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ATEX Keyboards

Built to Endure, Engineered for Unrivaled Reliability

BT-870-TP-EX2 ATex KeyboardDT-5K-FSR iKey Keyboard

ATEX Keyboards for Demanding Applications

ATEX keyboards are engineered for environments where safety is paramount. Designed for use in hazardous locations, these rugged, intrinsically safe keyboards meet strict ATEX standards, ensuring they operate reliably in explosive atmospheres. Whether in oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, or chemical processing industries, ATEX keyboards provide dependable performance while minimising risk. These keyboards are built tough, resistant to harsh conditions, and easy to clean, ensuring longevity even in challenging settings. Explore our selection of top-quality ATEX and intrinsically safe keyboards to find the right fit for your needs, with reliable features tailored to meet industrial safety standards.

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Durability Without Compromise

When accuracy and reliability are non-negotiable, our ATEX and intrinsically safe keyboards are ready to perform. Engineered specifically for high-risk environments, these keyboards are designed to meet the demands of industries where safety and durability are paramount. From oil and gas to pharmaceuticals, chemical processing, mining, and food production, these keyboards excel in conditions that would overwhelm standard equipment.

Built to withstand extreme temperatures, moisture, dust, corrosive chemicals, and heavy daily use, our keyboards provide consistent, high-performance operation no matter the setting. Options include sealed, waterproof models and advanced features like backlighting and force-sensing for precise input even in low-visibility or high-vibration conditions.

ATEX Zone 2/22 Certified

Bluetooth & USB Connectivity

Rugged Build

Compact Design

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BT-870-TP-EX2 ATEX Keyboard

Class I, II and III, Division I, Groups C, D, E, F and G

Isolated Barriers + Bulkhead Cables

Integrated Pointing Device FSR

Rugged Build

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DT-5K-FSR-IS Intrinsically Safe Keyboard

Class I, II and III, Division I, Groups C, D, E, F and G

Chemical Resistant

Full-Size Keyboard Layout

Low Power Consumption

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DT-1000-IS Intrinsically Safe Keyboard

Class I, II and III, Division I, Groups C, D, E, F and G

Rugged and Reliable

Certified Safe for Hazardous Zone

Versatile Compatibility

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PM-1000-IS  Intrinsically Safe Keyboard

Class I, II and III, Division I, Groups C, D, E, F and G

Anti-Corrosion Coating

Compact Design

Sealed for Dust and Water Resistance

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PM-2000-IS Intrinsically Safe Keyboard

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Selecting the right ATEX Keyboard for your specific application and environment can be quite challenging. At Rugged, our team of Keyboard Specialists are on hand to assist you in making the best choice. Whether you have questions about Keyboard specifications or require guidance through our range of solutions, we’re here to help.

With our extensive industry knowledge and commitment to quality, we can ensure you find the ideal Keyboard solution tailored to your needs.

Let us help you discover the perfect Keyboard solution—explore our ATEX Keyboard portfolio or get in touch today for personalised guidance and expert advice.

Industries That Rely on Our ATEX Keyboards

Our ATEX Keyboards are meticulously engineered to deliver unparalleled versatility, consistently performing at the highest level in a wide range of industries and applications. This adaptability, combined with their reliability and excellence, makes our ATEX Keyboard products the preferred choice for system integrators and operators alike. Discover the key sectors and use cases where our solutions truly excel

Oil and Gas
Pharmaceuticals
Chemical Processing
Mining
Food Processing

Oil and Gas

The oil and gas industry operates in some of the world’s most hazardous environments, where safety and durability are critical. ATEX keyboards are essential for offshore rigs, refineries, and drilling sites, offering reliable performance and safety features that comply with industry standards to minimise risks in explosive-prone settings.

Oil and Gas

Pharmaceuticals

Pharmaceutical environments require precision and hygiene, and ATEX keyboards meet both. From labs to manufacturing floors, these keyboards prevent contamination, withstand regular cleaning, and perform reliably with sensitive data. They’re built to handle the precision-driven, controlled settings essential for research, development, and manufacturing in the pharmaceutical industry.

Pharmaceuticals

Chemical Processing

In chemical processing, where volatile substances are commonplace, ATEX keyboards ensure safety and resilience. Built to endure corrosive chemicals, extreme temperatures, and explosive atmospheres, these keyboards provide secure operation in environments where standard equipment may fail, offering a critical layer of safety for operators.

Chemical Processing

Mining

Mining environments are intense, with dust, moisture, and potentially explosive gases present. ATEX keyboards are designed for this high-risk industry, providing rugged durability, intrinsic safety, and reliable performance for underground operations, remote monitoring, and harsh conditions. Their resilient construction ensures operational safety in the demanding mining sector.

Mining

Food Processing

Food processing environments have high standards for hygiene and durability. ATEX keyboards support these conditions by providing easy-to-clean, dust- and water-resistant designs, perfect for areas prone to spills and contaminants. They are suitable for data entry and control in production lines, ensuring safe, hygienic operations.

Food Processing

Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to choosing the right ATEX Keyboards for your industry, having the right information is essential. Our ATEX Keyboards FAQ covers the most common questions about performance, durability, customisation, and more.  If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, feel free to reach out to us.

