Abstract: An electronic device for use in explosion endangered areas, comprising a superordinated electronic unit, a plurality of electronic components connected to the superordinated unit and supplied with energy by the superordinated unit, and a protective element installed in a number of connection lines for connecting respective ones of the components to the superordinated unit. In the case of a malfunctioning of one of the components, a space saving, safe conversion of the power available via the superordinated unit into heat occurs. The protective element comprises an electrically insulating, heat conductive, base body, and a number of resistors applied on the base body and corresponding to the number of connection lines, wherein each of the resistors is provided an input and output side with a connection, via which it is connected to a respective one of the connection lines.