Fire and gas alarm systems in hazardous areas need the same certified equipment as any other electrical device: manual call points to raise the alarm, and sounders and beacons to warn people to evacuate. This guide explains the protection types, the EN 54 standards that apply and how to choose ATEX and IECEx call points, sounders and beacons for Zone 1, Zone 2 and dust zones.
ATEX manual call points
A manual call point (MCP) lets anyone who discovers a fire or gas release raise the alarm immediately. In hazardous areas they are also used as emergency shutdown (ESD) or “break glass” initiators. Types include:
- Break-glass or resettable element call points – the resettable element avoids replacing glass after tests or false activation.
- Fire alarm call points in red, and coloured versions (yellow, green, blue, white) for gas release, ESD, or general alarm.
- Push-button call points with flip-up covers to prevent accidental operation.
Browse ATEX call points and manual call points for Zone 1, 2, 21 and 22.
Intrinsically safe (Ex ia) or flameproof (Ex d / Ex de)?
| Ex ia – intrinsically safe | Ex d / Ex de – flameproof | |
|---|---|---|
| Zones | Zone 0, 1, 2 (and 20, 21, 22) | Zone 1 and 2 (and 21, 22) |
| Wiring | Through a zener barrier or galvanic isolator in the safe area | Directly to the fire panel circuit, with certified glands |
| Housing | Often lighter GRP or aluminium | Heavier aluminium or stainless steel enclosure |
| Live maintenance | Possible on IS circuits under site rules | Isolate before opening |
| Typical use | Conventional and addressable loops, Zone 0 areas | Systems without barriers, high-power sounders |
For example, our Ex ia aluminium manual call point is certified up to Zone 0, while Ex de IIC models suit Zone 1 and Zone 2 without barriers.
ATEX beacons and sounders
Beacons (visual alarm devices) and sounders warn people in noisy plant areas where a sounder alone may not be heard, or where hearing protection is worn. Options include:
- Xenon strobe beacons – very bright flash, a long-proven technology.
- LED beacons – flashing, rotating or steady, with long life and lower current.
- Sounders and horns – multiple selectable tones, typically 100 to 120 dB(A) at 1 m.
- Combined sounder-beacons – one enclosure, one cable entry, lower installation cost.
- Status lights – steady indication of plant or system status.
Lens colours follow site philosophy – commonly red for fire, amber for gas or fault, blue for toxic gas and green for all-clear. Browse ATEX beacons for Zone 1 and Zone 2.
Standards: ATEX, IECEx and EN 54
- ATEX 2014/34/EU – legal requirement in the EU for equipment used in explosive atmospheres.
- IECEx – international certification to the same IEC 60079 standards.
- EN 54-11 – manual call points for fire detection systems (Type A single action, Type B double action).
- EN 54-3 – fire alarm sounders.
- EN 54-23 – visual alarm devices (beacons), including the coverage volume the beacon must light.
For a fire alarm system, the device needs both the hazardous-area certificate and the relevant EN 54 approval. Status beacons used only for process indication do not need EN 54.
Specification checklist
- Zone, gas group and temperature class (IIC T4 covers most sites).
- Protection type: Ex ia with barriers, or Ex d / Ex de direct wiring.
- Fire panel compatibility: conventional (end-of-line and series resistors) or addressable module.
- Colour and legend of call points; lens colour and flash rate of beacons.
- Sound output and tones of sounders.
- Supply voltage (24 V DC, 115 V or 230 V AC).
- Housing material, ambient temperature range and cable entries.
Frequently asked questions
What is an ATEX manual call point?
An ATEX manual call point is a fire or emergency alarm activation device certified for use in explosive atmospheres. Pressing it signals the fire or ESD system without creating a risk of igniting gas or dust.
Can intrinsically safe call points be used in Zone 0?
Yes, Ex ia call points can be certified for Zone 0, provided they are connected through a suitable zener barrier or galvanic isolator located in the safe area.
Do ATEX beacons need EN 54-23 approval?
Beacons used as fire alarm visual alarm devices must comply with EN 54-23. Beacons used only for process or status indication do not need it, but still require ATEX or IECEx certification in hazardous areas.
What colour should a hazardous area call point be?
Red is used for fire alarms. Other colours – yellow, blue, green or white – are commonly used for emergency shutdown, gas release or general alarm, according to the site’s alarm philosophy.
Do you supply complete fire and gas alarm packages?
Yes. We can supply matched call points, sounders, beacons, barriers and junction boxes for a project, with certificates and datasheets.
Need call points or beacons for a project?
Send your zone, quantities and fire panel type. We quote matched devices with ATEX, IECEx and EN 54 certificates.