Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Explosion Proof Telephone for Hazardous Areas
In industries such as oil and gas, chemical processing, mining, and manufacturing, hazardous environments are an everyday reality. Communication within these environments must be both reliable and safe. Standard telephones simply won’t do in areas where flammable gases, dust, or vapors are present. This is where explosion proof telephones become essential. explosion proof telephone
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to choose the right explosion proof telephone for your hazardous location—whether it's for a new facility or an upgrade of your current communication infrastructure.
What is an Explosion Proof Telephone?
An explosion proof telephone (also known as an intrinsically safe or hazardous area telephone) is a communication device designed to operate safely in environments with potentially explosive atmospheres. These phones are engineered to prevent the ignition of surrounding gases or dust, even in case of internal faults or sparks.
They are certified to meet specific international safety standards such as:
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ATEX (EU)
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IECEx (Global)
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UL/CSA (North America)
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INMETRO (Brazil)
Why Standard Telephones are Inadequate
Standard telephones are not designed with ignition risk in mind. In hazardous areas, even a small spark can cause catastrophic explosions. Explosion proof phones are built to:
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Contain any internal sparks or flames
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Avoid generating static electricity
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Resist environmental factors such as corrosive chemicals, humidity, and extreme temperatures
These features make them indispensable in locations like offshore oil rigs, petrochemical plants, refineries, and grain storage facilities.
Key Considerations When Choosing an Explosion Proof Telephone
1. Hazardous Area Classification
Start by understanding the zone classification of your site:
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Zone 0/1/2 (Gas environments)
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Zone 20/21/22 (Dust environments)
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Division 1/2 (North American standards)
Ensure the telephone is certified for the appropriate zone. A Zone 0 area, for instance, requires equipment that is safe even under continuous exposure to explosive gases.
2. Certification and Compliance
Only consider phones that meet international or local certification standards. Always verify:
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ATEX/IECEx certification for global operations
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UL Class I Division 1/2 for North America
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IP and IK ratings for ingress and impact protection
Never assume compliance—always request documentation.
3. Material and Construction
Explosion proof phones must be rugged enough to withstand mechanical stress, chemical exposure, and harsh weather conditions.
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Housing Materials: Common choices include stainless steel, aluminum alloy, or impact-resistant thermoplastic.
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Ingress Protection: Look for IP66 or IP67 rating for water and dust resistance.
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Impact Resistance: IK10 rating is recommended for vandal resistance.
4. Audio Quality and Noise Reduction
In industrial environments, noise levels can be extremely high. Choose phones with:
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Noise-canceling microphones
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High-output speakers
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Acoustic hoods or headsets (optional)
This ensures clear communication, even near loud machinery or drilling rigs.
5. Connection Type: Analog, VoIP, or GSM
Your site’s communication infrastructure will dictate the type of phone:
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Analog: Simple, reliable, often used in legacy systems.
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VoIP (Voice over IP): Suitable for modern IP-based systems, often includes additional features.
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GSM/4G LTE: Ideal for remote locations without wired infrastructure.
Select the version that integrates seamlessly with your existing system.
6. Mounting and Installation
Explosion proof phones are often wall-mounted. Consider the following:
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Mounting brackets should be corrosion-resistant
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Cable glands must be certified for hazardous environments
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Choose models that allow for easy installation and maintenance access
7. Additional Features
Depending on your needs, consider additional functionalities:
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Auto-dial or speed dial keys
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Built-in strobe lights or horns for visual/auditory alerts
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Hands-free operation with push-to-talk options
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Monitoring or recording capability for safety compliance
Use Case Examples
Oil & Gas Offshore Platforms
Conditions: Salt spray, vibration, gas vapors
Recommended: Marine-grade stainless steel, IP67-rated, VoIP with noise-canceling features
Chemical Manufacturing Plants
Conditions: Corrosive chemicals, flammable vapors
Recommended: Corrosion-resistant thermoplastic, analog connection, ATEX Zone 1 compliance
Mining Operations
Conditions: High dust, underground tunnels
Recommended: Dust-proof housing, high-luminosity indicators, GSM for remote locations
Installation and Maintenance Best Practices
Even the best equipment can fail if not installed correctly. Follow these guidelines:
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Always use certified personnel for installation in hazardous zones.
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Regularly inspect for wear, corrosion, or loose connections.
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Clean using non-static, approved methods.
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Schedule periodic testing of speaker, microphone, and line clarity.
Also, keep spare units or components in stock for quick replacements.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
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Choosing based on price only: Cheaper models might lack vital certifications or features.
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Ignoring zone classification: A phone certified for Zone 2 should not be installed in a Zone 0 area.
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Overlooking maintenance: Even certified phones can deteriorate without routine inspection.
Top Explosion Proof Telephone Brands
While many manufacturers offer compliant devices, some of the most reputable names include:
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Gai-Tronics
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Guardian Telecom
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Ex-proof
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Eaton MEDC
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FHF Funke+Huster
Always verify that the brand and model are suited to your exact application and location.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right explosion proof telephone is not just a matter of compliance—it’s a matter of life and safety. In hazardous areas, reliable communication can mean the difference between containment and catastrophe. By understanding your environment, certification requirements, and the technical features needed, you can choose a solution that ensures safety and operational efficiency.
Don’t compromise. Invest in quality, verified explosion proof communication systems. They are a critical component in your facility’s safety ecosystem.