Same factory, very different risks

Not all “tough” computers solve the same problem. Rugged industrial PCs are designed to withstand dust, vibration, and splashes. Flameproof computers are different: the enclosure is engineered so that if a fault inside causes ignition, the flame cannot propagate to the surrounding atmosphere. 

If your workstation is located near the process, such as mixing, filling, solvent handling, or tank farms, this difference becomes mission-critical. This guide helps plant, HSE, and maintenance teams make fast and right decisions.

See enclosure options: Flameproof Computer →

What “rugged” really covers (and what it doesn’t)

Rugged specs typically focus on ingress resistance (dust/water), shock and vibration, wide temperature operation, and sometimes sunlight-readable displays. Great for warehouses, packaging halls, and shop-floor stations outside hazardous atmospheres. They don’t address ignition-containment, flamepaths, or cable-entry engineering for hazardous rooms.

When you must step up to flameproof

Ask three quick questions:

1. Proximity: Is this workstation inside or adjacent to areas where flammable vapors could be present during normal work or maintenance?
   
   
2. Tasks: Will operators use solvent recipes, move open containers, or open process enclosures nearby?
   
   
3. History: Have you ever smelled solvent/gas in this room or logged a near-miss?
   If any answer is yes, re-evaluate with a flameproof enclosure in mind.
   
   

Selection checklist for a flameproof workstation

Compute headroom: HMI/SCADA spikes; pick CPU/RAM beyond “bare minimum” to keep visualizations snappy.
Sealed, usable I/O: Look for sealed USB/Ethernet/serial access designed for frequent operator use without compromising the enclosure.
Display & input: High-brightness, anti-glare, and glove-friendly touch reduce fatigue. Keep a sealed keyboard/mouse as backup.
Thermal design: Good heat paths without vents or fans that would defeat enclosure integrity.
Mounting & ergonomics: Wall/panel/pedestal near the task; avoid reflections from bright process lights; allow reachable ports for shift use.
Serviceability & continuity: Swappable storage if available; plan image backups and keep a spare input device to cut downtime.

Close-range video monitoring? Pair with Flameproof Camera Enclosure aimed at the line or filling head.

Example layouts that work

1. Line-side HMI: Pedestal mount offset from the conveyor to avoid impacts; cable-managed and anchored to the floor; sealed keyboard tray for recipe edits.
   
   
2. Batch room: Wall-mount next to the recipe board; camera enclosure above operator station for audit trail; task lighting arranged to avoid screen glare.
   
   

Operating & maintenance practices

1. Visual checks for cracks, corrosion, or loose cable glands during housekeeping rounds.
   
   
2. Quarterly re-torque of glands and mounting hardware.
   
   
3. Image backup to NAS/USB at a fixed cadence; keep one spare SSD imaged for fast swaps.
   
   
4. Spare peripherals: a sealed mouse/keyboard kit reduces recovery from sticky-key issues to minutes.
   
   

Common pitfalls (and easy fixes)

1. “Rugged is enough” assumption near process → audit the room’s real workflows; step up to flameproof if vapors could be present.
   
   
2. Poor screen visibility → upgrade brightness/anti-glare; adjust mounting angle.
   
   
3. Cable sprawl → use gland plates and short pigtails; label both ends for quick service.
   
   

FAQs

Q1. Can I keep the PC outside and extend the display/USB inside?
Yes, sometimes a remote display + sealed HMI inside the room is a smart compromise. Evaluate cable penetrations and user workflow.

Q2. Will glove use break touch input?
Specify glove-friendly touch and test with your team’s PPE. Keep a sealed pointer device as backup.

Q3. How do I handle software updates safely?
Keep a clean image, stage updates on a test box, then push during scheduled downtime.

Q4. What fails first in harsh rooms?
Often peripherals. Stock sealed spares and keep cable labels consistent.

If your workstation sits anywhere near mixing, filling, or solvent handling, let’s sanity-check the setup. Share a photo of the station and a short workflow note; we’ll recommend hardware, mounting, and upkeep. Start with the Flameproof Computer page, or contact us for a quick configuration review.