Commissioning an explosion-proof camera system requires two distinct verification stages: Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) before equipment ships and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) after installation. Both must be documented per IEC 60079-17 (inspection and maintenance of electrical installations in explosive atmospheres) and NFPA 70B. The FAT/SAT documentation package becomes the permanent record of as-installed system condition and the baseline for ongoing IEC 60079-17 periodic inspections.
FAT vs. SAT Scope Comparison
| Test Activity | FAT (Factory) | SAT (Site) |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of conformity verification | Yes | Verify originals on site |
| Enclosure integrity inspection | Yes | Yes – post-shipping check |
| Image quality and resolution test | Yes | Yes – final lighting conditions |
| PTZ function test | Yes | Yes – with final preset positions |
| Conduit seal installation verification | N/A | Yes – per NEC 501.15 |
| Grounding continuity test | N/A | Yes – per NEC 501.30 |
| End-to-end recording test | Partial | Yes – 24-hour continuous |
| Hazardous area certification label check | Yes | Yes – undamaged and legible |
SAT Procedure for Explosion-Proof Camera Systems
SAT activities unique to explosion-proof camera systems include: (1) Conduit seal verification — confirm EYS seals within 18 inches of all explosion-proof enclosures, Chico A cured with fill plug installed, no fittings between seal and enclosure; (2) Grounding test — measure ground resistance from each camera enclosure to facility grounding system, target less than 1 ohm; (3) Certification label inspection — all labels readable and matching certificates of conformity; (4) 24-hour recording test — verify no dropped frames or recording gaps; (5) IEC 60079-17 initial inspection — document as-installed condition as baseline for future periodic inspections.
FAT Checklist for Explosion-Proof Cameras
FAT activities verify equipment before shipment: confirm UL/ATEX certificate numbers match labels and current valid certificates; inspect all enclosures for damage, unused entry plugs, intact gaskets; power-on each camera and verify streaming, resolution, and PTZ function; record reference images for SAT comparison; confirm IP addressing and VMS connectivity; collect all certificates, data sheets, and wiring diagrams before shipment.
See also: Annual Maintenance Guide | NEC 501 Wiring Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Factory Acceptance Test required by code?
No code mandates a FAT specifically for explosion-proof cameras. However, major industrial operators typically require FAT as a contractual obligation. FAT significantly reduces site commissioning time by catching certification and configuration issues before equipment ships to remote or offshore locations.
What documents should be in the FAT/SAT package?
Original certificates of conformity (UL, ATEX, IECEx) for all hazardous area equipment; wiring diagrams with conduit seal locations; FAT test records with sign-off; SAT test records; IEC 60079-17 initial inspection forms; as-built camera layout drawing.
What is the IEC 60079-17 initial inspection?
The initial (detailed) inspection is conducted at commissioning and verifies enclosure integrity, gasket condition, conduit seal installation, certification labels, and grounding. It becomes the baseline condition record that future periodic inspections are compared against.
How long does SAT take for a 20-camera explosion-proof system?
Typically 2-3 days with a two-person team. Day 1 covers physical inspection of enclosures, conduit seals, and grounding. Day 2 covers functional testing, recording verification, and VMS integration. Day 3 resolves punch list items and completes documentation.
Who should conduct the SAT?
Personnel with NEC Article 500 knowledge and IEC 60079-17 inspection competency. Many facilities require a Certified Electrical Inspector or person with documented hazardous area inspection training. The camera integrator leads functional testing; the facility electrical team witnesses and signs off on hazardous area compliance portions.
Need explosion-proof cameras or installation guidance? Request a quote from Veilux — full NEC/ATEX documentation included.
Standards References: IECEx International Certification Scheme · OSHA Hazardous Work Environments
Explore Veilux’s full range of explosion-proof cameras and request a quote for your hazardous-area project.
Commissioning Documentation Handover
At project close-out, compile the FAT and SAT test records into a commissioning handover package for the client facility team. The package should include signed FAT test sheets, the SAT punch-list with all items resolved and signed off, as-built wiring and conduit drawings, camera configuration files (VMS channel assignments, recording schedules, analytics settings), and ATEX/IECEx certificate copies for every installed component. This package serves as the baseline for future maintenance inspections and AHJ reviews.
Related Resources
- Annual Explosion-Proof Camera Maintenance Schedule
- NEC Article 501 Wiring Methods for Explosion-Proof Cameras
- Explosion-Proof Camera Conduit Seals and EYS Fittings
- Browse Explosion-Proof Cameras
- Request a Project Quote
About the Author
Daniel Fernandez
Daniel Fernandez is a hazardous area security systems specialist with over a decade of experience specifying ATEX, IECEx, UL Class I Division 1, and cUL certified surveillance equipment for oil and gas, chemical, mining, pharmaceutical, and offshore environments. He holds expertise in NEC and IEC area classification standards and has consulted on explosion-proof camera system designs across North America, Europe, and the Middle East.