Every industrial installation has different requirements. Some facilities can use standardized flameproof panels, while others need panels engineered around specific equipment, control functions, dimensions, cable entries and hazardous-area classifications.

The choice between custom flameproof panels and standard flameproof panels therefore depends on the application, installation conditions, certification requirements, available space and required functionality.

What Are Standard Flameproof Panels?

Standard flameproof panels are manufactured using predefined designs, dimensions and component configurations. They are generally suitable when the customer's electrical requirements closely match an existing panel design.

For example, an industrial facility may require a conventional motor control arrangement with a predefined number of starters, switches and indicators. Instead of developing a completely new enclosure, a standard configuration can be selected and adapted within its certified design limitations.

Advantages of Standard Panels

Standard flameproof panels can provide several practical benefits:

Faster procurement:

Because the design is already established, engineering and manufacturing time can potentially be reduced.

Simplified selection:

Customers can select from predefined configurations instead of developing every component from scratch.

Repeatability:

The same configuration can be supplied across multiple installations where the technical requirements are similar.

Predictable maintenance:

Standardized component arrangements can make replacement and servicing more familiar for maintenance teams.

However, a standard panel should not simply be selected because its physical dimensions or component list appear suitable. Equipment selection and installation in explosive atmospheres need to consider the applicable hazardous-area requirements, equipment protection and installation conditions. IEC 60079-14:2024 specifically addresses design, selection, installation and initial inspection of electrical installations involving Ex equipment.

What Are Custom Flameproof Panels?

Custom flameproof panels are engineered according to the specific requirements of a particular industrial application.

Instead of starting with a fixed configuration, the panel manufacturer considers factors such as:

• Required electrical components
• Number of incoming and outgoing circuits
• Motor-control requirements
• PLC and automation requirements
• Instrumentation
• Cable entry arrangements
• Available installation space
• Environmental conditions
• Hazardous-area classification
• Gas or dust characteristics
• Required protection concept
• Control philosophy
• Operator requirements
• Maintenance accessibility

This makes custom panels particularly relevant to specialized installations where a standard configuration may not provide the required functionality or physical arrangement.

When Should You Consider a Custom Flameproof Panel?

A custom panel may be appropriate when the installation has requirements that cannot easily be accommodated by a standard design.

1. Limited Installation Space

Industrial plants often have restricted mounting areas. A custom enclosure can be engineered around the available footprint, subject to the applicable design and certification constraints.

2. Complex Automation Requirements

Modern industrial plants increasingly integrate PLCs, sensors, monitoring systems, communication equipment and automated control functions.

A custom panel can be designed around the required control architecture rather than forcing the application into a predefined configuration.

3. Multiple Control Functions

A single installation may require motor control, emergency shutdown, indication, instrumentation and auxiliary controls in an integrated arrangement.

A project-specific design can help organize these requirements within the appropriate certified equipment architecture.

4. Specialized Cable Entry Requirements

Cable routing and entry arrangements can vary considerably between projects. Custom engineering allows the required cable-entry configuration to be addressed during the design stage.

5. Project-Specific Environmental Conditions

Industrial environments may expose equipment to heat, moisture, dust, corrosion or mechanical stresses. IEC 60079-14 notes that additional protection requirements may be necessary where equipment must withstand environmental conditions such as water ingress or corrosion.

Certification Should Remain the Priority

One of the most important considerations when selecting a flameproof panel is certification.

A customized panel should not be treated as an ordinary electrical enclosure simply because it contains flameproof components. The complete equipment configuration, protection concept, installation requirements and applicable certification framework must be considered.

For example, the European ATEX framework specifies requirements concerning the design and construction of equipment and protective systems intended for potentially explosive atmospheres. It also specifically addresses flameproof enclosure systems and the need to withstand internal explosion pressure while preventing transmission of the explosion to the surrounding atmosphere.

Therefore, customization should be performed within the boundaries of the applicable certification and technical standards.

Cost: Standard vs Custom

At first glance, a standard flameproof panel may appear more economical because it requires less engineering.

However, the purchase price should not be the only consideration.

If a standard panel requires extensive field modifications, additional junction boxes, external components, complicated wiring or installation changes, the overall project cost can increase.

A properly engineered custom panel may provide a more integrated solution by incorporating the required functions into one planned system.

The right comparison is therefore not simply:

Standard = cheaper
Custom = expensive

Instead, engineering teams should consider the total project cost, including design, installation, commissioning, maintenance, modifications and future expansion.

The Growing Role of Engineered Flameproof Solutions

As industrial automation becomes more sophisticated, hazardous-area electrical systems are also becoming more application-specific. Oil and gas facilities, chemical plants, pharmaceutical manufacturing, refineries, petrochemical installations and other hazardous industries may require combinations of control, monitoring and protection functions.

This is increasing the importance of engineered flameproof solutions that can accommodate project-specific requirements while maintaining compliance with applicable standards.

IEC 60079-14:2024 also places emphasis on documentation and personnel competency alongside the design, selection, installation and initial inspection of Ex equipment.

Final Thoughts

The choice between custom flameproof panels and standard flameproof panels ultimately depends on the application's technical requirements.

Standard panels can be suitable when the project requirements closely match an established configuration. Custom flameproof panels become relevant when the installation requires specialized dimensions, component arrangements, automation functions, cable entries or control architecture.

Most importantly, the panel should be selected and engineered according to the hazardous-area classification, applicable protection concept, certification requirements, electrical specifications and installation conditions.

For hazardous-area projects, customization should never come at the expense of compliance. A properly engineered flameproof panel combines electrical functionality with appropriate explosion-protection principles, helping industries build safer and more reliable electrical systems.

Looking for engineered flameproof control panels for hazardous-area applications? Consult an experienced flameproof equipment manufacturer to determine whether a standard or application-specific solution is appropriate for your project.