An explosion proof camera is one that can be used in a hazardous potentially explosive environment. This means that the camera system will not cause an explosion, rather than survive an explosion outside the enclosure. The cameras used in these environments are designed to prevent ignition of the surrounding gases or dust. They will either contain any explosion within the device, or prevent sparks exiting the device and triggering an explosion.
Normally, we don’t worry about sparks. For example, a household light switch may emit a small, harmless visible spark when switching. In an ordinary atmosphere, this arc is of no concern, but if a flammable vapor is present, the arc might cause an explosion. Explosive environments can be found in a number of places such as oil and gas tankers, chemical processing plants, hospital operating theaters, aircraft refueling and hangers, coal mines or oil refineries, sewage treatment plants, grain handling, sugar refineries, and printing industry. These environments, can contain flammable gases such as acetone, propane, methane, hydrogen, or coal dust.
To be considered explosive proof the camera must meet the standards defined by ATEX or IECEx. IECEx is an international standard, while the ATEX directive was created to protect workers from explosive risks and provide common standards for equipment traded within the EU. These related standards define the type environment, and the protection level provided by equipment. UL in the United States has also provided designations for various hazardous locations.
In general, the camera and enclosure prevent ignition (or sparks) from igniting the gas or dust in the environment. This can be done in two ways, the housing can be strong enough to prevent any internal explosion from getting outside the enclosure, or it can contain inert gases that prevent the explosive gases from entering the enclosure, and causing an internal explosion.
The specifications define certain types of environments, such as areas where combustible gases are present all the time, some of the time or where it is unlikely to be there at all. The specifications also describe the type of combustible material that can be present. Different materials are defined by how easily an explosion can be triggered and how much energy is released by the explosion. For example, acetylene and hydrogen have a low flash-point, so are very likely to explode and cause damage.
Explosion proof camera systems are available from a number of specialized manufacturers such as Pelco, and Videotec. It is not easy to manufacture explosion proof camera systems. The difficulty includes testing, and meeting the certifications from IECex and ATEX.
There are a number of other manufacturers that offer explosion proof camera systems, but some of these don’t comply with the certifications.
An explosion proof camera consists of the special explosion proof enclosure and the camera. Almost any IP camera can be used inside the special enclosure.
