A Practical Guide to choosing Hazardous Area communication devices for Zone 1 & Zone 2
Published 26 Feb 2026
Safe Communication In Explosive Atmospheres
Industrial sites operating in oil & gas, chemical processing, pharmaceuticals and energy production frequently contain hazardous areas where explosive gases or combustible dusts may be present.
In these environments, standard consumer smartphones and tablets cannot be used safely. Electrical sparks, battery faults, excessive surface temperatures or static discharge may create ignition risks capable of causing explosions.
To support safe communication and digital working practices, specially engineered intrinsically safe mobile devices are used within Zone 1 and Zone 2 hazardous areas.
These Hazardous area mobile and tablet computer devices manufactured by Pepperl & Fuchs are engineered to operate safely in Zone 1 and Zone 2 explosive atmospheres – enabling digital workflows, communication and reporting directly in the field.
Understanding Zone 1 And Zone 2 Device Requirements
Zone 1 Hazardous Areas
Zone 1 hazardous areas are locations where explosive gas atmospheres are likely to occur during normal operating conditions.
Devices used within these environments require a higher level of certified protection and are commonly used within:
- Oil & gas processing facilities
- Petrochemical plants
- Chemical manufacturing operations
- Offshore installations
Zone 2 Hazardous Areas
Zone 2 certified mobile devices are often used for:
- Routine inspections
- Operational communication
- Maintenance activities
- Process monitoring
Pepperl+Fuchs communication devices | Browse Product Range
Smart-Ex® 03 DZ1Hazardous Area: Zone 1/21, Zone 2 Designed for dependable communication within hazardous industrial environments where simple field coordination and operational reliability are essential.
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Smart-Ex® 203Hazardous Area: Zone 2/22 Industrial smartphone supporting inspections, reporting, maintenance systems and connected worker applications within hazardous industrial environments.
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Tab-Ex® 05 DZ1Hazardous Area: Zone 1/21 Industrial tablet computer designed for engineering documentation, maintenance systems and field-based industrial operations.
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Tab-Ex® 05 DZ2Hazardous Area: Zone 2 Designed for process monitoring, inspections and operational communication within Zone 2 hazardous industrial environments.
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