Switchgear used in potentially explosive atmospheres is required where ignitable substances, oxygen and a source of ignition occur at the same time, e. g. in the chemical industry, in offshore technology, in mining, but also in several branches of the basic materials and food industry. The steute range of Ex switchgear contains amongst others safety switches, position switches with and without safety function, solenoid interlocks, command devices, emergency pull-wire switches, foot switches and magnetic sensors which can be used in potentially explosive atmospheres. All Ex switchgear produced by steute can be used in potentially explosive atmospheres of zone 1 or 2 and 21 or 22. Nearly all switches meet the requirements of explosion protection according to II 2G Ex deb IIC T6 Gb and II 2D Ex tb IIIC T80°C Db. Corresponding type examination certificates per EC Directive 94/9/EC (ATEX) and certificates to IECEx, Gost, Inmetro and Nepsi are available.

EN 60079-0 indicates the requirements for testing the mechanical strength of switchgear developed for application in potentially explosive atmospheres. In Chapter 26.4.2, a standard test for checking impact resistance is described. In this test, a sample mass of hardened steel falls from a defined height onto the device.

All steute switching devices for application in Ex zones 1 and 2 (gas Ex), as well as 21 and 22 (dust Ex), have passed this test.