Dahua Explosion-Proof Cameras: ATEX and IECEx CCTV with AI for Hazardous Sites
Dahua's explosion-proof cameras, launched in August 2024, are ATEX and IECEx certified bullet, dome, speed dome and positioning cameras in 316L or 304 stainless steel or aluminium housings. They are built for chemical plants, fuel and energy sites, and add AI for PPE checks, flame detection, temperature monitoring and methane gas visualisation. Here's what explosion-proof means, what Dahua's range offers and how it differs from anti-corrosion cameras.
What is an explosion-proof camera?
In places where flammable gas, vapour or dust can be present (refineries, fuel depots, chemical plants, paint shops, grain stores, mines), any electrical spark or hot surface could ignite the atmosphere. An explosion-proof camera is built so that it can't ignite its surroundings: its housing contains any internal spark and keeps surface temperatures safe. In Europe and the UK this is covered by ATEX; IECEx is the international equivalent. The right camera depends on the hazardous zone classification of the site, which should be set out in your site's risk assessment.
Dahua's explosion-proof range
- Formats: bullet, dome, speed dome and positioning (pan-tilt) cameras.
- Certifications: ATEX and IECEx.
- Housings: 316L stainless steel, 304 stainless steel or aluminium alloy, depending on how corrosive the environment is.
- Lens washing system to keep the window clear in dusty locations.
- Full-colour imaging with a large-aperture lens and warm light.
- Active deterrence with sound and light alarms.
AI for hazardous sites
- Construction and safety monitoring: PPE detection, off-duty alerts and lone worker detection.
- Thermal temperature monitoring to spot overheating equipment.
- Flame detection.
- Methane gas detection and visualisation, showing a leak on screen.
- AcuPick search to find people and vehicles in recordings quickly.
Explosion-proof vs anti-corrosion
They're often confused. Anti-corrosion cameras resist salt, chemicals and moisture (coastal, marine, wastewater and farm buildings) but are not certified for explosive atmospheres. Explosion-proof cameras are certified for hazardous zones, and many also use stainless steel for corrosion resistance. If your site has a hazardous area classification, you need an explosion-proof camera.
Where they're used
- Oil, gas and fuel storage and distribution.
- Chemical and pharmaceutical processing.
- Explosives and munitions storage.
- Energy infrastructure and some construction sites.
- Grain, flour and other dust-hazard environments.
Dahua hazardous-area and anti-corrosion cameras we stock
- DH-EPC245U-PTZ-IR 2MP 45x explosion-proof PTZ
- DH-IPC-HDW5541TP-ZE-ATC 5MP WizMind anti-corrosion turret
- IPC-HDBW8232E-Z-SL 2MP Starlight anti-corrosion dome
Hazardous-area projects need the camera's certification matched to your zone and gas group, so contact us with your site details before ordering. See also our thermal cameras and the Dahua range.
Our take
Explosion-proof CCTV has traditionally been a specialist, expensive niche. Dahua bringing AI features such as PPE checks and gas visualisation into certified housings makes these cameras useful for safety management, not just security, which helps justify the cost on sites that need them anyway.
Specifying cameras for a hazardous area? Call 01902 902251. We ship nationally to England, Scotland and Wales.
Quick questions
What does ATEX mean?
The European framework for equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres. IECEx is the international equivalent.
Is an anti-corrosion camera explosion-proof?
No. Anti-corrosion cameras resist harsh environments but aren't certified for explosive atmospheres.
Can Dahua explosion-proof cameras detect gas leaks?
Dahua lists methane gas detection and visualisation among the range's AI functions.
Why do they have a lens washer?
To keep the camera window clean in dusty locations, so the view stays clear without someone having to climb up to it.
