Why the Helio DTEX and SLEX Remain the Gold Standard for Zone 2 Safety

Is your facility ready for the newest gas detection standards?

As of early 2026, the landscape for hazardous area safety has shifted. With new European Commission decisions and the introduction of consolidated international standards, compliance is no longer a “set and forget” task. At Helio Gas Detection, we have anticipated these changes to ensure our Helio DTEX and Helio SLEX systems provide uninterrupted protection and full legal compliance for your Zone 2 operations.

The Big Shift: What has changed since April 2025?

The regulatory environment for gas detection has seen three major updates that every safety manager needs to know:

1. The Rise of BS EN IEC 60079-29-0:2026
   Published in January 2026, this landmark standard replaces several older benchmarks (including EN 60079-29-1 and EN 60079-29-4). It consolidates requirements for Flammable (Type FL), Oxygen (Type O2), and Toxic (Type TX) gas detection into one rigorous framework.
2. New ATEX Harmonised Standards (Implementing Decision 2026/82)
   The European Union recently updated the list of standards that grant a “presumption of conformity.” This update sets clear withdrawal dates for older certifications, making it vital to transition to newer-generation hardware.
3. Digitisation of Compliance
   Per the 2025 ATEX Guideline No. 5, there is a new emphasis on digital accessibility for technical files and declarations.

How Helio DTEX and SLEX Stay Ahead of the Curve
Our flagship detectors are engineered not just to meet, but to exceed these evolving requirements.

Helio DTEX: The Intelligent Loop Detector

The Helio DTEX is designed for precision in Zone 2 environments.

• Fully Compliant: Built to meet the rigorous performance requirements of the new 60079-29 series.
• Versatile Sensing: Whether you need to monitor Toxic (EC), Flammable (IR/Catalytic), or Oxygen levels, the DTEX platform supports the new Type TX-SM and Type FL classifications.
• User-Centric Design: Features a vibrant display and password-protected menus, ensuring that field calibration is seamless and secure.

Helio SLEX: Robust Standalone Protection

For applications requiring a rugged, standalone solution, the Helio SLEX offers:

• Certified Durability: ATEX certified (II 2 G D Ex-d IIC T6) for reliable performance in harsh industrial zones.
• Future-Proof Performance: Advanced internal fault monitoring aligns with the latest 2026 safety integrity trends.
• Easy Integration: Communicates effortlessly with the Helio Graphic Panel and other safety networks for real-time data logging—a key recommendation of the 2025 guidelines.

Why Compliance Matters in 2026

Using outdated equipment can lead to more than just safety risks; it can result in legal liabilities and insurance complications. By choosing Helio, you are investing in:

• Presumption of Conformity under the latest EU Directives.
• Reduced Maintenance Costs through high-stability sensors that exceed the latest drift requirements.
• Global Readiness with hardware that aligns with both ATEX and international IECEx paths.

Don’t wait for an audit to find out you’re behind. Ensure your Zone 2 gas detection is fully compliant with the latest 2026 standards.

Contact the Helio Team today for a compliance review or to request the latest datasheets for the DTEX and SLEX series.