Ex distribution boards

Ex Distribution Boards for hazardous area Power management

Built to meet international explosion protection standards such as ATEX and IECEx, Ex distribution boards are essential for maintaining safety and operational continuity in high-risk industrial zones.

What are Ex Distribution Boards?

Ex distribution boards are protective enclosures containing circuit breakers, fuses, terminal blocks, and other components used to control and distribute electrical power. What makes them different from standard distribution panels is their certified ability to operate safely in explosive atmospheres. These boards are engineered to prevent any sparks, heat, or faults from igniting surrounding gases or dust.

They are classified under Ex equipment, meaning they are tested and certified for use in explosive environments such as:

• Zone 1 and Zone 2: Areas with flammable gases or vapors.

• Zone 21 and Zone 22: Areas with combustible dusts.

Applications and use cases

Ex distribution boards are widely used in industries where explosion risk is a constant concern. Common applications include:

• Oil & Gas Facilities: Onshore and offshore platforms rely on Ex distribution boards to control lighting, pumps, and motor circuits in flammable zones.

• Chemical and Petrochemical Plants: Used to distribute power to process control equipment and ventilation systems.

• Mining Operations: Powering equipment deep underground where methane gas or coal dust may be present.

• Food & Agriculture: In environments such as grain silos or sugar refineries, where airborne dust particles can pose explosion risks.

• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Safely powering precision equipment in environments with solvent vapors.

Functions and managed devices

Ex distribution boards typically manage and protect circuits powering:

• Lighting systems.

• Electric motors.

• Heating units.

• Process control systems.

• Monitoring and alarm systems.

• Instrumentation circuits.

These boards allow for localized power control and isolation, supporting safe maintenance and rapid response in case of faults or emergencies.

Key features of Ex Distribution boards

To ensure safe operation in hazardous areas, Ex distribution boards are built with the following features:

• Explosion-proof enclosures: Designed to contain any internal explosion without igniting the external atmosphere.

• Corrosion-resistant materials: Typically made from stainless steel, aluminum, or reinforced polyester for durability in harsh environments.

• Modular configurations: Allow customization to match specific application requirements.

• Ingress protection (IP) ratings: High IP ratings (e.g., IP66) protect against dust and water ingress.

• Certified components: All switches, circuit breakers, and accessories are Ex-certified and compliant with international safety standards.

The Importance of Using Certified Ex Equipment

Using certified Ex equipment, including distribution boards, ensures compliance with safety regulations and reduces the risk of costly incidents. Benefits include:

• Minimized explosion risk: Properly sealed enclosures prevent ignition of hazardous atmospheres.

• Regulatory compliance: Meets ATEX, IECEx, and other regional standards.

• Reduced downtime: Reliable components reduce the likelihood of electrical failure in mission-critical environments.

• Safety assurance: Protects personnel, equipment, and facilities from the consequences of uncontrolled ignition.

For companies operating in explosive zones, installing certified Ex distribution boards is a necessary investment in both safety and efficiency.

Explore Our Range of Ex Distribution Boards

We offer a wide selection of Ex distribution boards tailored to various industries and zone classifications. Whether you need a standard panel or a custom-built solution, our products are designed for safety, durability, and long-term performance.