SEC-09 · Security & access
Explosion-proof cameras for hazardous areas
In oil, gas, petrochemical, fuel and dusty process areas, a camera must not be able to ignite the atmosphere around it. That is a certification and installation matter, not a housing colour.
The area classification comes first
The plant owner's hazardous area classification defines the zones: Zone 0, 1 and 2 for gases and vapours, and Zone 20, 21 and 22 for combustible dusts, with the gas group and the temperature class. Every camera, junction box and cable gland is then selected to match that zone, group and temperature class, with ATEX or IECEx certification as the project requires. We work from the owner's classification drawings and do not assume a zone.
What an explosion-proof camera is
The usual protection is a flameproof enclosure (Ex d): a heavy housing, commonly 316L stainless steel for corrosive and coastal sites, that contains any internal ignition. Fixed, PTZ and thermal cameras are all available in certified form, along with certified junction boxes, wipers and illuminators. Anything added to the camera must carry its own certification.
Installation is part of the certification
A certified camera installed with the wrong gland or an unsealed conduit is no longer safe. Cable entries, earthing, sealing and the route out of the hazardous area follow the installation standard, and the work is done and inspected by people competent for hazardous areas, under the site's permit-to-work system. The inspection record is handed over with the system.
Our part, start to finish
What we do on this kind of project
We select the equipment to fit your site, not to clear a stock list. We design the system, install and commission it, and keep it working.
Design & consulting
- Review of the owner's area classification
- Equipment selection by zone, gas group and temperature class
- Cable routes, glands and earthing details
- Coverage design for process and security views
Installation
- Certified cameras, junction boxes and glands
- Installation under the site permit system
- Integration with the plant video system
- Inspection records and certificates file
Maintenance
- Periodic inspection of Ex equipment
- Housing and window cleaning
- Seal and gland checks
- Like-for-like certified replacements
Before you buy
Questions to settle first
These decide cost and performance more than the brand on the box. We work through them with you at survey stage.
- Is there an approved hazardous area classification drawing?
- Which zone, gas or dust group and temperature class apply at each position?
- Does the project require ATEX, IECEx or both?
- Is the environment corrosive or coastal (stainless steel grade)?
- Are the views for security, for process monitoring or both?
- What are the site's permit and inspection requirements?
Frequently asked questions
Is a weatherproof camera enough in a fuel or gas area?
No. Weatherproof (IP) ratings protect the camera from water and dust; they do not prevent it igniting a flammable atmosphere. In a classified zone the equipment must be certified for that zone.
What is the difference between ATEX and IECEx?
Both certify equipment for explosive atmospheres. ATEX is the European scheme and IECEx the international one. Many products carry both; the project specification decides which is required.
Can you classify our hazardous areas?
The area classification is the responsibility of the plant owner and their process safety specialists. We design and install the camera system to that classification.
Works alongside
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