Cold weather does not stop industrial work, but it does raise the risk profile of every job in a hazardous area. Paint will not cure properly, composite repairs will not set, and workers face real safety issues in freezing conditions. Standard electric heaters are not an option in classified zones — a spark from an uncertified heating element is exactly the ignition source hazardous area regulations exist to prevent. That is where the Ex heater comes in.
What Is an Ex Heater?
The SA Flexiheat Ex heater is a portable, 18kW heating unit certified for Zone 1 and Zone 2 gas atmospheres under ATEX and UKEX. It is built from marine-grade materials for genuinely tough field conditions, with a solid-state electronic control system and a fully enclosed IP65-rated housing so it can be used directly in classified areas without breaching a site’s explosive atmosphere risk assessment.
Key Features of the Ex Heater
- 18kW output at 400-440V, delivering airflow of 2,560m³/hr
- Compact and portable at 55kg, with multiple lifting handles for easy mobility
- IP65 rated for protection against dust and water ingress
- Solid-state electronic control system for precise, reliable operation
- Marine-grade construction, built to withstand extreme field conditions
- Compatible with anti-static ducting systems for flexible heat distribution
- Patent-protected design, engineered and manufactured in the UK
Certifications and Safety
The unit carries an ATEX and UKEX rating of Ex db e mb IIB T3 Gb, covering Zone 1 and Zone 2 gas atmospheres. Full certification documentation is available on the official SAE Equip Ex heater product page.
Ex Heater Technical Specifications
| Power Output | 18kW |
| Voltage | 400-440VAC (±10%) |
| Airflow | 2,560m³/hr @ 60Hz |
| Dimensions | 760 x 560 x 560mm |
| Weight | 55kg (excl. cable) |
| Current Draw | 32A startup / 26A running |
| Noise Level | 83dBA @ 1m |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40°C to +40°C |
| Certification | ATEX II 2 G c IIB T3, UKEX — Zones 1 & 2 |
Where the Ex Heater Is Used
- Composite repairs and fabric maintenance
- Paint curing and drying operations
- Oil refineries and offshore platforms
- Pipeline and confined space maintenance
- Oil rig operations and general industrial heating
Why Choose the Ex Heater from Daly Middle East
Cold weather is less common in the GCC, but the unit is equally valuable for curing, drying, and moisture-control work year-round on refineries and offshore assets. Daly Middle East stocks the unit locally with rental and purchase options — browse the portable industrial heaters range for the full lineup.
How to Choose the Right Ex Heater for Your Job
Start by confirming the zone classification of the space you are heating — the SA Flexiheat unit is certified for Zone 1 and Zone 2 gas atmospheres, so check this matches your site’s hazardous area drawings before specifying. Next, consider the purpose of the heat. Curing paint or composite repairs generally needs a steady, controlled temperature rise over a sustained period, while drying out a space after washdown or maintenance may only need a shorter burst of higher airflow. The unit’s solid-state electronic controls make it straightforward to manage either scenario.
Ducting is worth planning in advance. The 300mm diameter connection lets you direct heat precisely into a confined space or along a specific run, which is especially useful when you only want to heat a localised work area rather than an entire module. Also factor in your power supply — the unit draws up to 32A on startup at 400-440VAC, so confirm your distribution board or generator can handle that load alongside any other equipment running on the same circuit.
Renting vs Buying an Ex Heater in the UAE and GCC
Because heating requirements are often tied to specific maintenance windows, paint curing schedules, or one-off repairs, hiring is a popular option for contractors who do not need one permanently on hand. Daly Middle East stocks this equipment for both hire and purchase, so it can be mobilised quickly for a defined project window without the overhead of long-term ownership. Facilities running continuous fabric maintenance or composite repair programmes may find outright purchase more cost-effective over time.
Safety Checks Before Every Deployment
Before switching on any portable heating equipment in a classified area, confirm the certification label matches the zone you are working in, inspect the cable and gland for damage, and check that ducting connections are properly seated if you are directing airflow into a confined space. It is also good practice to log a pre-use inspection alongside your permit to work, particularly for shutdown and turnaround periods when equipment moves between multiple locations on the same site in a short window. A quick visual check takes a couple of minutes and catches most issues before they become a problem mid-shift.
Daly Middle East’s technical support team can advise on inspection intervals and maintenance schedules for hired and purchased units alike, so equipment stays within its certified condition throughout its service life.
Ex Heater FAQs
What certification does the unit carry?
It is certified to ATEX and UKEX standards for Zone 1 and Zone 2 gas atmospheres, with a rating of Ex db e mb IIB T3 Gb.
Can the unit be used with ducting?
Yes. It is compatible with anti-static ducting systems and can be operated directly or with ducting attached, using a 300mm diameter connection.
How much heat does the unit generate above ambient?
It typically delivers a temperature rise of around 20°C above ambient conditions.
Is the unit suitable for offshore use?
Yes. Its marine-grade construction and IP65 rating make it well suited to offshore platforms and other harsh field environments.
Can I hire a unit for a short-term project?
Yes. Daly Middle East offers hire options for the unit alongside outright purchase, suiting curing, drying, and maintenance windows of any length.
What kind of work is the unit best suited to?
It performs well for composite repairs, paint curing, fabric maintenance, and general industrial heating in classified hazardous areas.
Need a unit for curing, drying, or maintenance work? Contact Daly Middle East for stock availability and a tailored quote.