An ATEX keyboard is a specialised input device designed and certified for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. These keyboards are engineered to prevent ignition sources, ensuring operator safety in hazardous environments. ATEX keyboards comply with the European Union’s ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU, which sets standards for equipment used in explosive atmospheres

Intrinsically safe keyboards are designed to prevent sparks and overheating, which is crucial in volatile environments. They are engineered with low-power circuitry and protective components that limit electrical and thermal energy to levels below those required to ignite a hazardous atmosphere. These rugged keyboards undergo rigorous testing to ensure they won’t become an ignition source even under fault conditions

Many ATEX keyboards feature water-resistant or waterproof designs to protect against liquids and high humidity. For example, the Rugged BT-870-TP-EX2 keyboard is designed to prevent dust and moisture from collecting between or under the keys during normal use. It can be cleaned with a damp cloth, making it suitable for wet or high-humidity environments where regular keyboards might fail

ATEX keyboards are primarily used in hazardous industries such as oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, chemical processing, and mining. They are suitable for environments classified as ATEX Zone 0, 1, or 2, where flammable gases, vapors, or dust may be present. Examples include outdoor areas of oil refineries or ventilated battery rooms.

Stainless steel ATEX keyboards offer superior corrosion resistance and durability, making them ideal for demanding industrial environments. They can withstand harsh chemicals, extreme temperatures, and frequent cleaning. Additionally, stainless steel construction helps meet ATEX standards for safety in explosive areas by minimizing the risk of static electricity buildup.

Yes, some ATEX keyboards offer wireless connectivity options. For instance, the Rugged BT-870-TP-EX2 features Bluetooth connectivity, allowing secure wireless operation up to 10 meters (30 feet) from the paired device. This wireless capability provides flexibility in setup and use within confined spaces or mobile applications.

Pairing an ATEX Bluetooth keyboard (BT-870-TP-EX2) typically involves the following steps:
a) Turn on the keyboard by holding the power button until the LED flashes red.
b) Press the Bluetooth key until the LED flashes blue (pairing mode).
c) Open Bluetooth settings on your device and enable discovery mode.
d) Select the keyboard from the list of available devices.
e) If prompted, enter the pairing code on the keyboard and press Enter.

Battery life varies depending on the specific model and usage. For example, the Rugged BT-870-TP-EX2 has an expected battery life of 6 to 8 weeks during average use. Many ATEX keyboards incorporate power-saving features like sleep mode to extend battery life.

ATEX keyboards can be paired with non-ATEX devices, but this should only be done outside of hazardous areas. When used in an ATEX zone, the keyboard should only be paired with ATEX-certified devices to maintain overall system safety.

ATEX keyboards are designed for easy cleaning and maintenance. They can typically be wiped down with a damp (not wet) cloth. However, it’s crucial to perform cleaning, charging, and other maintenance tasks outside of the hazardous area or ATEX zone.

When selecting an ATEX keyboard, look for certifications such as ATEX Zone 0, 1, or 2 compliance. Some keyboards may also have pending certifications like IECEx. Always verify that the certification matches the requirements of your specific work environment.

ATEX certification is recognised within the UK and European Union. However, other countries may have different standards for explosion-proof equipment. For global use, look for keyboards with additional certifications like IECEx, which is internationally recognised.

While often used interchangeably, there is a subtle difference. ATEX refers to the European directive for equipment used in explosive atmospheres, while “intrinsically safe” is a specific protection method. An ATEX keyboard may use intrinsic safety as its protection method, but it could also use other methods to meet ATEX requirements.

When selecting an ATEX keyboard for your workplace, consider the following factors:

  1. ATEX zone classification: Determine the specific ATEX zone (0, 1, or 2) of your work area and choose a keyboard certified for that zone.
  2. Connectivity options: Decide between wired and wireless keyboards based on your needs. Some ATEX keyboards offer Bluetooth connectivity for flexible setups.
  3. Environmental factors: Consider exposure to liquids, extreme temperatures, dust, and chemicals. Many ATEX keyboards are designed to be water-resistant and dustproof.
  4. Compatibility: Ensure the keyboard is compatible with your existing equipment and systems, including operating systems like Windows, iOS, and Android.
  5. Ergonomics and usability: Look for keyboards with good ergonomics and ease of use for operators, such as those with integrated touchpads or pointing devices.
  6. Battery life and power management: For wireless models, consider battery life and power-saving features like sleep mode.
  7. Mounting and installation: Check for mounting options such as VESA patterns , panel mount, OEM or magnetic mounts for flexible installation.
  8. Cleaning and maintenance: Choose keyboards that are easy to clean and maintain, especially in harsh environments.
  9. Construction material: Consider keyboards made of durable materials like stainless steel or industrial grade ABS for corrosion resistance and longevity.
  10. Certification and compliance: Ensure the keyboard meets or exceeds the safety requirements for your specific work environment, including ATEX and other relevant certifications.
  11. Key layout and functionality: Look for keyboards with appropriate key layouts and function keys for your specific applications.
  12. Isolation barriers: Check if you need isolation barriers between the keyboard and host device to maintain intrinsic safety, especially in Zone 0 or 1 areas.
  13. Temperature class: Verify that the keyboard’s temperature class is suitable for your environment and the flammable substances present.
  14. Gas or dust group: Ensure the keyboard is rated for the specific gas or dust groups present in your workplace.

Always consult with a Rugged Keyboard specialist or the manufacturer if you’re unsure about the suitability of a rugged keyboard for your specific hazardous area.

Get In Touch

Discover how our ATEX Keyboards can enhance your operations. Our Keyboard specialists are ready to assist you in finding the ideal solution for your specific requirements. Contact us today for detailed information, expert product recommendations, or to discuss a customised design.