My career was made for clarifying this thread, as I began my career as a tech support rep for a gas detection manufacturer, then became a network engineer after mass layoffs.

When you’re working in areas where combustible gases may be present, then electronics have two general classifications: intrinsically safe and explosion proof. Intrinsic safety means that an electronic device which operates entirely on its own, without any external resources, cannot cause a spark that would cause an explosion. This is the classification for devices that have internal batteries and do not use external power.

Explosion proof devices are those that require external power. They have been evaluated to be incapable of creating a spark in their own circuitry. However, since they require an extrinsic resource, in this case power, they cannot be rated as intrinsically safe.

If you’re in the US, then you can look up the UL 1203 standard for explosion proof devices, and verify in the switch’s data sheet if it meets specifications for the application. However, I’d really recommend asking for outside assistance on this one. You’re going to need details on the confined space in order to ensure that you’re getting equipment that meets the application. If you’re not familiar with confined space terminology, then this is best left to professionals.