Hazardous Areas

A stainless steel modular vending machine with a digital screen, payment slot, and a dispensing tray.

19” Stainless Steel HMI WorkStation
Class I, Div 2

Industrial LED display screen panel with the logo 'Modular Industrial Computers, Inc.'

19” Stainless Steel Dual Display HMI
Class I, Div 2

Industrial oven or furnace with control panel and safety features.

Painted Laser Enclosure Class I, Div 1

A stainless steel laboratory oven or incubator with a glass door and control panel, used for scientific or industrial purposes.

19” Stainless Steel HMI Display
Class I, Div 2

Industrial computer system with a touchscreen displaying the Modular logo and a smaller control box with buttons and gauges

17” HMI
Class I, Div 1

See the impact of our 
Plant Floor Certified Solutions!

Discover our hazardous area solutions that have transformed New England Controls Inc.’s manufacturing operations.

Logo of NECA with a stylized hand holding a miniature figure inside a diamond-shaped border.

New England Controls Inc

The Challenge:

  • Work with architectural designers to best locate each operator workstation.

  • Develop custom enclosure designs for installation in confined spaces while maintaining area classifications.

  • Deliver equipment on a strict time schedule.

  • Coordinate with sub-contractors for installation during equipment deployment.Incorporate rapidly changing and frequent design change requirements as the project matured.

  • Manage and schedule the site certification with a UL certified laboratory.

Robotic manufacturing arm assembling or working on a blue car body shell in an industrial setting.

The Story:

New England Controls, a value added reseller for Emerson Automation Solutions, had a need for 19” Display HMIs at their chemical client site, Thermofisher. Due to the nature of the process both Class I Division 1 and Class I Division 2 rated equipment was needed for this green field start up.

Industrial machine with control panel and a red valve on top, gray metal exterior, and a small door on front.

The Solution:

  • Various NEMA 4X polished 304 Stainless Steel enclosure designs offering chemical resistance and certification for use in Class I Division 1 & 2 areas.

  • Retractable keyboard valets to free up walkway spaces in confined areas.

  • Customized mezzanine rail mounting to meet OSHA standards for stair space.

  • Type X and Z purge systems with ergonomically placed controls.

  • Compression latch and gasket sealing for long term enclosure pressure sealing.

  • Modular keyboards that do not require system shut down for servicing or replacement.

  • Area rated alarm sounders for operator notifications.

  • Field certification of each installation to satisfy underwriting requirements.

The Results:

Modular produced multiple customized classified area workstation solutions collaborating closely with multiple contractors from the plant design phase to final installation and site hazardous area certification. Class I Division 1 and Class I Division 2 certifications were met with multiple HMI and mounting designs while managing and exceeding project timeline expectations.

A stainless steel kiosk with a large screen displaying the word 'Modular' and a keyboard, used for ticketing or information services.