Radio remote control systems for EX environments
Hetronic is the leading supplier of professional-quality radio remote control systems for industrial process control applications in explosion-sensitive environments, also called EX environments. Since the early 1990s, Hetronic has supplied control systems certified for mining (equipment group 01) and environments with an explosion hazard due to the presence of gases or vapours (Zone 1 and 2) or dust (Zone 21 and 22). Hetronic’s systems can be configured so that both the transmitter (TX) and the receiver (RX) can be placed within the EX area. Alternatively, only the control system can be placed in the EX area (in which case the radio transmitter will be EX-certified), and the receiver placed in the Safe Zone.
Control systems that comply with international standards
Since 1994, Hetronic has been approved and certified to produce radio remote control systems for use in EX environments. Our products comply with international standards. As such, we supply radio remote control systems for application in EX environments in the gas, fabrics and mining industries worldwide. Hetronic’s customers furthermore always benefit from the following services:
- Customised systems
- Professional, no-obligation advice
- Short delivery times
- Worldwide support network
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- Wide range of transmitters and receivers
- Bespoke radio remote control systems
- Fast delivery times
- Worldwide support network
- Engineering & Testing by our own technicians
- Knowledge of the market
Get in touch with Hetronic
Curious about the possibilities? Browse the overview of possible applications of our radio remote control systems or get in touch with one of our technical experts for more information. They will be happy to help you find a suitable solution for your EX environment-related needs.
Wide range of EX-certified radio remote control transmitters (TX) and receivers (RX) – suitable for any application
The possibilities offered by Hetronic are endless and have been proven in the field time and time again. Whether it’s a simple loading arm or crane, or a more complex control system requiring configuration of multiple cranes, winches and pumps*, Hetronic is your trusted supplier. We will provide you with a system with single or multiple push-button transmitters, such as the ERGO-F, the more extensive Nova-L, Nova-XL or transmitters from the GR and GL series. Due to the modular conversion of the Hetronic Exd or GRP enclosures, any desired receiver can be placed in an EX environment in the event that placement in the Safe Zone is not possible.
*includes load read-outs and LED feedback with additionally integrated safety features in the Hetronic transmitter (TX), receiver (RX) and the PLC.
Range of radio remote control systems for EX environments
Hetronic EX transmitters
Our range of EX transmitters consists of push-button transmitters (ERGO-F range) all the way up to the NOVA-L, NOVA-XL, GL and GR series, so that there’s always a transmitter that meets your functional needs joysticks, various kinds of switches, feedback buzzers, LEDs or graphic display screens, as well as back-up cables for some models. You can view all our EX transmitters directly on our Radio remote control transmitters page.
Hetronic EX receivers
All the different receivers supplied by Hetronic have the option of application in an EX environment in Zone 1 or Zone 2 using our EX-specific EXd or GRP casings, which are available in different dimensions. Alternatively, you can of course also place the Hetronic EX receiver inside your own EX cabinet. You can view all our EX receivers on our Radio remote control receivers page.
Requesting advice from Hetronic
All our systems have been extensively tested and are manufactured in compliance with ISO9001:2015. In addition, they also have all the necessary EX certifications. Have any specific EX-related questions when it comes to Hetronic’s control systems? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We will be happy to provide you with expert advice at no obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions about radio control systems for EX environments
What is ATEX?
ATEX is a European directive. Employers must follow ATEX guidelines so that employees work in a safe environment. You can find information about ATEX on our information page “What is ATEX?”
What does ‘EX’ stand for?
The abbreviation ‘EX’ stands for explosion. Explosion-sensitive environments occur especially in industries producing gas and dust as a by-product, including the mining industry.
How do explosion-sensitive environments come about?
An explosive atmosphere can form due to the presence of flammable gases, vapours, mist or dust. When present in sufficient amounts in the atmosphere (oxygen), and in combination with an ignition source, this can cause an explosion.
What international standards apply to Ex environments?
In order to prevent the hazard of explosions, most countries have incorporated precautionary regulations into the law and in specifications and standards. Hetronic boasts a wide range of EX certifications, approvals and permissions for transmitters and receivers.
Do Hetronic’s radio remote control systems comply with international standards?
