Explosion Proof PLC Panels
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) are the brain of modern process automation but deploying them in Zone 1 or Zone 2 classified hazardous areas demands a carefully engineered explosion protection strategy. Team Switchgear and Control LLC designs, assembles, and programs ATEX and IECEx certified explosion proof PLC panels from our Dubai facility, using Siemens SIMATIC S7 platforms in certified Ex d or Ex p enclosures, serving Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, and Offshore automation projects across the UAE and GCC.
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PLC Platforms We Engineer
• Siemens SIMATIC S7-1500 flagship platform for advanced process control, safety integration (S7-1500F), and high-speed applications
• Siemens SIMATIC S7-300 proven platform widely accepted on legacy and brownfield projects
• Siemens ET200SP / ET200M distributed I/O in Ex e or Ex d fieldbus marshalling cabinets
• Siemens S7-1200 compact platform for smaller standalone control applications
• Rockwell ControlLogix / CompactLogix on request for US-specification projects
• Other PLC platforms on request with full certification review
Protection Concept Selection
Ex d (flameproof): Suitable where the PLC is compact and heat dissipation is manageable within a sealed flameproof enclosure. Typically used for small to medium S7-1200/1500 compact systems, safety relays, and I/O marshalling. The enclosure contains any internal fault and prevents ignition of the surrounding atmosphere.
Ex p (purged & pressurised): The preferred solution for full S7-1500 or S7-300 rack systems, multi-card I/O configurations, and applications requiring internal access for maintenance. The purge system maintains positive pressure, and the enclosure can be opened for maintenance after the area is purged making it far more practical for complex PLC systems than sealed Ex d.
Ex e with Ex i barriers: Where the PLC itself is in a safe area but field instruments are in the hazardous zone, Ex i (intrinsic safety) Zener barriers or galvanic isolators protect the field wiring from carrying ignition-capable energy. We design and supply the complete Ex i barrier and marshalling cabinet as part of the system.
Engineering Services Included
• PLC hardware design I/O list, rack configuration, power budget, redundancy analysis
• Siemens TIA Portal programming including Step 7 for legacy projects
• Functional Design Specification (FDS) and Cause & Effect matrices
• Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) witnessed by client or third-party inspector
• Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) and commissioning support available
• Software backup, version control, and as-built documentation
Can you supply SIL-rated safety PLC panels for Zone 1 areas?
Yes. We design and supply Safety Instrumented System (SIS) panels using Siemens S7-1500F (failsafe) PLCs in Ex p or Ex d certified enclosures, suitable for SIL 1 and SIL 2 safety functions as per IEC 61511. The SIS documentation package includes SIL verification calculations, hardware fault tolerance analysis, proof test procedures, and the required functional safety assessment records. Our Ex Quality Representative signs off all SIS panel documentation prior to shipment.
Do you provide ongoing software support after commissioning?
Yes. We offer post-commissioning software support contracts including remote PLC access (via secure VPN), preventive maintenance visits, software version management, and emergency call-out. For clients with ongoing operational needs, we recommend a support agreement to ensure continuity of the programming expertise used during the original project.