Advantech Expands SPC-600 Series with Two Hazardous-Area Panel PCs

Advantech has expanded its SPC-600 series of hazardous-area Panel PCs with two new touch models: the SPC-612E, with a 12-inch display, and the SPC-615E, with a 15-inch display. The news was reported by Automazione Plus on November 7, 2026. According to the source's headline and description, the new models are certified IECEx, ATEX and C1D2.

What was announced

The two devices join the SPC-618WE RPL, described in the introductory text as the first in the series to obtain a certification (the available excerpt cuts off before specifying which one). The stated aim of the expansion is to give customers more room to balance performance, space and budget, while maintaining the protection and reliability that critical operations require.

It should be noted that the body of the original article was not accessible: the information available comes from the headline, subtitle, meta description and preview. As of now, the processor, operating system, IP rating, temperature range, specific zones or divisions of use, as well as pricing and availability, are not known.

What the certifications mean

The three acronyms cover different markets:

• ATEX: the reference framework for potentially explosive atmospheres in Europe.
• IECEx: the international certification scheme for equipment intended for areas with explosion risk.
• C1D2: the North American Class I Division 2 classification.

Having all three approvals on the same product family is relevant for companies operating across several continents, because it reduces the need to qualify different hardware for each site.

Why it matters for plant modernization

In the chemical, oil and gas, and process industries, HMI and edge computing hardware suitable for explosive atmospheres is often the limiting factor in modernization projects. There are fewer choices than in ordinary environments, and every change entails verification and documentation. A range with more screen sizes and global certifications makes it easier to standardize operator interfaces across different plants.

For software teams developing HMI or SCADA front ends, display size and hardware platform are not minor details: they affect layout, information density, operator ergonomics and compatibility with the runtime environment.

Practical guidance

Before including these models in a project, it is advisable to:

• consult Advantech's official datasheet to verify the zones and divisions covered, IP rating, temperatures and installation conditions;
• confirm that the certificate covers the plant's actual area and classification, not just the generic acronym;
• check the processor and operating system against the requirements of the HMI or SCADA application;
• assess whether the two sizes, 12 and 15 inches, allow a consistent interface across European and North American sites;
• ask Advantech for availability and pricing, which are not yet known.

In short, this is a product announcement that widens the options for classified areas. Its real value will depend on technical details that only the manufacturer's documentation can confirm.