Westermo announces that the high-performance RedFox industrial Ethernet switch range is now fully certified for use in hazardous areas. ATEX/IECEx certification by BASEEFA enables these robust Layer 3 switches to be installed in potentially explosive atmospheres typically found in oil and chemical processing plants, sewage treatment and gas distribution centres, sugar refineries and grain handling locations.
In addition to obtaining EX-certification, RedFox has been tested both by Westermo and external test houses to meet many EMC, isolation, vibration and shock standards, all to the highest levels suitable for heavy industrial 
environments and even rail trackside applications.
RedFox is a key component within Westermo’s Edge Network Solutions, which transfer vital data from the edge of data networks where environmental conditions are harsh, back to the core of companies’ business systems. By combining Westermo’s WeOS network operating software and network tools, with RedFox and other industrial networking hardware, Westermo is able to provide resilient and robust solutions for any mission critical network.
RedFox is powered by the WeOS, which is now available for 70 different products within the Westermo range. WeOS has been developed to allow cross-platform and future proof solutions. WeOS can deliver unique IP security functionality for this class of product, whilst secure remote access to a network can be provided using encrypted VPNs.
As a Layer 3 routing switch RedFox delivers enterprise type routing functionality, utilising industrystandard protocols such as OSPF, RIP and VRRP. Should a failure occur within a ring network, Westermo’s FRNT protocol rapidly reconfigures (around 20ms) the network to ensure the process can continue. This helps to minimise any disruption to operations and ensure resilient networks can be constructed.
RedFox has a wide power range of 19-60VDC on dual power inputs for resilience, and requires 30 per cent less power than the previous generation of products, a significant benefit for lifetime running costs. RedFox has a wide operating temperature range of -40 to +70°C (-40 to +158°F) making it suitable for extreme environmental conditions and because it has no moving parts or cooling holes in the aluminium enclosure this maximises the reliability of the product, providing an exceptional mean time between failure of up to 388,000 hours for ATEX/IECEx approved models.
Westermo provides a full range of industrial data communications solutions for demanding applications in the transport, water and energy markets among others. For more than 40 years Westermo has been at the forefront of technological development and often pushed the limits of what is technically possible. In order to provide the best possible support, we have local presence in more than 35 countries through our authorized distributors and own offices. Since 2008 Westermo has been part of the Beijer Electronics Group, a fast growing technology company with extensive experience of industrial automation, developing and marketing competitive products and solutions with focus on the user.