An ATEX control station – also called a local control station (LCS) or control unit – puts start/stop push buttons, emergency stops, selector switches, indicator lamps and meters next to a motor or process in a hazardous area. Because operators press it every day, it must be certified so that switching never ignites the gas or dust around it. This guide covers enclosure materials, protection types, typical configurations and how to specify one.
What a local control station does
Motor control centres and PLCs normally sit in a safe area, but operators need to start, stop and isolate equipment where they can see it. The local control station is that interface: it carries the operator devices, while the contactors and drives remain remote. Typical sites include refineries, chemical plants, tank farms, offshore platforms, pharmaceutical and food powder handling, grain silos and wastewater treatment.
Enclosure materials compared
| Material | Strengths | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| GRP (glass-reinforced polyester) | Light, corrosion-free, cost-effective, no painting required | Chemical plants, general industry, Zone 1/2 and 21/22 – see GRP control stations |
| Stainless steel (316L) | High impact resistance, hygienic, excellent in marine and offshore atmospheres | Offshore, LNG, food and pharma – see stainless steel control stations |
| Aluminium / cast iron (Ex d) | Robust flameproof housings for devices that are not Ex e certified | Heavy industry, high-current switching |
Protection types: Ex e, Ex d and Ex de
- Ex e (increased safety) enclosures in GRP or stainless steel, fitted with Ex d or Ex de certified operator modules. This is the most common design today: light, easy to drill and easy to wire.
- Ex d (flameproof) enclosures contain any internal ignition. They allow standard components inside but are heavier, and the flame paths must be kept clean and undamaged.
- Ex tb dust protection for Zones 21 and 22, usually combined with Ex e for mixed gas and dust areas.
- Ex ia intrinsically safe circuits for low-energy signals to a PLC through barriers or isolators.
Most stations are certified for Zone 1 and Zone 2 (II 2 G) and Zone 21 and 22 (II 2 D), gas group IIC, temperature class T6 or T5, with IP66 ingress protection.
Typical configurations
| Configuration | Devices | Typical application |
|---|---|---|
| Start / stop | Green start, red stop push button | Pumps, fans, conveyors |
| Start / stop + lamp | As above with a running indicator | Remote equipment the operator cannot see running |
| Emergency stop | Mushroom-head latching E-stop, optional lockable cover | Machinery safety circuits |
| Hand / off / auto | Three-position selector switch | Pumps controlled by level or pressure |
| Start / stop + ammeter | Push buttons with a motor current meter | Large motors, agitators, compressors |
| Local isolator station | Lockable load-break switch with control devices | Maintenance isolation at the motor |
We supply stations from leading hazardous-area brands, including CEAG control stations, push buttons and emergency stops, Technor Zone 2 control stations and Craig & Derricott Zone 22 stations. Browse all ATEX control stations.
Specification checklist
- Hazardous area: zone, gas group, temperature class and ambient temperature range.
- Enclosure material and size; mounting (wall, pole or stand).
- Operator devices, their order and legend plates (text and language).
- Contact blocks for each device: number of normally open (NO) and normally closed (NC) contacts.
- Indicator lamp colours and voltage.
- Cable entries: number, size, thread (M20, M25) and gland type, plus any earth stud.
- Certification: ATEX, IECEx or UKEX, and any project marine or offshore approvals.
Frequently asked questions
What is an ATEX control station?
An ATEX control station is an enclosure with operator devices – push buttons, emergency stops, selector switches, lamps or meters – certified for use in explosive gas or dust atmospheres. It lets operators control motors and processes locally in a hazardous area.
What is the difference between a local control station and a control panel?
A local control station carries only operator devices next to the equipment. A control panel also contains power or control components such as contactors, relays, PLCs or drives.
Which is better for a hazardous area control station, GRP or stainless steel?
GRP is lighter, corrosion-free and cheaper, which suits most chemical and industrial sites. Stainless steel offers higher impact strength and is preferred offshore, in marine atmospheres and in hygienic food and pharmaceutical plants.
Can a Zone 1 control station be used in Zone 2?
Yes. Equipment certified for Zone 1 (category 2G) can be installed in Zone 2. A Zone 2-only station must not be used in Zone 1.
Can you build a custom control station?
Yes. We supply stations configured to your device list, legends and cable entries, with certificates and drawings for approval before manufacture.
Need ATEX control stations?
Send your device list, zone and quantities – we return a configured quotation with drawings and certificates.