Ex Industries successfully designed and delivered a custom explosion-proof control panel for an offshore oil rig operating in the North Sea, Norway—one of the most demanding hazardous environments in the world.
The project required a compact yet robust explosion proof electrical enclosure capable of withstanding extreme weather, high vibration, and corrosive marine conditions, while meeting strict ATEX and IECEx certification requirements.
This case study demonstrates Ex Industries’ expertise in hazardous area solutions, explosion proof manufacturing, and Ex certified control systems.
The offshore installation required full compliance with international hazardous area standards, including:
ATEX Zone 1
IECEx
IEC 60079-0
Explosion proof IP rating
Ex d enclosure requirements
These certifications ensured the control panel could be safely installed in a Class 1 hazardous location with continuous exposure to flammable gases.
Ex Industries supplied a complete explosion proof solution, including:
A fully customized explosion proof control panel engineered for offshore operation, integrating monitoring, control, and safety functions.
Stainless steel explosion proof enclosure
Corrosion-resistant for marine environments
Designed as an Ex proof enclosure suitable for ATEX Zone 1
Explosion proof cable glands
ATEX cable glands
Hazardous location cable glands
Certified thread adapters, reducers, and accessories to maintain enclosure integrity
All components were selected to ensure long-term reliability in a hazardous location enclosure exposed to saltwater, moisture, and temperature fluctuations.
The offshore oil rig presented multiple technical and environmental challenges:
Limited installation space within existing control areas
High vibration levels from drilling and processing equipment
Seawater corrosion affecting standard electrical enclosures
Freezing temperatures impacting electronics and cable performance
Integration with an existing SCADA system
Strict ATEX Zone 1 and IECEx compliance with a short delivery timeline
Standard explosion proof boxes or off-the-shelf solutions were not suitable for this application.
Ex Industries designed a compact stainless steel explosion proof control panel optimized for offshore hazardous areas.
The solution included:
A custom Ex d enclosure designed for high vibration resistance
Marine-grade stainless steel explosion proof enclosure to prevent corrosion
Explosion proof cable glands and threaded reducers ensuring safe cable termination
Internal layout optimized for heat dissipation and maintenance access
Full compatibility with the rig’s SCADA and automation systems
Compliance with ATEX Zone 1, IECEx, and explosion proof enclosure requirements
This engineered approach ensured safe operation without compromising performance or accessibility.
The project was delivered successfully with measurable benefits:
✔ 100% compliance with ATEX & IECEx requirements
✔ On-time delivery despite a short lead time
✔ Zero safety incidents after installation
✔ Improved operational reliability in a hazardous offshore environment
✔ Reduced maintenance costs due to corrosion-resistant design
✔ Long-term protection against vibration, moisture, and extreme temperatures
The client now operates a reliable explosion proof electrical enclosure system designed specifically for offshore conditions.
This project highlights why Ex Industries is trusted for hazardous area solutions worldwide:
Expertise in explosion proof electrical equipment
Custom ATEX and IECEx certified enclosures
Proven offshore and oil & gas experience
High-quality Ex equipment and accessories
End-to-end engineering support
From explosion proof control panels to hazardous location cable glands, Ex Industries delivers solutions built for the most demanding environments.
