2016 Two-Way Radios for Oil and Gas Field Operations: A Complete Guide

In the oil and gas industry, reliable communication isn’t optional—it’s essential. Field workers operate in remote locations, hazardous environments, and high-risk conditions where immediate coordination can prevent accidents and save lives. Even in 2016, specialized two-way radios were engineered to meet strict safety standards, offering robust performance where commercial devices fail.

This article explores why 2016 two-way radios for oil and gas fields remain relevant today, what features they offer, and which models historically dominated the industry.

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Why 2016 Two-Way Radios Still Matter in Oil & Gas

Two-way radios from 2016 remain widely used in the industry because they provide:

• Intrinsically Safe (IS) Certifications
  Required for Class I, II, III, Division 1 & 2 hazardous locations.
• Durability for Extreme Environments
  Dust, chemicals, vibration, temperature shifts, and moisture.
• Mission-Critical Simplicity
  When emergencies happen, workers need intuitive, fast communication.
• Long-lasting battery life
  Many 2016 radios deliver 10–18 hours per charge.
• Analog + Digital Compatibility
  Allowing gradual system upgrades without equipment downtime.

Because of these strengths, many 2016 models remain in service today—proven, field-tested, and trusted.

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Essential Features for Oil & Gas Radios (Then and Now)

1. Intrinsically Safe (IS) Certification

This is the #1 requirement. IS radios are engineered to prevent sparks, overheating, or ignition in explosive environments.

Common certifications include:

• ATEX
• IECEx
• FM (Factory Mutual)
• CSA

2. Ruggedized Construction

Oil fields require radios resistant to:

• Impact
• Corrosion
• Dust and sand
• Water (IP67 or IP68 preferred)

3. Loud, Clear Audio

Heavy machinery and environmental noise demand strong speakers and advanced noise reduction.

4. Extended Range & Power

Oil and gas operations may spread across miles of pipeline or remote drilling sites.

5. Emergency and Safety Functions

• Emergency alert button
• Man-down detection
• Lone-worker reset
• GPS location tracking

6. Communications Interoperability

Radios must support seamless communication across maintenance, drilling crews, safety teams, and remote dispatch.

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Top 2016 Two-Way Radios for Oil and Gas Field Workers

(These are standout models known for reliability and compliance in hazardous work environments.)

1. Motorola XPR 7550 / XPR 7550e (MOTOTRBO)

• FM/CSA Intrinsically Safe options
• Loud audio for noisy rigs
• GPS, text messaging, and data applications
• Rugged IP57 / IP68 construction
• Long battery life for 12–18 hour shifts

2. Motorola DP4801 / DP4801 Ex

• ATEX & IECEx certified
• Designed specifically for hazardous Zone 1 environments
• Advanced work-safety features
• Exceptional durability in offshore conditions

3. Kenwood NX-5200 / NX-5300

• Multi-protocol (NXDN, DMR, P25)
• FM Intrinsically Safe variants
• Clear audio in high-noise areas
• Robust build for extreme temperatures

4. Hytera PD795 Ex

• ATEX certified for use in explosive gas and dust atmospheres
• Digital clarity + analog compatibility
• Ergonomic design for gloved operation
• Enhanced safety alarm features

5. Icom IC-F3202DEX

• ATEX certified
• Simple, durable, and ideal for everyday operations
• Clear audio + long battery performance
• Cost-effective option for large fleets

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Why Oil & Gas Companies Still Use 2016 Radios

1. Proven Reliability

These radios have been deployed for a decade and are field-tested under harsh industrial conditions.

2. Lower Cost of Ownership

The infrastructure—repeaters, accessories, chargers—already exists.

3. Stability and Standardization

Oil and gas operations value consistency over frequent equipment upgrades.
A stable, standardized communication ecosystem reduces training time and risk.

4. Easy Integration With Modern Systems

Many 2016 models support digital features like GPS, telemetry, and encryption, keeping them relevant today.

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Upgrading From 2016 Models: What to Consider

If you plan to modernize your communication system, focus on:

• ATEX/IECEx compliance renewal
• Battery and accessory compatibility
• Migration path to digital or trunked systems
• Coverage analysis for long-distance fields
• Integration with SCADA, monitoring, and IoT systems

A hybrid upgrade strategy often works best—keeping older radios while introducing select new models.

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Conclusion

Two-way radios released in 2016 remain some of the most trusted communication tools in the oil and gas industry. Their durability, safety certifications, interoperability, and proven reliability make them ideal for high-risk, hazardous, and remote operations. Whether you’re maintaining an existing fleet or planning an upgrade, these radios provide a strong foundation for industrial communication.

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Need Reliable Communication Solutions for Oil & Gas?

We supply professional two-way radios, including intrinsically safe models, plus programming, installation, accessories, and full system integration for oil and gas applications.

Contact us today to request a quote or submit your project requirements.
Our team will help you choose equipment that keeps your operations safe, compliant, and efficient.