: iPadOS 27 compatibility list (apple.com/os/ipados)
- ATEXshop: ATEX iPad mini 7 Zone 1 - Xciel XCZ1 (lists ATEX certificate ExVeritas 23ATEX1721X issue 1)
- BGR / EveryMac / 9to5Mac: iPadOS 27 drops iPad mini 5, iPad 8, iPad Air 3, iPad Pro 11-inch 1st gen (release 2026-09-14)
Always check the certificate for your exact model before use. Spotted an error? Tell us.