Ex terminal boxes

What are Ex Terminal Boxes?

Ex terminal boxes are protective enclosures used to connect and distribute electrical circuits safely within explosive atmospheres. They serve as junction points for cables, helping organize and route wiring in a way that maintains system integrity while reducing safety risks.

These boxes are engineered to contain any potential spark or heat that could be generated by electrical connections, ensuring it cannot ignite the surrounding environment.

Also referred to as explosion-proof terminal enclosures, these products must meet strict international safety standards such as ATEX (European directive) and IECEx (global standard) to be certified for use in hazardous zones:

• Zone 1 & Zone 2: For areas where explosive gases may be present.

• Zone 21 & Zone 22: For areas where combustible dust is a hazard.

Key features and materials

Ex terminal boxes come in a variety of designs and materials to suit different environmental and operational requirements. Common materials include:

• Stainless Steel (AISI 304 / 316L): Highly resistant to corrosion, ideal for offshore platforms, marine environments, and chemical plants.

• Glass-Reinforced Polyester (GRP): Lightweight, durable, and non-corrosive, commonly used in general industrial environments.

• Aluminum: Offers a good balance between durability and weight, used in many indoor and outdoor installations.

Typical features include:

• High Ingress Protection (IP66 or higher): Ensures protection against dust, water, and moisture.

• Wide Temperature Range: Suitable for extreme hot or cold environments.

• Multiple Cable Entry Options: Supports a range of gland sizes and types for flexible cable management.

• Pre-installed or customizable terminals: Allows for ready-to-use or application-specific configurations.

Electrical connections and applications

Ex terminal boxes support a variety of electrical connection types:

• Power distribution.

• Control signal wiring.

• Instrumentation connections.

• Grounding and bonding circuits.

They are often used to connect motors, lighting systems, sensors, pumps, and control panels in hazardous zones. Proper terminal box selection and installation are critical to maintaining the explosion protection of the overall electrical system.

Compliance and safety

All Ex terminal boxes must be tested and certified according to applicable safety standards. This includes:

• ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU.

• IECEx Scheme.

• Markings such as Ex e (increased safety), Ex d (flameproof), or Ex ia (intrinsic safety).

Using certified explosion-proof terminal enclosures is crucial for ensuring regulatory compliance, reducing liability, and protecting personnel and assets. Failure to use properly certified products in hazardous zones can result in serious safety incidents and legal consequences.

Explore our range of Ex Terminal Boxes

We offer a wide selection of Ex terminal boxes to meet the needs of different industries and applications. From stainless steel enclosures for offshore use to GRP models for general industry, our products are built for reliability, safety, and long-term performance in hazardous environments.