New State-of-the-Art Mobile Computer for Hazardous Environments: MC9400/MC9450

Do you require intrinsically safe (also referred to as non-incendive or explosion proof) handheld computers for a potentially explosive atmosphere in your facility? In the past, there haven’t been many options, and you tend to be routed to devices which don’t reflect the latest technologies and OS editions. But good news: Zebra’s new MC9400 / MC9450 is now available as a non-incendive handheld computer. MC9400 is a wi-fi only model, whereas MC9450 offers both wi-fi and cellular/5G/ CBRS connectivity.

This gives you access to absolute cutting-edge mobile computing power, Zebra’s best-in-class data capture and barcode scanner technology, and OS support all the way to Android 17. If you are seeking to upgrade or add new computing devices for hazardous environments, this is a great time! See the data sheet below for all of the MC94’s powerful specifications.

Even better: Zebra Technologies is currently offering a special price incentive for the MC9400 (which runs until April 26, 2025) so you can obtain extremely attractive pricing on the best handheld in the market! The MC9400 is the replacement product for the Zebra MC9300, which has for several years been Zebra’s top-of-line rugged mobile computer.

What is the Non-Incendive (NI) Certification All About?

Non-incendive certification refers to a safety standard for electronic devices, including mobile computers, used in potentially explosive environments. This certification indicates that the device does not produce sparks or heat that could ignite flammable gases or vapors.

In practice, intrinsically safe / non-incendive devices can be used in hazardous locations, such as oil rigs or chemical plants, where the risk of explosion is a concern. The certification ensures that the equipment is safe to operate in these environments, provided it is used in accordance with specific guidelines.

In the rugged mobile computer category, this means they can be deployed in industries where explosive atmospheres may be present, allowing workers to use them without the fear of causing an ignition.

Examples of Potentially Explosive Environments Where a Non-Incendive Handheld Computer is Needed

Examples of potentially explosive environments where explosion proof equipment is necessary include:

1. Oil and Gas Industry : Refineries, drilling rigs, and pipelines where flammable gases and vapors are present.
2. Chemical Manufacturing : Facilities that produce or use volatile chemicals, solvents, or powders that can form explosive atmospheres.
3. Mining Operations : Areas where flammable dust or gases may accumulate, particularly in coal mines or metal mines.
4. Agricultural Facilities : Grain storage and processing areas where dust from grains can create explosive conditions.
5. Wastewater Treatment Plants : Locations where methane and other flammable gases can be produced during the treatment process.
6. Pharmaceutical Manufacturing : Areas where flammable solvents and chemicals are used in production.
7. Paint and Coating Facilities : Environments where flammable vapors from paints and solvents are prevalent.

In these hazardous area examples, using non-incendive devices helps ensure worker safety and compliance with regulations regarding explosive atmospheres.

What are the Classes of Intrinsic Safety Certifications?

Non-incendive certification is often categorized based on the standards set by organizations like the National Electrical Code (NEC) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Here are the main classes:

1. Class I : This includes environments with flammable gases or vapors. Devices in this class can be used in areas where flammable gas is present, such as oil and gas facilities.
2. Class II : This class covers environments with combustible dust. Devices certified for Class II can be used in locations where dust from materials like grain, plastics, or metals could create an explosive atmosphere.
3. Class III : This class involves environments with ignitable fibers or flying materials. Non-incendive devices for Class III can be used where these materials are present, such as textile manufacturing areas.

Divisions

Each class is further divided into divisions based on the likelihood and duration of the hazardous conditions:

• Division 1: Indicates that hazardous conditions are present under normal operating conditions.
• Division 2: Indicates that hazardous conditions are present only under abnormal conditions or in the event of a malfunction.

Standards

Different standards may apply, such as:

• NEC : Focuses on electrical safety in the U.S.
• IECEx : Provides international certification for equipment used in explosive atmospheres.

These classifications help ensure that devices are appropriately designed and tested for safety in various hazardous environments.

What Non-Incendive Ratings Does the MC9400 Mobile Computer Meet?

Zebra’s MC9400/MC9450 handheld mobile computer is available in configurations which meet Class I, II, III Div 2. It is important that you let your CSSI rep know that you require non-incendive mobile devices so that we can specify the correct SKU for you. Further detail on non-incendive specs:

• Gases: Class I, Groups A/B/C/D
• Dusts: Class II, Groups F/G
• Fibers/Flyings: Class III

Discuss Intrinsically Safe / Non-Incendive Computing with CSSI

If you would like to discuss the MC9400 non-incendive handheld computer for a hazardous location and get your own personal demo or loaner unit to test, please contact the Zebra experts at CSSI to get started.