In industries where explosive atmospheres are a daily reality—think oil & gas, chemical processing, and mining—ATEX-certified sensors are more than just tools; they’re lifelines. These sensors are engineered to operate safely in environments filled with flammable gases, vapors, or dust, where even a tiny spark could trigger disaster.
ATEX (short for ATmosphères EXplosibles) certification ensures that equipment meets stringent European safety standards. Sensors with this designation fall into two main categories: intrinsically safe (limiting electrical energy to prevent ignition) and explosion-proof (designed to contain any internal ignition). From pressure transmitters to radar level sensors, these devices provide critical measurements without compromising safety.
For example, ATEX-approved linear sensors are vital in monitoring fuel tanks expansion in Zone 0 environments, where explosive atmospheres are present continuously. Similarly, rotary encoders are used in grain handling or pharmaceutical powder processing, where combustible dust poses a threat.
Choosing the right sensor means matching its certification—Zone, Gas/Dust Group, and Temperature Class—with the specific hazards of your site. It’s not just about compliance; it’s about protecting lives, assets, and operational continuity.
The intrinsically safe X603 tilt sensor is ATEX and IECEx approved for use in potentially explosive gas and vapour atmospheres. It is designed for industrial and scientific feedback applications and is ideal for OEMs seeking a high accuracy tilt sensor for demanding applications in hazardous areas.
The X603, like all Positek sensors, is supplied with the output calibrated to the angle required by the customer, between 15 and 160 degrees, and with full EMC protection built in. The tilt sensor provides a linear output characteristic with angle of deflection. There is a machined registration mark to identify the calibrated midpoint.
Overall performance, repeatability, and stability are outstanding over a wide temperature range. Electrical connections are made via an industrial-standard 4-pin M12 connector, with limited rotational capability to facilitate cable routing.
The sensor has a rugged stainless steel body and anodized aluminium mounting flange. The flange has two 4.5 mm by 30-degree-wide slots on a 48 mm pitch to simplify mounting and position adjustment. Environmental sealing is rated to IP67.
Positek intrinsically safe tilt sensors are designed to be used with a galvanically isolated amplifier. Approved galvanic isolation amplifiers (X005) are available from Positek, with a choice of 0.5–9.5V or 4–20mA transmission outputs.
The sensor can be installed with a cable length of up to 1 km between the sensor and the amplifier.
The intrinsically safe 10 bar E114 is an ATEX and IECEx approved affordable, durable, high-accuracy position sensor.
The E114, like all Positek sensors, provides a linear output proportional to displacement. Each unit is supplied with the output calibrated to the travel required by the customer, from 0-5mm to 0-800mm and with full EMC protection built in. The sensor is very robust, the body and push rod being made of stainless steel for long service life and environmental resistance. Derived from the popular E101, the E114 has been designed for applications where the sensor may be completely submerged in water up to a pressure of 10Bar, but good sensor performance and cost are still important.
Positek intrinsically safe sensors are designed to be used with a galvanically isolated amplifier. Approved galvanic isolation amplifiers (X005) are available from Positek; there is a choice of 0.5-9.5V or 4-20mA transmission outputs.
The sensor can be installed with a cable length up to 1km between the sensor and the amplifier.
The intrinsically safe 10 bar E115 is a heavy-duty ATEX and IECEx approved version of the E114 sensor with a stronger 12.6mm push rod, recommended for applications where vibration is an issue or there is a need for longer travel sensors are to be mounted horizontally between rod eyes. It remains an affordable, durable, high-accuracy position sensor designed for applications whereIP68 sealing is required up to a pressure of 10Bar. The unit is highly compact and space-efficient, being responsive along almost its entire length. Like all Positek sensors, the E115 provides a linear output proportional to displacement. Each sensor is supplied with the output calibrated to the travel required by the customer, from 0-5mm to 0-800mm and with full EMC protection built in.
The sensor is very robust, the body and push rod being made of stainless steel for long service life and environmental resistance.
Overall performance, repeatability and stability are outstanding over a wide temperature range. The sensor is easy to install with mounting options including stainless steel M8 rod eye bearings and body clamps. The push rod can be supplied free or captive, with female M8 thread, or an M8 stainless steel rod eye. The E115 also offers a wide range of mechanical and electrical options, environmental sealing is to IP68 10Bar.
Positek intrinsically safe sensors are designed to be used with a galvanically isolated amplifier . Approved galvanic isolation amplifiers (X005) are available from Positek; there is a choice of 0.5-9.5V or 4-20mA transmission outputs.
The sensor can be installed with a cable length up to 1km between the sensor and the amplifier.
The intrinsically safe E117 is ATEX and IECEx approved for use in potentially explosive gas/vapour and dust atmospheres. It is designed for industrial and scientific feedback applications and is ideal for OEMs seeking good sensor performance for arduous applications in hazardous areas.
Overall performance, repeatability and stability are outstanding over a wide temperature range. The unit is very compact and space-efficient with a small 19mm diameter body. The sensor is very robust, the body and push rod being made of stainless steel. The sensor is easy to install with mounting options including M5 male stud and M5 rod eye bearing. The push rod can be supplied free or captive, with male M5 thread or M5 rod eye. Like all Positek sensors, the E117 provides a linear output proportional to displacement. Each unit is supplied with the output calibrated to the travel required by the customer, from 0-5mm to 0-350mm and with full EMC protection built in. The E117 offers a range of mechanical options, environmental sealing is to IP67.
Positek intrinsically safe sensors are designed to be used with a galvanically isolated amplifier . Approved galvanic isolation amplifiers (X005) are available from Positek; there is a choice of 0.5-9.5V or 4-20mA transmission outputs.
The sensor can be installed with a cable length up to 1km between the sensor and the amplifier.
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