Zone 1 vs Zone 2 Tablets:
Which ATEX Certification Do You Need?
The single most common procurement mistake in hazardous area tablets is selecting the wrong zone rating. This guide explains the difference, the risk of getting it wrong, and which tablets are available for each zone.
The core difference
Zone classification describes how often an explosive atmosphere is present. It directly determines which equipment category you must procure.
| Aspect | Zone 1 | Zone 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Explosive atmosphere | Likely during normal operations | Only under abnormal conditions |
| Equipment category | Category 2G (II 2G) | Category 3G (II 3G) |
| Protection type | Ex ia or Ex ib (intrinsic safety) | Ex nA, Ex ec, or Ex ic |
| Fault tolerance | One or two countable faults | Normal operation only |
| Can be used in Zone 2? | Yes | Yes |
| Can be used in Zone 1? | Yes | No |
Where are Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas?
Typical Zone 1 locations
- Within 1–3 metres of pump seals, compressor vents, and valve packings
- Around open or semi-enclosed loading/unloading points
- Inside bunded areas around pressurised vessels
- Near sampling points and drain valves
- Areas around flanged connections on process piping
Typical Zone 2 locations
- Well-ventilated areas adjacent to Zone 1 boundaries
- Pipe rack corridors with no leak sources
- Outdoor areas surrounding process units (beyond the Zone 1 radius)
- Control rooms with positive pressurisation adjacent to process areas
Available tablets by zone
Zone 1 tablets (Category 2G)
| Model | Manufacturer | Display | OS | Approx. price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tab-Ex 03 DZ2 | ecom (Pepperl+Fuchs) | 10.1″ | Android 13 | ~€3,200 |
| Tab-Ex Pro DZ2 | ecom (Pepperl+Fuchs) | 10.1″ AMOLED | Android 13 | ~€3,800 |
| IS930.1 | i.safe MOBILE | 8.0″ | Android 12 | ~€2,400 |
| Aegex 10 IS | Aegex Technologies | 10.1″ | Windows 10/11 | ~€4,500 |
Zone 2 tablets (Category 3G)
| Model | Manufacturer | Display | OS | Approx. price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F110-Ex | Getac | 11.6″ | Windows 11 | ~€3,800 |
| XPAD L10 IS | Zebra (Xplore) | 10.1″ | Android / Windows | ~€3,500 |
Cost comparison
Zone 2 tablets are not always cheaper. The Getac F110-Ex (Zone 2) costs approximately €3,800 — the same as the ecom Tab-Ex Pro DZ2 (Zone 1). The cost difference between zones is primarily driven by the engineering constraints of intrinsic safety circuits rather than by materials.
| Factor | Zone 1 | Zone 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Entry price | ~€2,400 | ~€3,500 |
| High-end price | ~€4,500 | ~€3,800 |
| Certification cost (manufacturer) | Higher | Lower |
| Fleet management | One rating covers all zones | Must track which zones each device may enter |
How to decide
- Check your site's area classification drawing — this document (required under ATEX/DSEAR) maps every zone boundary. If Zone 1 areas exist anywhere that tablet users might walk, you need Zone 1 rated devices.
- Consider worst-case movement — field technicians don't stay in one zone. If their route passes through Zone 1 even briefly, the device needs Zone 1 certification.
- Review your gas group — most Zone 1 tablets are certified for IIC (hydrogen), which covers all gas groups. Some Zone 2 tablets may only cover IIA or IIB.
- Factor in total cost of ownership — a single Zone 1 fleet is often cheaper to manage than mixed Zone 1/Zone 2 fleets with tracking requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Zone 2 tablet be used in Zone 1?
No. A Zone 2 tablet is only certified for areas where an explosive atmosphere is not expected during normal operations. Using it in Zone 1 violates the ATEX Worker Protection Directive and creates a direct ignition risk.
Is a Zone 1 tablet more expensive?
Not necessarily. Zone 1 tablets range from €2,400 to €4,500, while Zone 2 tablets range from €3,500 to €3,800. The compact i.safe MOBILE IS930.1 (Zone 1) costs less than either Zone 2 option.
Do I need Zone 1 or Zone 2 for an oil refinery?
Most process areas in a refinery are Zone 1. Standardise on Zone 1 tablets unless your site classification drawing confirms that tablet users will only ever operate in Zone 2 areas.
What about Zone 0?
Zone 0 (continuously explosive atmosphere) exists inside vessels and tanks. No commercial tablet is Zone 0 certified because there is no operational need — you do not use a tablet inside a pressurised vessel. Zone 1 (Ex ia) provides the highest practical protection level for field devices.