ATEX security cameras are surveillance cameras certified under EU Directive 2014/34/EU for installation in explosive atmospheres classified under the ATEX Zone system. Facilities in EU member states — refineries, chemical plants, offshore platforms, mining operations, food processing — are legally required to install ATEX-certified cameras in classified hazardous zones. This guide covers ATEX camera certification requirements, Zone 0/1/2 category selection, gas group requirements, protection types (Ex d and Ex e), and how ATEX certification relates to IECEx for international operations.
ATEX Camera Zone Requirements
| ATEX Zone | Hazardous Atmosphere Frequency | Required Camera Category | Permitted Protection Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 0 | Continuous or long periods | Category 1G (Ex ia, Ex ma) | Intrinsic safety (Ex ia) only practical type |
| Zone 1 | Likely during normal operation | Category 2G or higher | Ex d (flameproof), Ex e (increased safety), Ex ia |
| Zone 2 | Only under abnormal conditions | Category 3G or higher | Ex nA (non-sparking), Ex d, Ex e |
| Zone 20 | Combustible dust — continuous | Category 1D | Ex ia for dust |
| Zone 21 | Combustible dust — likely normal | Category 2D or higher | Ex d, Ex tD |
| Zone 22 | Combustible dust — abnormal | Category 3D or higher | Ex nA, Ex tD |
Reading the ATEX Marking on a Camera
Example ATEX camera marking: II 2G Ex d IIB T4 Gb
- II — Equipment Group II (surface industry, not underground mines)
- 2G — Category 2, Gas atmosphere (Zone 1 and Zone 2 suitable)
- Ex d — Flameproof enclosure protection type
- IIB — Gas Group IIB (covers IIA and IIB, i.e., propane/natural gas through H2S/ethylene)
- T4 — Temperature class (maximum surface temperature 135C)
- Gb — Equipment Protection Level b, for gas (Zone 1 suitable)
A camera marked IIB covers IIA and IIB atmospheres; a camera marked IIC covers IIC, IIB, and IIA. For most North Sea oil and gas installations (where H2S is present in sour crude operations), IIB certification is the minimum specification.
ATEX Camera Protection Types
Ex d — Flameproof Enclosure
The camera housing is a flameproof enclosure — it can contain an internal ignition and cool combustion products before they exit through the flame path gaps, preventing external ignition. Ex d is the most common protection type for explosion-proof cameras in industrial applications. It is robust, suitable for harsh environments, and supports full IP67 or IP68 ingress protection. Required for Zone 0 (combined with Ex ia) and suitable for Zone 1 (Category 2G) and Zone 2 (Category 3G).
Ex e — Increased Safety
Ex e construction eliminates potential ignition sources by design — the camera is built so that under normal and specified abnormal conditions, no sparks, arcs, or excessive surface temperatures can occur. Ex e camera housings are typically sealed against gas entry, have no moving parts that could produce sparks, and use potted or conformal-coated electronics to prevent moisture-related tracking. Ex e cameras are often lighter than Ex d equivalents because they do not require thick-walled flameproof housing construction. Suitable for Zone 1 (Category 2G) and Zone 2 (Category 3G).
ATEX vs. IECEx for International Operations
| Factor | ATEX | IECEx |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory territory | EU member states | Accepted in Australia, Singapore, S. Africa, Brazil, others |
| Technical basis | IEC 60079 series | IEC 60079 series (identical) |
| Certificate issuer | EU Notified Body (DEKRA, SGS, DNV, etc.) | IECEx Certification Body |
| Marking | CE mark + Ex hexagon + Notified Body number | IECEx mark + certification number |
| Mutual recognition | Not automatically recognized outside EU | Accepted by participating country authorities |
| UK post-Brexit | UKEX mark required (separate from ATEX) | IECEx accepted in UK alongside UKEX |
Many camera manufacturers obtain dual ATEX/IECEx certification on the same product, providing a single camera that satisfies requirements in EU member states, UK, Australia, Brazil, and other IECEx-accepting jurisdictions. For North American operations, a separate UL 844 listing is still required.
See: ATEX Zone 0, Zone 1, Zone 2 Camera Selection Guide | NEC vs. ATEX Crosswalk | ATEX vs. UL Explosion-Proof Camera Certification | Explosion-Proof Camera Products
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ATEX certification mean for a security camera?
ATEX certification means the camera has been assessed by an EU Notified Body and certified to comply with ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU for use in explosive atmospheres. The marking specifies equipment group (II), category (1G/2G/3G), protection type (Ex d, Ex e), gas group (IIA/IIB/IIC), and temperature class (T1-T6). Only ATEX-marked cameras can be legally installed in EU hazardous zones.
What ATEX category is required for Zone 1 cameras?
Zone 1 requires ATEX Category 2G (or higher — Category 1G) cameras. Category 2G is certified for areas where flammable gas likely occurs during normal operation. The camera must also match the gas group and temperature class of the area. Category 3G (Zone 2) cameras cannot be used in Zone 1.
Can a UL-listed camera be installed in an ATEX Zone 1 area?
No. UL listing does not substitute for ATEX certification in EU installations. ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU requires EU CE marking from a Notified Body. For multinational operations, specify cameras with dual UL + ATEX (or UL + IECEx) certification.
What is the difference between Zone 1 and Zone 2 camera requirements?
Zone 1 requires Category 2G cameras (flammable gas present during normal operation). Zone 2 allows Category 3G cameras (gas only during abnormal conditions). Category 2G cameras can be used in Zone 2; Category 3G cannot be used in Zone 1. Zone 2 cameras are typically 20 to 40% less expensive due to less stringent construction requirements.
Browse explosion-proof camera products: Explosion-Proof Camera Systems | Camera Housings (316L Stainless)
Related technical guides: Class 1 Division 1 vs Division 2 | Housing Selection Guide | Certification Guide | CCTV System Design
Specify cameras for your hazardous area: Request an Industrial Quote — Veilux provides ATEX, IECEx, UL, and cUL certified camera systems with full engineering documentation.
Key Takeaways: Atex Security Cameras Zone 1 Zone 2
Atex Security Cameras Zone 1 Zone 2 is essential equipment in hazardous classified environments where flammable gases, vapors, or dust may be present. Facilities relying on Atex Security Cameras Zone 1 Zone 2 benefit from enhanced safety and regulatory compliance with ATEX, IECEx, and UL certifications. When specifying Atex Security Cameras Zone 1 Zone 2 for your site, match the certification to your area classification — Zone 0/1/2 or Class I Division 1/2. Atex Security Cameras Zone 1 Zone 2 from Veilux is available in fixed and PTZ configurations to suit perimeter, process, and critical-area coverage needs. Properly maintained Atex Security Cameras Zone 1 Zone 2 extends system life and upholds certification validity per NFPA 70E inspection requirements.