We report the results of laboratory investigations of the behaviour during explosion mitigation by channels typical of those used in commercial explosion arrester devices. Experimental results are presented first of shock and detonation wave interaction with a miniaturized matrix of narrow channels aligned parallel to the incoming flows. The results with a larger scale device using the same channel dimensions tested at more extreme conditions representative of overdriven detonation certification test conditions are consistent with the reduced scale laboratory measurements. To evaluate the applicability of laboratory scale evaluation of arrester elements for other types of explosion arrester, a further preliminary study is also reported with deflagration arrester elements. Finally, the present observations are interpreted in the light of published theories potentially relevant to explaining successful explosion mitigation, or otherwise, by commercial arrester devices. Using this approach, laboratory scale measurements are shown to be as a useful tool for investigating the dominant explosion mitigation mechanisms relevant to practical end user application safety devices and provide an opportunity for assisting with the design and evaluation of practical explosion, especially designs that could be supported by more comprehensive detailed CFD simulations where the supporting laboratory test configurations could also facilitate the use of more sophisticated diagnostic methods (C) 2020 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Institution of Chemical Engineers.