ATEX Bench Scales – Intrinsically Safe Bench Weighing for Hazardous Areas
Our ATEX bench scales are compact, certified weighing instruments designed for accurate bench and countertop weighing in potentially explosive atmospheres. Approved for use in Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 21, and Zone 22 classified hazardous areas, they provide a safe, reliable weighing solution for dispensing, formulation, quality control, and production operations in chemical, pharmaceutical, paint, and solvent-handling environments where standard electrical equipment cannot be used.
ATEX bench scales combine the functionality of a standard precision bench scale — tare, parts counting, checkweighing, and data connectivity — with the intrinsically safe or explosion-proof engineering required for hazardous area certification. All electrical components are designed to limit energy to levels that cannot ignite a surrounding explosive atmosphere, and full ATEX certification documentation is supplied with every unit. Stainless steel construction and IP-rated enclosures ensure the scales are also suitable for the demanding cleaning and chemical exposure typical of hazardous area environments.
Key Features
- ATEX certified for Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 21, and Zone 22 hazardous area classifications
- Intrinsically safe (Ex i) design limiting electrical energy to safe levels in explosive atmospheres
- High-accuracy weighing with readability to 0.1 g for precise dispensing and formulation
- Stainless steel construction with IP-rated protection for chemical and washdown environments
- Multiple weighing modes — standard weighing, tare, parts counting, and checkweighing
- Data connectivity for integration with production, ERP, and batch management systems
- Full ATEX certification documentation supplied as standard
- Capacities from 3 kg to 30 kg to suit a range of bench weighing applications
Common Applications
- Chemical processing — dispensing and weighing of flammable solvents, reagents, and raw materials
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing — formulation and dispensing in solvent-rich or dust-generating environments
- Paint and coatings production — accurate weighing of flammable pigments, resins, and thinners
- Oil and gas — bench weighing in Zone 1 and Zone 2 classified process areas
- Grain and flour milling — Zone 21 and Zone 22 dust hazard bench weighing applications
- Explosives and pyrotechnics — precision bench weighing in specialist hazardous environments
All ATEX bench scales are supplied with full certification documentation. Contact our technical team before purchasing to confirm the correct zone classification, equipment category, and gas group for your specific hazardous area installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ATEX zones are these bench scales certified for?
Our ATEX bench scales are certified for Zone 1 and Zone 2 (gas and vapour explosive atmospheres) and Zone 21 and Zone 22 (combustible dust explosive atmospheres). Zone 1 equipment can also be used in Zone 2 areas. Always confirm the zone classification of your specific installation before selecting equipment — contact our team for guidance.
Can ATEX bench scales be used with standard (non-ATEX) indicators?
No. In a classified hazardous area, all electrical equipment — including the weight indicator or display — must carry the appropriate ATEX certification for that zone. Using a non-certified indicator with an ATEX-certified scale platform is not compliant and is potentially dangerous. Our ATEX bench scales are supplied as complete, certified systems.
What is the difference between intrinsically safe and explosion-proof ATEX equipment?
Intrinsically safe (Ex i) equipment limits electrical energy within the circuit to levels that cannot ignite an explosive atmosphere under normal or fault conditions. Explosion-proof (Ex d) equipment contains any internal ignition within a robust enclosure. For bench scales in Zone 1 and Zone 2, intrinsically safe designs are most common as they allow the indicator to be located in a safe area connected via a safety barrier, reducing the amount of certified equipment required in the hazardous zone.
Do I need a DSEAR risk assessment before purchasing ATEX bench scales?
Yes. Under UK DSEAR (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations), employers must carry out a risk assessment to identify hazardous areas, classify zones, and specify the correct equipment category. ATEX equipment must be selected to match the zone classification determined by this assessment. Our technical team can advise on equipment selection once you have your zone classification confirmed.
Is UKAS calibration available for ATEX bench scales?
Yes. UKAS-traceable calibration certificates are available on request. Calibration of equipment in hazardous areas must be carried out following appropriate safe working procedures for the classified zone — contact our team for calibration and service support specific to your hazardous area environment.
