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Rugged & ATEX·14 January 2026·4 min read

What to look for in rugged devices for the field

Consumer phones and tablets don't last long on a site or in a vehicle. Rugged devices are engineered to keep working where standard kit fails — but the specs matter.

IP ratings

The IP rating tells you how sealed a device is against dust and water. IP66/IP67/IP68 covers heavy dust and water immersion — essential outdoors, on the water or in wash-down environments.

Drop and shock

Look for a stated drop height and MIL-STD-810 testing for shock, vibration and temperature. A device that survives a 1.5–2m drop onto concrete will shrug off daily handling.

Usable in the real world

Sunlight-readable screens, glove- and wet-touch operation, and all-shift battery life make the difference between a device people use and one they leave in the cab.

When you need ATEX

In flammable or explosive atmospheres — oil, gas, chemical — rugged isn't enough; you need ATEX-certified, explosion-proof equipment rated for the zone. We supply both rugged and ATEX devices.

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