The Chauvin Arnoux MTX 3297Ex: Redefining Safety and Precision in Hazardous Environments
Thursday 31st July 2025
In our previous blog, Fluke 28 II Ex vs Chauvin Arnoux MTX 3297Ex: Which Intrinsically Safe Multimeter is Right for You? — we explored the key differences between two top-rated Ex-certified multimeters. While that comparison gave a useful side-by-side overview, today’s post takes a more focused approach.
This time, we’re shining the spotlight solely on the Chauvin Arnoux MTX 3297Ex. With a wealth of advanced features and exceptional certifications, this multimeter is far more than just a rugged tool — it’s a precision instrument purpose-built for high-risk, high-performance industrial environments.
Whether you’re working in oil and gas, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, or underground mining, the MTX 3297Ex delivers the safety, reliability and data clarity needed to operate with confidence in Ex and non-Ex zones alike.
Intrinsically Safe by Design
At the heart of the MTX 3297Ex is its intrinsic safety. It complies fully with European directive 2014/34/EU (ATEX) and IECEx standards, making it suitable for:
Gas zones: IIC (0, 1, 2)
Dust zones: IIIC (20, 21, 22)
Mines: M1 applications
This level of certification opens the door for use in some of the world’s most dangerous working environments, giving engineers, electricians, and maintenance professionals the confidence they need to work without compromise.
High-Resolution Performance for Complex Diagnostics
The MTX 3297Ex goes far beyond basic electrical testing. With a 60,000-count dual display and resolution down to 1 μV for voltage and 0.01 μA for current, it offers the kind of granularity needed for intricate diagnostics and troubleshooting. These features make it especially well-suited for tasks like:
Measuring small signal fluctuations in sensitive electronics
Identifying low-level leakage currents in Ex-rated systems
Accurate voltage drop testing in long cable runs
For professionals dealing with nuanced power systems or control loops in Ex environments, this level of precision is invaluable.
Versatile Functionality for Industrial Demands
The MTX 3297Ex doesn’t just measure voltage and current — it’s an all-in-one diagnostics tool that also covers:
Resistance (with continuity and semiconductor junction tests)
Capacitance (for condition monitoring of motors and drives)
Frequency (including PWM signal measurement)
Temperature (compatible with Pt100/Pt1000 sensors)
Diode testing
And outside the Ex zones, it transforms into a full-featured industrial multimeter, suitable for installations rated to 1000 V CAT III / 600 V CAT IV, fully compliant with IEC 61010-2-033.
Designed with Safety and Simplicity in Mind
One of the standout design features is the large 5.7” backlit digital screen with dual measurement display and bargraph. In environments where lighting is poor or screen visibility is critical — such as underground mining or enclosed chemical plants — this display excels.
The simplified terminal strip is another clever touch. It includes clear connection reminders and visual safety prompts on-screen, significantly reducing the risk of operator error, especially under pressure or while wearing PPE.
Advanced Diagnostic Tools Onboard
Engineers and technicians often need more than raw values; they need data that helps with real-time decision-making. The MTX 3297Ex includes a range of smart analysis functions:
MIN/MAX/Peak+/- tracking to catch voltage spikes and signal drops
ΔX and ΔX/X functions for comparing relative measurements
Low-pass filter for reading PWM signals cleanly without noise
VLowZ function for accurate low-impedance voltage readings even in the presence of stray or ghost voltages
These features are essential when analysing intermittent faults, verifying sensor performance, or checking signal quality in control systems.
Built to Withstand Harsh Environments
The MTX 3297Ex boasts a rugged IP67-rated enclosure, ensuring it’s fully sealed against dust ingress and capable of withstanding water immersion. Its moulded casing provides excellent impact resistance — a crucial trait in tough industrial surroundings.
Add to this its ability to detect and display hazardous voltages and you’ve got a tool that doesn’t just survive harsh environments — it’s made for them.
Easy Communication and Reporting
With optical isolation for communication, the MTX 3297Ex can safely transfer data to a PC via Chauvin Arnoux’s SX-DMM software, which is free to download. This is particularly useful for:
Creating traceable reports for compliance
Archiving long-term trend data
Collaborating on diagnostics with remote teams
This connectivity feature takes it beyond a field instrument — it’s a data-driven platform for modern asset maintenance and documentation.
Included Accessories – Ready for the Job
Unlike many industrial tools that require additional purchases to get started, the MTX 3297Ex comes ready to work. In the box, you’ll find:
ATEX-qualified Li-FeS2 batteries (pre-installed)
Test probes and straight/elbowed cables
Safety and user manuals
Quick-start guide in 18 languages
Everything you need to get operational from day one.
Ideal Use Cases Across Industries
The versatility of the MTX 3297Ex makes it an asset in a wide array of industries. Some common applications include:
Oil & Gas: Testing and maintaining Ex-rated control panels, sensors, and drives
Pharmaceuticals: Monitoring cleanroom systems where electrical safety and accuracy are essential
Mining: Electrical inspection and maintenance in underground environments
Food & Beverage: Equipment testing in zones with explosive dust risks
Chemicals: Preventive maintenance on Ex-classified instrumentation
Its ability to cross the boundary between Ex and non-Ex zones makes it particularly valuable for maintenance teams who need to work fluidly across different site areas.
Final Thoughts: Safety, Performance, and Confidence in One Tool
The Chauvin Arnoux MTX 3297Ex isn’t just about ticking compliance boxes — it’s about empowering professionals to work more safely, more efficiently, and with greater confidence in their results. It combines high-resolution measurements, robust safety certifications, and smart functionality into a single, ergonomic package.
Whether you’re deep in a hazardous zone or back in the workshop, this multimeter delivers performance you can rely on. For teams operating in demanding environments, it’s more than a multimeter — it’s peace of mind.
Interested in learning more or placing an order? Contact our team at sales@test4less.co.uk for expert advice and ATEX-rated test equipment recommendations tailored to your industry.
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