Class 1, Division 2 Rated

Ethernet Switches for Hazardous Locations

Rugged networking equipment is designed to withstand the punishment of industrial environments. One of the most demanding environments is in hazardous locations, such as petrochemical plants, gas processing, and mining operations, which require Class 1 Division 2 (C1D2) rated solutions.

Electrical devices, such as Ethernet switches, generate heat during operation. Consequently, an industrial networking switch can become a potential ignition source when installed in areas where explosive or flammable gases or liquids are present. These areas, known as hazardous or classified locations, are where flammable gases or vapors may be present in the air. They are defined by the National Electrical Code (NEC), part of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70.

Explosion Proof Design

Class 1, Division 2 certified Ethernet switches are designed to operate in hazardous zones. They can be safely installed in areas such as mines, mills, refineries, and factories where concentrations of flammable gases, vapors, dust, and liquids may be present.

Not only are these switches intrinsically safe, but they are also reliable and long-lasting. Intrinsically safe networking devices are designed to be inherently safe. Techniques such as sealing conduits and preventing the ingress of hazardous gases mitigate the risk of explosions. C1D2-rated Ethernet switches and networking devices will not release enough energy to ignite a flammable atmosphere.

Features and Options

Westward Sales offers a comprehensive line of industrial Class 1 Division 2 certified Ethernet switches, with capacities ranging from 5 to 32 ports and speeds of up to 10 Gbps. Select from standard or extended temperatures for extreme heat or cold. Managed Ethernet switches feature Layer 2 management functions like SNMP, Rapid Spanning Tree, VLAN, port mirroring, a web console, QoS, IP security, IGMP, and more. Unmanaged versions come without features that require configuration. They are essentially plug-and-play. You can rely on intrinsically safe Ethernet switches to operate reliably in the most demanding industrial conditions.

With a 5-year or better warranty, you can be confident these safety-rated industrial Ethernet switches will last and perform in the harshest conditions. They are available in managed and unmanaged versions.

Secure Hazardous Environments with C1D2 Switches

Class 1 Division II switches from Westward Sales are explosion-proof and certified for hazardous locations, protecting critical control systems. They offer an unmatched combination of redundancy, industrial-grade performance, durability, and simplified network management. At Westward Sales, our networking experts will help you select the right C1D2 switch for your facility. Are you ready to ensure compliance and safety? Contact Westward Sales today.