The new HCBK-Z IECEx explosion-proof telephone provides reliable IP communications for hazardous industrial environments where explosive gas, combustible dust and high ambient noise make conventional telephone equipment unsuitable. Designed for Zone 1 and Zone 2 gas environments and Zone 21 and Zone 22 combustible-dust environments, the Warom HCBK-Z combines robust IP66 construction with SIP-based network communications, noise-cancelling technology and IECEx certification for IIC gas and IIIC dust applications.
IECEx-Certified Explosion-Proof Telephone for Gas and Dust Areas
The Warom HCBK series is certified under the recently issued IECEx Certificate IECEx PCET 25.0038X. The certified explosion protection marking is:
Ex db ib IIC T6 Gb
Ex ib tb IIIC T80°C Db
The equipment has an IP66 enclosure protection rating and a certified ambient operating temperature range of −45°C to +60°C.
The HCBK series is designed for use in Zone 1 and Zone 2 gas hazardous areas, as well as Zone 21 and Zone 22 combustible-dust environments. IECEx certification covers the applicable IEC 60079 standards for:
- General requirements for equipment in explosive atmospheres
- Flameproof protection “d”
- Intrinsic safety “i”
- Dust ignition protection by enclosure “t”
This combination allows the HCBK to address hazardous area communication requirements across a broad range of industrial environments involving both gas and combustible-dust hazards.
Hazardous Area IP and SIP Communications
The HCBK-Z is the IP telephone version of the HCBK explosion-proof amplified telephone range. Unlike a conventional standalone industrial telephone, the HCBK-Z provides network connectivity and supports the standard open SIP signalling protocol, allowing integration with broader plant communication, command and dispatch systems.
Supported network protocols include:
- TCP
- UDP
- ARP
- ICMP
- IGMP
- SIP
The system supports remote calling and flexible networking between telephone stations, while additional stations can be added without affecting existing system calls. For larger industrial facilities, this provides a practical way of incorporating hazardous area telephone stations into a wider network-based communication architecture.
Clear Communications in High-Noise Industrial Environments
Industrial communication systems often need to operate around compressors, pumps, processing equipment and other sources of high background noise. The HCBK handset incorporates a noise-cancelling microphone to assist with clear voice communication in high-noise environments. The system also incorporates automatic gain control, designed to maintain consistent voice volume regardless of the distance or number of connected handsets. Other communication capabilities include:
- Multi-party communications
- Daisy-chain connection
- Flexible grouping of telephone units
- Full-duplex intercom
- Broadcast capability
- Automatic or manual fire alarm functions where required
These features make the HCBK suitable for applications extending beyond a simple point-to-point hazardous area telephone.
HCBK-Z/A and HCBK-Z/B Configurations
The HCBK-Z explosion-proof IP telephone is available in two principal configurations.
HCBK-Z/A – Basic Type
The HCBK-Z/A provides a basic wall-mounted communication station configuration without the conventional telephone handset and numeric keypad.
HCBK-Z/B – Enhanced Type
The HCBK-Z/B incorporates a telephone handset and numeric keypad. The enhanced configuration allows users to call individual terminals using the keypad and supports full-duplex intercom, broadcast to the entire area and receipt of broadcasts.
Both configurations use a robust aluminium-alloy enclosure designed for fixed installation in demanding industrial environments.
Where Are Explosion-Proof Telephones Used?
Explosion-proof and hazardous area telephones provide fixed communication points where ordinary commercial or industrial communications equipment may not be appropriate due to the presence of potentially explosive atmospheres. Typical HCBK applications may include:
- Oil and gas production facilities
- LNG and gas processing plants
- Petrochemical facilities
- Refineries
- Offshore facilities
- Chemical processing plants
- Mining and mineral processing facilities
- Bulk material handling installations
- Combustible-dust processing facilities
- Hazardous area warehouses and industrial plants
The combination of IECEx gas and dust certification, SIP network connectivity and robust industrial construction makes the HCBK-Z particularly suited to facilities where hazardous area communications need to form part of a wider plant communication or dispatch system.
HCBK-Z Technical Specifications
Key specifications include:
- IECEx Certificate: IECEx PCET 25.0038X
- Gas marking: Ex db ib IIC T6 Gb
- Dust marking: Ex ib tb IIIC T80°C Db
- Ingress protection: IP66
- Ambient temperature: −45°C to +60°C
- Material: Aluminium alloy
- Operating voltage: AC 110–277 V or AC/DC 48 V
- Operating current: ≤300 mA
- Network protocols: TCP, UDP, ARP, ICMP, IGMP and SIP
- Audio output: 0–50 W continuously adjustable
- Mounting: Wall mounted
- Configuration: HCBK-Z/A Basic Type or HCBK-Z/B Enhanced Type
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an explosion-proof telephone?
An explosion-proof telephone is industrial communication equipment designed for installation in hazardous areas where potentially explosive gases, vapours or combustible dust may be present. The appropriate equipment certification and protection method must be selected to suit the hazardous area classification and installation requirements.
Is the HCBK-Z IECEx certified?
Yes. The HCBK series is covered by IECEx Certificate IECEx PCET 25.0038X, issued on 6 August 2026. The certified marking includes Ex db ib IIC T6 Gb for gas atmospheres and Ex ib tb IIIC T80°C Db for combustible-dust atmospheres.
Can the HCBK-Z be used in Zone 1?
The manufacturer’s product data identifies the HCBK series as suitable for Zone 1 and Zone 2 gas hazardous areas, together with Zone 21 and Zone 22 combustible-dust environments.
Does the HCBK-Z support SIP?
Yes. The HCBK-Z supports the standard open SIP signalling protocol, together with TCP, UDP, ARP, ICMP and IGMP. SIP capability allows the telephone to be integrated with compatible command, dispatch and industrial communication systems.
What is the difference between HCBK-Z/A and HCBK-Z/B?
The HCBK-Z/A is the basic configuration, while the HCBK-Z/B is the enhanced configuration incorporating a telephone handset and numeric keypad. The appropriate configuration depends on the communication and operating requirements of the installation.
IECEx Hazardous Area Communication Solutions from Inatex
The HCBK-Z expands the range of IECEx-certified hazardous area equipment available from Inatex and provides a network-based communication option for demanding industrial applications.
For new installations, plant upgrades or replacement of existing hazardous area communication equipment, Inatex can assist with product selection and configuration based on the hazardous area classification, communication requirements and project specifications.
Contact Inatex for HCBK-Z technical information, pricing or assistance selecting an IECEx-certified explosion-proof telephone for your application.
