An intrinsically safe (IS) multi-drop communication hub operable in a hazardous environment, including a power contact; a controller and a first signal input contact; a multiplexer communicatively connected to the controller; and a communication port communicatively connected to the controller to transmit the signal data provided by the multiplexer, wherein when the controller causes the multiplexer to supply power in a predetermined sequence to a first of the IS devices during a first time interval to generate a signal from the first of the IS devices and, after the first time interval, to a second of the IS devices during a second time interval, which does not overlap in time with the first time interval, to generate a signal from the second of the IS devices.