Intrinsically safe headset: overview

This intrinsically safe headset (the RealWear Navigator Z1) is purpose-built for hazardous environments where flammable gases, vapours or dust may be present. It is certified for ATEX Zone 1 and CSA Class 1 Division 1, bringing hands-free assisted reality to oil and gas platforms, chemical plants and energy facilities where conventional electronics are not permitted.

A tiltable dual-camera system combines a 50 MP visual camera with an integrated FLIR Lepton 3.5 thermal sensor with MSX, so documentation photos and thermal inspection come from a single device.

It is also IP66 rated, MIL-STD-810H certified and drop-tested, and works from -20 °C up to 55 °C, with 128 GB of storage, 8 GB of RAM and a Qualcomm QCS6490 processor.

Who the intrinsically safe headset is for

Oil and gas platforms, chemical plants, refineries and energy facilities with classified hazardous zones.

• Maintenance and repair technicians
• Field service and utilities crews
• Manufacturing and quality inspection
• Logistics and warehouse teams
• Remote-expert and training programmes

Features in detail

Hazardous-area certification

ATEX Zone 1 and CSA Class 1 Division 1 let it be used where ordinary electronics are forbidden.

Visual plus thermal cameras

A 50 MP camera and a FLIR Lepton 3.5 thermal sensor with MSX; video up to 4K at 30 fps or 1080p at 120 fps.

Rugged build

IP66, MIL-STD-810H and drop-tested, working from -20 °C to 55 °C.

More processing power

Qualcomm QCS6490 with 8 GB RAM and 128 GB storage, plus Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax).

Clear audio

Four noise-cancelling microphones (to 100 dBA) and two 94 dBA speakers.

Adjustable display

A 1280 × 720 LCoS display on a 6-way boom arm for either eye.

Compatibility

Compatible with helmets, safety and prescription eyewear, hearing protection and headphones. Only accessories stated as intrinsically safe keep the certification: fitting the Mini LTE Modem, for example, means the system is no longer considered intrinsically safe.

Choosing the right accessories

For the rugged headsets (Navigator 520 and Z1), choose a mount that matches your site rules: brand-specific hard hat clips give the firmest fit on MSA, Honeywell, Petzl, 3M and Japanese helmets; the universal hard hat band fits most other front-brim hard hats; the Workband 2, Tri-Band Strap and Overhead Band are for use without a hard hat or under a bump cap; and the ball cap suits outdoor, light-duty work.

For power, the Navigator 520 uses hot-swappable 2600 mAh batteries: pair spares with the single-bay charger and a Quick Charge 3.0 USB-A adapter. The lightweight headband model (Arc 3) charges over USB-C or on its desk/wall charging station, powered by a USB-C Power Delivery adapter.

For connectivity and sensing, the Mini LTE Modem adds 4G where there is no Wi-Fi, and the thermal camera module adds FLIR thermal imaging to the Navigator 520. Remember that only certified accessories keep the Navigator Z1 intrinsically safe.

Setup and use

1. Charge the headset fully with the USB-C cable (or the charging station, where available) before first use.
2. Fit the headband or mount, then position the display so it sits just below your line of sight on your dominant eye.
3. Power on and follow the voice-guided setup: connect to Wi-Fi by scanning a QR code generated in the companion app.
4. Say "What can I say?" at any time to see the available voice commands, and install your enterprise apps (remote-expert, workflow or document viewers).
5. For fleets, enrol the headsets in Ari Cloud so IT can deploy apps, settings and updates centrally.

Care and maintenance

Wipe the display window, camera lens and housing with a soft, slightly damp cloth; avoid solvents on the plastics and optics. Clean or replace straps and pads regularly on shared headsets, charge batteries at room temperature, and keep the headset in its EVA case for transport. Install Ari OS updates and manage the fleet through Ari Cloud so every device runs the same software.

Specifications

What's in the box

• Intrinsically safe headset
• Battery pack
• Tri-Band Strap
• Protective EVA case
• Torx 8 screwdriver (battery and camera removal)
• USB cable (Type-C to Type-A)
• Quick start guide

Shipping, returns and warranty

Shipping

Shipping is free on orders worldwide. Orders are prepared and dispatched within 1–3 business days and typically arrive within 4–8 business days in total, with tracking sent by email. Customs or public holidays can occasionally add a few days, and some items ship directly from our supplier.

Returns

You have 14 days from delivery to return the product for a refund, for any reason. It must be new, unused and in its original packaging with all accessories and documents. Contact us at metanexusxr@gmail.com with your order number to start the return. Consumables such as face cushions, foam pads or batteries showing wear cannot be refunded.

Warranty

Headsets and original accessories bought from our store are covered by a 2-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects. If anything goes wrong, email us your order number and a short description or photo and we will handle the claim with you.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use any accessory in a hazardous zone?

No. Use only accessories certified for use with this headset; the LTE modem voids the intrinsic-safety status.

Does it have thermal imaging built in?

Yes, a FLIR Lepton 3.5 sensor with MSX.

What do the service plans include?

The variants add 1, 2 or 3 years of RealWear Service & Support to the headset. The plan length is your choice; pick the one that matches the planned life of your deployment.

Does it work with safety glasses?

Yes. It is designed to be worn with safety or prescription eyewear and hearing protection.

How is it controlled?

Mainly by voice, in more than 20 languages, so both hands stay free.

Where can it be used?

In classified hazardous areas covered by ATEX Zone 1 and CSA Class 1 Division 1.

Which earbuds are safe with it?

The intrinsically safe hearing protection earbuds, whose certification applies with this headset.

How long does delivery take?

Shipping is free worldwide. Orders are dispatched within 1–3 business days and usually arrive within 4–8 business days in total, with tracking by email.

Can I return it if it is not right for me?

Yes, within 14 days of delivery, as long as it is new, unused and in its original packaging. Email metanexusxr@gmail.com with your order number to start a return.

Is it covered by a warranty?

Yes, a 2-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects on products bought from our store.

Is this a genuine part?

Yes. It is an original accessory made by the headset manufacturer, not a third-party copy.

See the full range of enterprise XR headsets, or browse headset accessories for mounts, power and cases.