ATEX EQUIPMENT


HOW PEPPERL+FUCHS IS ADVANCING CONNECTED MAINTENANCE WITH THE TAB-EX 03


HAZARDOUS AREA MOBILITY


In this Q&A with Industrial Compliance, Pepperl+Fuchs discusses how its intrinsically safe Tab-Ex tablet series is helping maintenance teams improve communication, digital workflows and worker safety in hazardous industrial environments.


Could you start by introducing the Tab-Ex and explaining the role it plays in digital workflows within hazardous industrial environments.


For workers in hazardous industrial environments, it is imperative that their work equipment addresses their specific needs and wants. With the Tab-Ex tablet family from Pepperl+Fuchs the goal is to offer these mobile workers the best support possible. To ensure digital workflows are running smoothly even in remote industrial areas, the tablets support all up to date modern communication standards. The technical specifications of the latest version Tab-Ex 05 in combination with 5G enables the use of Augmented Reality (AR), contacting remote support in real-time, or reliably call for help in case of an emergency. Since remote workers are often required to wear work gloves, the tablets also feature Glove Mode and an S Pen stylus, so they can be used reliably even when wearing gloves.


What were the key design priorities when developing the Tab-Ex 03 for use in potentially explosive atmospheres?


The tablets of our Tab-Ex series first and foremost must be intrinsically safe, so as not to pose an ignition source in hazardous areas. At the same time, they must address the users’ needs. The multitouch display can be operated with S Pen and with gloves and offers optimal readability even in direct light. From indoor applications to harsh environments, the Tab-Ex is designed for use in hazardous areas and a wide range of industrial applications.


Safety certification is critical in these environments. Can you explain the ATEX and IECEx approvals the device carries?


ATEX and IECEx both address equipment for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, but they differ in scope and legal status. ATEX is the European regulatory framework and is mandatory for products placed on the EU market, while IECEx is an international certification system based on IEC standards that facilitates acceptance in many countries outside the EU. The intrinsically safe tablets of our Tab-Ex series are all approved according to ATEX and IECEx standards and internationally certified for worldwide use in hazardous areas, including Zone 1/21, Zone 2/22, Class I, Division 1, and Class II, Division 2. Additionally, the Android Enterprise Recommended seal and the Android Enterprise Silver partner


badge guarantee that the latest version, the Tab-Ex 05, will be supported with regular security updates until 2032 and OS updates up to Android 22 and carries a Common Criteria certification.


Many maintenance tasks are carried out in harsh environments. How does the device perform in terms of durability, temperature tolerance, vibration resistance and operation with gloves?


The Tab-Ex series is certified according to the military standard MIL-STD-810H, meaning they have been tested and certified for use under rough conditions, including vibration resistance. The operating temperature is specified from -20°C to +55°C. To ensure the tablets can be reliably used with gloves, they feature a specific Glove Mode, which increases the touch screen’s sensitivity.


Connectivity is often limited in refineries and chemical plants. How does the Tab-Ex ensure reliable communication with sensors and instrumentation systems in these environments?


Limited connectivity is one of the most critical challenges in refineries and chemical plants. Hence many operators are implementing private campus networks, which also enable


22 SPRING/SUMMER 2026 | INDUSTRIAL COMPLIANCE


network slicing, e.g. with one slice for critical communication and secured bandwidth in an emergency. The Tab-Ex supports this standard to ensure reliable communication even in remote areas of a refinery or plant.


Data capture and documentation are becoming increasingly important for maintenance and compliance. How does the Tab-Ex support digital documentation, reporting and asset management?


To support digital documentation, reporting, and asset management, our Tab-Ex tablets are equipped with powerful front and back cameras to take high- resolution pictures or record Full-HD videos. 128 GB of internal memory that can be extended up to 1 TB via micro-SD card ensures that all relevant data is securely stored for any documentation purposes.


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