Hetronic supplies:
- Radio remote control systems that comply with EX standards in Europe
- Radio remote control systems that comply with EX standards in Australia
- Radio remote control systems that comply with EX standards New Zealand
- Radio remote control systems that comply with EX standards Singapore
- Radio remote control systems that comply with EX standards in India
- Radio remote control systems that comply with EX standards in the USA
- Radio remote control systems that comply with EX standards in Canada
- Radio remote control systems that comply with EX standards in Brazil
- Radio remote control systems that comply with EX standards in Russia
- Radio remote control systems that comply with EX standards in Korea
- Radio remote control systems that comply with EX standards in South Africa
- Radio remote control systems that comply with EX standards in the Philippines
- Radio remote control systems that comply with EX standards in Poland
- Radio remote control systems that comply with EX standards in Bahrein
Europe: Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, The Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, Czech Republic, The United Kingdom and Sweden
Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU): Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kirgizstan
Other countries that Hetronic has experience delivering EX-certified industrial radio remote controlled systems to: Argentina, The Bahamas, China, Colombia, Dubai (UAE), Egypt, Ghana, Hong Kong, US Virgin Islands, Malaysia, Mexico, Norway, Oman, Panama, Saint Lucia, Saudi-Arabia, Thailand and Venezuela.
Which international standards apply to EX environments?
The table below concisely shows the particular standards, their applications and the corresponding countries to which Hetronic supplies radio remote control systems.
| Standard | Applications | Applicable in |
| ATEX | Gas Zone 1 & Zone 2 IIA, IIB & IIC (2014/34/EU) | o.a. Europe |
| ATEX | Dust Zone 21 & Zone 22 IIA, IIB & IIC (2014/34/EU) | o.a. Europe |
| IECEx | Mining M1, M2, Ma & Mb (IEC 60079), | o.a. Australia, New Zealand |
| IECEx | Gas Zone 1 & Zone 2 IIA, IIB & IIC (IEC 60079), | o.a. Australië, New Zealand |
| IECEx | Dust Zone 21 & Zone 22 IIA, IIB & IIC (IEC 60079) | Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, India |
| UL | NEC500 Class I, II, III Division 1, 2, Groups A-G (UL913 Intrinsically Safe Apparatus) | USA (FCC) |
| CSA | NEC500 Class I, II, III Division 1, 2, Groups A-G (CSA C22.2 No 157 Intrinsically Safe Apparatus) | Canada |
| InMetro | NCC Mining Ma & Mb, Gas Zone 1 & Zone 2, Dust Zone 21 & Zone 22 (ABNT NBR IEC 60079) | Brazil |
| EAC CUTR (used to be GOST-R) | ATEX for Russia (TR TS / TR CU 012/2011) | Russian Federation & Euroasian Economic Union |
| KOSHA (KC, KCC, KCs) | Korean Explosion-Proof Certificate based on IECEx (KS C IEC60079), | Korea |
| IA (MASC) | Mining and Surface Certificering, based on ATEX (SANS 60079, ARP 0108), | South africa (ICASA) |
| PESO (used to be CCOE) | According to Petroleum rules 2002 based on IECEx | India (ETA) |
| IMDA (TS SRD) | Radio communication standard with IECEx | Singapore |
| NTC Type Approval (SRD) | Type acceptance certificate for use together with ATEX | Filippijnen |
| OBAC | EC-Type certificate for mining based on ATEX | Polen |
| NTC Type Approval (SRD) | Type acceptance for use together with IECEx | Bahrein |
What general technical specifications apply to EX systems?
The following general technical specifications apply to EX systems:
- Ambient temperature: -30 to +60 o
- Minimally an IP65 protection rating (NEMA rating 12/13); optional: IP66.
- Frequencies: 419, 429, 434, 447, 458, 480, 869, 1216 MHz and 2.4 GHz.
- Power: 10mW.
- Range: approximately 100 metres with a standard antenna.
- Cable control: up to 200 metres.
- Reaction time:< <100 msec.
- Safety: 20-bit programmable address with up to 1 million combinations.
- Active and passive stop function.
- Functional safety: Potential-free redundant stop (1-2 relays, SIL 3, Pl d).
- Transmitter operating features: linear joysticks, cross joysticks, push buttons, tumbler switches, rotary switches, potentiometers, key switches, stop button, etc.
- Feedback (receiver to transmitter): LEDs, buzzer and graphical display.
- Receiver connections: potential-free relay, transistor connectors, analogue linear connectors (e.g. 0-10V / 4-20mA), voltage connectors (e.g. Danfoss valves), power-operated PWM connectors (e.g. HAWE, Amca, Apitech Parker Pulsar, Bucher), serial bus ports (RS232, RS485, ModBus, CAN-bus, CANopen, Generic CAN, SAE-J1939, Parker IQAN, Devicenet, ProfiBUS and ProfiNET).
- Logica: AND, OR, NO, NC, Latched, On Delay, Off Delay and interlocking standard with MLC receiver machine logic (PLC).
- Approvals: CE, FCC, IC, EMC, EMI, Radio Frequency (RED).
Get in touch with Hetronic
Curious about the possibilities? Browse the overview of possible applications of our radio remote control systems or get in touch with one of our technical experts for more information. They will be happy to help you find the right EX solution for your needs.