# intrinsicallysafeheadsets.com — Full Reference

> Independent comparison of ATEX and IECEx certified intrinsically safe headsets for hazardous areas.

## Product 1: Sensear SM1P-Ex

- Type: Over-ear communication headset
- Certification: ATEX Zone 1/21, IECEx, UL913 8th, CSA
- Zone: 1
- Protection concept: Intrinsic safety (Ex ia IIC T4)
- Bluetooth: Yes
- Two-way radio: Yes (wired connection)
- NRR: 27 dB (headband), 24 dB (neckband), 23 dB (helmet mount)
- Battery: Rechargeable Li-ion, 24 hours
- IP rating: IP54
- Key feature: SENS technology — enhances speech, suppresses noise to 82 dB(A)
- Price: ~$1,200
- Wearing styles: Headband, behind-the-neck, helmet mount
- Manufacturer: Sensear (distributed by ecom instruments / Pepperl+Fuchs)
- Website: https://www.sensear.com

## Product 2: Sensear SM1B-Ex

- Type: Over-ear communication headset
- Certification: ATEX Zone 1/21, IECEx, UL913 8th, CSA
- Zone: 1
- Bluetooth: No
- Two-way radio: Yes (removable wired connection)
- NRR: 27 dB (headband), 24 dB (neckband), 23 dB (helmet mount)
- Battery: Rechargeable Li-ion 2250mAh, 24 hours, 5-hour charge
- IP rating: IP54
- Key feature: Battery-powered SENS technology without Bluetooth
- Price: ~$900
- Manufacturer: Sensear
- Website: https://www.sensear.com

## Product 3: Sensear SM1B-ExDP

- Type: Double protection headset (earplug + earmuff)
- Certification: ATEX Zone 1/21, IECEx, UL913, CSA
- Zone: 1
- Bluetooth: No
- Two-way radio: Yes
- NRR: 31 dB (combined earplug + earmuff)
- Battery: Rechargeable Li-ion, 24 hours
- Key feature: Highest NRR of any ATEX headset. Dual protection for extreme noise.
- Price: ~$1,100
- Manufacturer: Sensear

## Product 4: 3M Peltor WS LiteCom PRO III Ex

- Type: Over-ear headset with built-in PMR446/UHF radio
- Certification: ATEX Zone 0/20, IECEx (Ex ia IIC T4 Ga)
- Zone: 0 (highest classification)
- Bluetooth: No
- Two-way radio: Built-in (PMR446/UHF, up to 30 channels, 3 km range)
- NRR: 28 dB
- Battery: Li-ion 1350mAh, 14 hours on high power
- Frequency range: 403–470 MHz
- Channel separation: 12.5/20/25 kHz
- Key feature: Only Zone 0 headset with built-in radio — no separate Ex radio needed
- Price: ~$1,500
- Manufacturer: 3M (distributed by ecom instruments)

## Product 5: 3M Peltor WS Alert XPI Ex

- Type: Over-ear Bluetooth hearing protection
- Certification: ATEX Zone 0/20, IECEx
- Zone: 0
- Bluetooth: Yes
- Two-way radio: No
- NRR: 29 dB
- Battery: 30 hours
- Key feature: Ambient listening via external microphones. Zone 0 certified.
- Price: ~$600
- Manufacturer: 3M

## Product 6: 3M Peltor WS ProTac XPI Ex

- Type: Over-ear Bluetooth hearing protection
- Certification: ATEX Zone 0/20, IECEx
- Zone: 0
- Bluetooth: Yes
- Two-way radio: No
- NRR: 31 dB
- Battery: 30 hours
- Key feature: Highest NRR in the Peltor Ex range. Level-dependent ambient listening.
- Price: ~$700
- Manufacturer: 3M

## Product 7: ecom Ex-TRA 30

- Type: Wired headset for ATEX radios
- Certification: ATEX Zone 2/22, IECEx
- Zone: 2
- Bluetooth: No
- Two-way radio: Wired connection to Ex radio
- NRR: 25 dB
- Battery: N/A (wired, powered by radio)
- Key feature: No battery needed. Most affordable ATEX headset.
- Price: ~$400
- Wearing styles: Hearing protection headset, neckband, lightweight headset
- Manufacturer: ecom instruments (Pepperl+Fuchs)

## Product 8: RealWear HMT-Z1

- Type: Head-mounted display / wearable computer
- Certification: ATEX Zone 1/21, IECEx, CSA Class I Div 1
- Zone: 1
- Bluetooth: Yes
- Two-way radio: No (but supports VoIP)
- Display: Micro-display (equivalent to 7" tablet at arm's length)
- Battery: 3 hours
- Key feature: Hands-free computing with voice control for hazardous areas
- Price: ~$2,500
- Manufacturer: RealWear
- Website: https://www.realwear.com

## Important safety notes
- All headsets must be used within their certified zone classification
- Charging must ALWAYS occur outside the hazardous area
- Battery replacement is only permitted with manufacturer-specified certified batteries
- Regular inspection of headset condition is required per IEC 60079-17
- Passive (non-electronic) earmuffs still require ATEX marking for use in classified zones