In hazardous industrial environments — like oil & gas platforms, chemical plants, refineries, mining operations, and offshore installations — robust communication systems are not just a convenience — they’re a safety requirement. These environments often contain flammable gases, vapours, or combustible dust that can ignite from sparks or heat generated by electrical equipment. That’s where ATEX certified wireless transmission solutions come into play, offering safe, reliable, explosion-proof communication without the need for extensive cabling.
One leading provider of these advanced solutions is Wavesight — a UK-based telecom technology company with a strong global presence in industrial wireless communications.
? What Is ATEX and Why Does It Matter?
ATEX (ATmosphères EXplosibles) certification is a European standard that ensures equipment can operate safely in potentially explosive atmospheres — including places where flammable gases, vapours, or dust are present. Zones such as Zone 1, 2, 21 and 22 designate areas with varying levels of risk. Devices certified for these zones are intrinsically safe, meaning they won’t ignite hazards even under fault conditions.
In sectors like oil & gas, chemical manufacturing, and mining, compliance with ATEX standards isn’t optional — it’s a fundamental part of safeguarding people, infrastructure, and processes. Wireless systems used in these areas must carry ATEX and IECEx approval to mitigate ignition risks while still delivering high-performance connectivity.
? Wavesight’s ATEX Certified Wireless Transmission Solutions
Wavesight offers a powerful range of ATEX certified wireless radios designed to deliver secure, high-performance communication in the toughest hazardous environments. Their flagship range — the Scorpion Ex industrial wireless system — is a great example of these solutions in action.
? Scorpion Ex: Engineered for Hazardous Areas
Scorpion Ex products are built to operate safely and reliably in explosive atmospheres (Zones 1, 2, 21, 22) and combine rugged construction with advanced radio technology.
Key features include:
⚠️ ATEX & IECEx safety certification — ensuring intrinsic safety in explosive environments.
? Long-range connectivity — supporting point-to-point and point-to-multipoint links up to 60 km for wide-area coverage.
? High performance — up to ~200 Mbps throughput with ultra-low latency for critical data, voice, and video.
? Secure communication — military-grade encryption and authentication for data protection.
? Rugged design — explosion-proof enclosures rated IP66/IP67 to withstand severe industrial conditions.
?️ Remote management — include network provisioning, monitoring, and updates using Wavesight’s NMS tools.
These features ensure that Scorpion Ex radios deliver not just safe operation, but reliable, high-integrity wireless communication for mission-critical systems — including CCTV, SCADA integration, voice terminals, and automation devices.
? Real-World Use Cases & Impact
Industries that benefit from ATEX certified wireless solutions include:
? Oil & Gas & Petrochemical
Remote monitoring and control of production sites and drilling platforms where explosive gases are present. ATEX wireless links replace hazardous cabling and support SCADA, video surveillance, and safety systems.
⚗️ Chemical Plants
Reliable connectivity for process supervision, emergency communication, and hazard detection in chemical production environments.
⛏️ Mining
Enable wireless data flow for real-time telemetry, sensing systems, and automation where dust and flammable materials are common.
? Offshore & Marine
Linking vessels, platforms, and remote equipment for integrated operations without exposed cables.
These ATEX wireless systems help organisations boost operational visibility, improve worker safety, and reduce maintenance costs by eliminating long, vulnerable cable runs and enabling new digital capabilities even in hazardous zones.
? Advantages of Choosing Wireless in Hazardous Zones
Safety-First Design: Wavesight’s ATEX certified solutions help eliminate ignition sources in volatile environments.
Greater Flexibility: Wireless links can be deployed faster and more flexibly than wired systems — especially across sprawling industrial sites, offshore structures, or hard-to-reach locations.
Operational Efficiency: By enabling real-time data, video, and voice communication, wireless systems improve decision-making and diagnostics.
Lower Long-Term Costs: Reduced cabling infrastructure and lower maintenance overheads help minimise operational expenses.
? Final Thoughts
For industries operating in explosive atmospheres, ATEX certified wireless transmission solutions are critical for safe and efficient operations. Wavesight’s ATEX-certified radios — such as the Scorpion Ex series — deliver intrinsic safety, high performance, and reliable communication across challenging industrial environments. Whether you need secure video surveillance, wireless SCADA connectivity, or mission-critical data links in hazardous zones, ATEX-certified solutions are a smart investment that enhance safety, visibility, and operational agility.
