Explosion Proof Cameras

Industrial video cameras for the most hazardous environments

Explosion-proof cameras are built with heavy-duty materials capable of withstanding extreme conditions. Unlike regular cameras, they are designed to prevent ignition of the surrounding atmosphere, making them ideal for high-risk areas.

Explosion-proof cameras are used in numerous industries, including oil and gas, mining, chemical manufacturing, and aerospace. They provide critical surveillance, ensuring operational safety and helping in monitoring hazardous processes.

By providing real-time monitoring and recording capabilities, explosion-proof cameras help detect potential hazards early, allowing for prompt intervention and reducing the risk of accidents in hazardous environments.

Certifications such as UL in North America and ATEX in Europe are crucial. These certifications ensure that the cameras meet stringent safety standards for use in explosive atmospheres.

Division 1 and Division 2 refer to hazardous location classifications under the North American NEC (National Electrical Code) standard.

• Division 1 areas are locations where flammable gases, vapors, or dusts are present under normal operating conditions, or may frequently occur during maintenance or equipment failure.
• Division 2 areas are locations where hazardous substances are not normally present, but could become present in case of an accidental release or abnormal operation.

Equipment installed in Division 1 areas must meet more stringent requirements than Division 2 to ensure safe operation in constant or frequent exposure to hazardous substances.

ATEX is the European Union’s standard for equipment used in explosive atmospheres, while North American certifications follow standards from organizations like UL (Underwriters Laboratories) and CSA (Canadian Standards Association) under NEC and CEC codes.

Key differences:

• ATEX uses a zone-based classification (e.g., Zone 0, 1, 2) based on the likelihood of hazardous substances being present.
• North America uses a division-based system (Division 1 or 2) for similar risk assessment.
• ATEX places more emphasis on the manufacturer’s quality system and conformity assessment procedures.
• North American certifications often involve product-specific testing and evaluation by third-party laboratories.

While both aim to ensure safety in explosive environments, they are not interchangeable. Equipment must be certified according to the regional standards where it will be installed.

No. Simply placing a camera inside a certified enclosure does not guarantee the overall system is certified for use in hazardous locations. Hazardous location certifications typically apply to the entire assembly, including the camera, enclosure, wiring, and any accessories, to ensure all components function safely together under explosive conditions.

In most cases, the complete camera system must be tested and certified as an assembly. Using uncertified components within a certified enclosure can void the certification and may be unsafe or non-compliant with regulatory standards.

Yes, most explosion-proof cameras are designed to be weather-resistant, making them suitable for outdoor use in challenging environments. They often have high ingress protection ratings, ensuring they are impervious to dust, water, and other environmental elements.

Many explosion-proof cameras are equipped with advanced features like infrared (IR) illumination, enabling them to capture clear images even in low-light conditions. This makes them suitable for round-the-clock surveillance in various industrial settings.

Explosion-proof cameras are designed to withstand harsh conditions, including extreme temperatures, moisture, dust, corrosion, and physical impact. Many models feature rugged housings made of stainless steel or aluminum, and are rated for high ingress protection (IP) and wide temperature ranges to ensure reliable performance in demanding environments.

A crucial consideration is the camera’s temperature rating. Known as the “T” rating, it refers to the maximum surface temperature of the equipment during normal operation. The “T” rating is a critical consideration because, should an explosion occur inside the enclosure, you must ensure the surface temperature of the enclosure will not approach or exceed the ignition temperature of the ambient materials.

Certified cameras have specific ambient temperature ranges, but prudent designs take into account factors such as radiant heat, adjacent heat sources, or direct sunlight that can increase internal temperatures. For instance, if an enclosure is rated for 50°C, internal temperatures, influenced by waste heat from electrical components, may exceed this. To safeguard electronics, a 50°C-rated enclosure might be engineered to handle 60°-65°C. This is not a requirement of the certification process, but is simply smart engineering.

First, it’s important to hire a knowledgeable installer. In North America, the installation of devices in hazardous locations is governed by NFPA 70e. So, it’s highly recommended that the installation be performed by a technician familiar with the requirements of this standard.

Second, avoid attempting to service the camera assemblies yourself, as this could risk accidentally damaging the equipment. This can be a big problem. When customers service their own camera assemblies, it will generally void the explosion-proof certifications.

From a mechanical standpoint, the enclosure must be firmly secured to its intended foundation. There is often vibration present, so mechanical fasteners must be locked in place. Additionally, a safety lanyard is required in case the device comes loose. For agile (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras, the installation must ensure freedom of movement in all intended directions.