ATEX Barriers

A Zener barrier is an associated equipment that is installed in the safe area. It is designed to limit the amount of energy that could potentially appear in an electrical circuit that passes through the hazardous area despite the connection before the barrier.

Zener Barrier Kit

FAQs

What are ATEX barriers and how do they work?

ATEX barriers, also known as Zener barriers, are protective devices installed in the safe area of a site. They limit the amount of electrical energy that can pass into a circuit running through a hazardous area, keeping it below the level that could ignite a potentially explosive atmosphere.

Why do I need an ATEX barrier for my weighing system?

When load cells or weighing platforms are used in a hazardous area but the weighing terminal sits in a safe area, the connection between them needs to be protected. An ATEX barrier makes sure that, even if a fault occurs on the safe side, the energy reaching the hazardous area stays at a safe level.

Where are ATEX barriers installed?

ATEX barriers are classed as associated equipment and are installed in the safe area, not inside the hazardous zone itself. They sit between the weighing terminal in the safe area and the load cells or weighing equipment located in the ATEX zone.

Which ATEX barriers does MWS offer?

MWS offers the ZBA1S ATEX/IECEx barrier kit and the KMB4 Zener barrier kit. The ZBA1S is a low-cost solution for connecting a weighing terminal to a weight receiver system in an ATEX zone, while the KMB4 is a kit of three intrinsic protection Zener barriers housed in an ABS box.

Are MWS ATEX barriers suitable for both gas and dust environments?

Absolutely! The KMB4 Zener barrier kit carries the ATEX II (1) GD IIC IIIC marking, making it suitable for connecting equipment in areas where flammable gases or combustible dusts may be present. Our team can confirm the right barrier for your specific zone classification.

Where are ATEX barriers typically used?

You’ll often find them in petrochemical plants, pharmaceutical facilities, chemical manufacturing sites, grain handling operations and powder processing environments, anywhere weighing takes place in or near a potentially explosive atmosphere.

Can ATEX barriers be used with existing weighing equipment?

In many cases, yes. ATEX barriers can connect a range of weighing terminals and load cell systems, but compatibility depends on your equipment and hazardous area requirements. Speak to our team and we’ll help you find the right solution.

Does MWS supply complete ATEX weighing systems?

Definitely! As well as ATEX barriers, MWS supplies ATEX floor scales, bench scales, mobile scales, pallet scales, weight indicators and components. We provide complete turnkey solutions, including expert consultation, custom design, professional installation and certification support.

How are ATEX weighing systems maintained and calibrated?

Regular inspections and scheduled calibrations are key to keeping ATEX weighing systems safe, accurate and compliant. MWS offers servicing and calibration support to ensure your system continues to operate reliably over time. Learn more about our calibration services.

Can MWS help with installing ATEX barriers?

Absolutely! ATEX barriers must be installed correctly in the safe area, and because safety in hazardous areas is critical, we recommend using engineers with experience in both weighing technology and hazardous area regulations. The MWS team is on hand to help.