ATEX & IECEx Hazardous Area Input Devices

ATEX Keyboard

An intrinsically safe keyboard certified to ATEX 2014/34/EU and IECEx for use in Zone 1, 2, 21 and 22 explosive atmospheres - energy-limited circuitry that cannot ignite gas or dust, sealed to IP66/IP68, with galvanic isolation barrier for safe-area PC connection.

ATEX / IECEx certified Zone 1 & 2, Zone 21 & 22 Made in India
ATEX Intrinsically Safe Keyboard Zone 1 Zone 2
ATEX / IECExExplosion certified
IP66 / IP68Fully sealed
Ex ia IICIntrinsically safe
Zone 1/2Gas & Vapour
IP66/68Sealing
Ex ia IICProtection
T4 / T5Temp Class
−20–60°Operating °C
Why this keyboard

The only keyboard that belongs in an explosive atmosphere

Standard keyboards are potential ignition sources in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas. This keyboard limits electrical and thermal energy below the ignition threshold of the most hazardous gases - even under fault conditions.

ATEX 2014/34/EU & IECEx

Certified to the European ATEX directive and the global IECEx scheme - accepted by inspection bodies and regulators for Zone 1, 2 (gas/vapour) and Zone 21, 22 (dust) locations.

Intrinsically safe (Ex ia)

Energy-limiting design (Ex ia protection concept) keeps spark energy and surface temperature below the ignition threshold of gas group IIC (including hydrogen) under normal and fault conditions.

IP66 / IP68 sealed

Fully sealed polyester foil or stainless steel overlay - no gaps for gas or dust ingress between or under keys, rated for immersion and high-pressure water jets.

Galvanic isolation barrier

Supplied with a galvanic isolator (iSOLATE-type barrier) that powers the keyboard from a safe-area PC - no mains voltage enters the hazardous area. Cable run up to 50 m.

Gas & dust group rated

Rated for Gas Group IIC (hydrogen, acetylene - the most hazardous group) and Dust Group IIIC, covering the widest range of explosive atmospheres in one certified product.

Sealed polyester foil overlay

One-piece foil construction with laser-etched legends protects against excess dirt, oils and accidental spills - cleanable in place with industrial detergents without compromising the seal.

ATEX keyboard with galvanic isolation barrier installation
Safe-area connection, hazardous-area operation

The keyboard is in the danger zone. The PC isn't.

The ATEX keyboard connects to a standard PC or workstation located in the safe area via a galvanic isolation barrier. The barrier is powered by the PC's keyboard port - no separate power supply, no mains voltage in the hazardous area. Cable length up to 50 m on CAT5 STP.

  • Galvanic isolator powered from PC keyboard port - no mains in Zone 1/2
  • Up to 50 m cable run (CAT5 STP) between barrier and keyboard
  • 84–102 key QWERTY layout; custom key map on request
  • LED indicators for Num Lock, Scroll Lock and Caps Lock
Technical specifications

The numbers behind the build

Performance

Key mechanismSealed membrane / foil
Switch life10 Million ops
Layout84–102 keys / custom
Pointing deviceTouchpad / trackball (opt.)
Max cable run50 m (CAT5 STP)

Environmental

Operating temp.−20 to +60°C
Humidity95% RH
Ingress protectionIP66 / IP68
Zone (gas/vapour)Zone 1 & Zone 2
Zone (dust)Zone 21 & Zone 22

ATEX Classification

DirectiveATEX 2014/34/EU
Global schemeIECEx
Protection methodEx ia (intrinsic safety)
Gas groupIIC (H2, acetylene)
Temperature classT4 / T5

Electrical & Build

InterfacePS/2 via isolator
Isolator supplyBus-powered from PC
ConstructionStainless / polyester foil
MountingPanel / desktop
OriginMade in India
Connectivity & safety architecture

Energy-safe connection from hazardous area to safe area

Ex ia
Intrinsic safety barrier

Galvanic isolation barrier limits current, voltage and energy - no spark or hot surface possible even under two-fault conditions.

PS/2
PS/2 via barrier

Keyboard signal carried over CAT5 STP through the isolator to a safe-area PC - up to 50 m cable distance.

IP66
Sealed front face

One-piece foil overlay or stainless steel housing sealed to IP66/IP68 - prevents gas and dust ingress at the keyboard body.

LED
Status indicators

Num Lock, Scroll Lock and Caps Lock LEDs - energy-limited to remain within intrinsic safety parameters.

Configure to spec

Optional features

Tailor the keyboard to your zone classification, process environment and pointing device needs.

+
Integrated touchpadSealed foil touchpad for cursor control without a separate mouse in the hazardous area.
+
Optical trackballEx ia certified optical trackball for precision navigation on SCADA and DCS terminals.
+
Joystick pointing deviceForce-sensing joystick option for panel-mount HMI consoles in confined areas.
+
Custom key mapProcess-specific legends and key positions laser-etched under the foil overlay.
+
Stainless steel housingSUS304 stainless front panel option for washdown and chemical-resistant zones.
+
Zone 1 / Ex d enclosureFlameproof (Ex d) housing upgrade for Zone 1 applications requiring higher protection.
Where it works

Applications

Oil & Gas / Refineries
Chemical & Petrochemical
Pharmaceutical
Flour Mills & Grain
Paint Spray Booths
Offshore & Battery Rooms

Ready to certify it
for your hazardous area?

Tell us your zone classification, gas group and process environment - we'll specify an intrinsically safe keyboard that qualifies.

ATEX / IECEx Certified
Zone 1 & 2 Approved
Ex ia IIC - Gas & Dust
32+
Years
Experience
2000+
Projects
Completed
1000+
Satisfied
Clients

Trusted by leading organizations across defence, medical, industrial, and railway sectors worldwide.