Ex-proof IR Camera
Explosion-proof IR CCTV cameras for hazardous locations. Shop our range of ATEX Ex-proof IR Cameras for chemical facilities, gas, and oil. Quick international shipping available - Buy now!
An explosion-proof IR camera adds infrared night vision to a fully ATEX and IECEx certified housing, so you can monitor hazardous areas around the clock, including in total darkness. The flameproof enclosure contains any internal spark, while built-in infrared illuminators light the scene without introducing any ignition risk to the surrounding flammable atmosphere.
These cameras suit refineries, tank farms, fuel depots and offshore installations where 24-hour visual coverage is essential and lighting is limited. Built in corrosion-resistant stainless steel with a high IP rating, and available with 4G connectivity, an ex-proof IR camera streams clear day-and-night footage to your phone from sites where running cable or lighting is impractical.
How to choose an explosion-proof IR camera
- Confirm the hazardous-area zone and gas or dust group first, as this determines which ATEX or IECEx certified IR camera is suitable for your site.
- Check the infrared range: the stated IR distance must cover the area you need to watch after dark, from a single process skid to a full tank compound.
- Match resolution to the detail you need: higher resolution keeps people, plant and gauges legible in the infrared image at range.
- Verify the housing and IP rating: stainless steel and a high IP rating handle wash-downs, salt air and the corrosive conditions of petrochemical sites.
- Consider connectivity and lens cleaning: a 4G option enables remote night monitoring, and a wiper or wash system keeps the IR image clear in dirty conditions.
Frequently asked questions
What is an explosion-proof IR camera?
An explosion-proof IR camera is an ATEX or IECEx certified CCTV camera with built-in infrared night vision, safe to use in hazardous areas. Its flameproof housing contains any spark while the infrared illuminators let it capture clear footage in complete darkness without risk of igniting flammable gas, vapour or dust.
How far can an ATEX infrared camera see at night?
It depends on the model's infrared range, which can extend from a few metres to tens of metres. Choose a camera whose stated IR distance covers the area you need to monitor after dark, whether that is a single process unit or a wider tank or storage compound.
Do I need an explosion-proof IR camera for night monitoring in a hazardous area?
If your site is a classified ATEX zone and needs after-dark coverage, then yes. A standard IR camera is not certified and could ignite the atmosphere, so a hazardous area requires an ATEX or IECEx explosion-proof IR camera built to contain any spark while providing night vision.
Can an explosion-proof IR camera stream over 4G?
Yes. ATEX-rated IR cameras are available with 4G connectivity, using a SIM to send footage over the mobile network. This lets you monitor a remote hazardous site day and night on your phone, without running cable or fixed broadband into the classified area.
What is the difference between an ex-proof IR camera and a thermal ATEX camera?
An ex-proof IR camera uses infrared illuminators to produce a normal-looking night image for general surveillance. A thermal ATEX camera detects heat, making it suited to fire detection and temperature monitoring rather than identifying detail. Many sites use both, IR for visual cover and thermal for early hazard detection.