ATEX Load Cells – Intrinsically Safe Weighing Sensors for Hazardous Areas
Our ATEX load cells are certified weighing sensors designed for integration into weighing systems operating in potentially explosive atmospheres. Approved for Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 21, and Zone 22 classified hazardous areas, they provide the precision sensing capability required for platform scales, tank weighing, silo monitoring, vessel weighing, and process control applications in chemical, pharmaceutical, oil and gas, and paint production environments where standard load cells cannot be safely used.
ATEX load cells are the foundation of any hazardous area weighing system — without certified sensors in the hazardous zone, the entire system cannot be compliant. Available in compression, tension, and shear beam configurations, our range covers the full spectrum of hazardous area weighing applications from light-duty bench scale builds to high-capacity vessel and silo installations. Intrinsically safe (Ex i) designs limit electrical energy within the load cell circuit to levels that cannot ignite an explosive atmosphere, and are used in conjunction with certified safety barriers or galvanic isolators to connect to indicators located in the safe area. Full ATEX certification documentation, including zone classification, equipment category, gas group, and temperature class, is supplied with every unit.
ATEX Load Cell Types Available
- Compression ATEX load cells — for platform scales, floor scales, and vessel weighing in hazardous areas
- Tension ATEX load cells — for hanging and suspended weighing in crane scales and hopper systems in explosive atmospheres
- Shear beam ATEX load cells — for low-profile platform scale builds and conveyor weighing in hazardous zones
- ATEX load cell junction boxes — certified summing boxes for multi-load-cell hazardous area installations
Key Features
- ATEX certified for Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 21, and Zone 22 hazardous area classifications
- Intrinsically safe (Ex i) design for connection to safe area indicators via certified safety barriers
- Compression, tension, and shear beam configurations for diverse hazardous area weighing applications
- Capacities from 50 kg to 50,000 kg for light industrial through to heavy process vessel installations
- Stainless steel construction with high IP ratings for chemical and washdown environments
- Full ATEX certification documentation including zone, category, gas group, and temperature class
Common Applications
- Chemical processing — tank, vessel, and reactor weighing for flammable solvent and reagent monitoring
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing — IBC, vessel, and silo weighing in solvent-rich production environments
- Oil and gas — platform scale and vessel weighing in Zone 1 and Zone 2 process areas
- Paint and coatings — mixing vessel and raw material tank weighing for flammable materials
- Grain and flour milling — silo and hopper weighing in Zone 21 and Zone 22 dust hazard environments
- Waste and effluent — tank and vessel weighing for flammable or combustible waste streams
All ATEX load cells are supplied with full certification documentation. The complete hazardous area weighing system — including load cells, cabling, junction boxes, safety barriers, and indicator — must be assessed as a whole for ATEX compliance. Contact our technical team before purchasing to confirm the correct specification for your zone classification and application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do ATEX load cells work with standard (non-ATEX) weight indicators?
No. In a hazardous area installation, the complete system must be ATEX compliant. However, with an intrinsically safe (Ex i) design, the ATEX load cells in the hazardous zone can be connected via a certified Zener barrier or galvanic isolator to a standard indicator located in the safe area — the barrier provides the ATEX interface between the two zones. The indicator itself does not need to be ATEX certified in this configuration, but the barrier must be. Contact our team for system design advice.
What capacity ATEX load cell do I need?
Select a load cell with a capacity at least 20–25% above your maximum expected load to allow for dynamic forces, shock loading, and overload protection. For multi-load-cell systems (e.g. a 4-cell vessel installation), the total system capacity is divided across the cells. Contact our technical team with your vessel or platform dimensions and maximum load for guidance on the correct capacity and configuration.
What is the difference between Zone 1 and Zone 2 ATEX load cells?
Zone 1 is where an explosive gas atmosphere is likely to occur occasionally during normal operation. Zone 2 is where it is unlikely but may occur in abnormal conditions. Zone 1 certified load cells can be used in Zone 2 areas, but Zone 2 certified equipment cannot be used in Zone 1. Always use the zone classification determined by your DSEAR risk assessment to select the correct equipment category.
Do I need ATEX-certified junction boxes and cabling as well?
Yes. In a hazardous area weighing system, all electrical components within the classified zone — including load cells, junction boxes, cable glands, and interconnecting cables — must be suitable for the zone. We supply ATEX-certified junction boxes and can advise on cabling requirements for your installation. Contact our team for a complete system specification.
Is UKAS calibration available for ATEX load cells?
Yes. UKAS-traceable calibration certificates are available on request. System-level calibration of hazardous area weighing installations must be carried out following appropriate safe working procedures for the classified zone. Contact our team for calibration, commissioning, and ongoing service support.
