A complete explosion-proof camera specification for RFP or procurement must define four elements: the hazardous area classification (Class/Division/Group or Zone/Group/T-class), required certification schemes (ATEX, IECEx, UL/FM), physical housing requirements (material, IP rating, window type, conduit entry size), and minimum camera performance (resolution, sensitivity, compression format). Missing any of these elements creates ambiguity that results in non-compliant equipment or unnecessary cost.
Procurement teams that specify only “explosion-proof cameras” without further detail receive quotes ranging from $800 to $8,000 per camera for equipment that may or may not be certified for the specific gases and zones in their facility. Vendors fill specification gaps with assumptions that favor their standard product lines. A well-written specification eliminates ambiguity, enables apples-to-apples comparison across vendors, and ensures the equipment delivered is compliant before it arrives on site.
Section 1: Hazardous Area Classification Requirements
The hazardous area section is the most critical part of the specification. State the classification system in use at the facility and the specific parameters for each camera position:
For NEC Article 500 (Division system): Class: [I / II / III], Division: [1 / 2], Group(s): [A / B / C / D for Class I; E / F / G for Class II], Temperature class: [T1 through T6]. Example: “Class I, Division 1, Groups C and D, T4.”
For NEC Article 505 or IEC/ATEX (Zone system): Zone: [0 / 1 / 2 for gas; 20 / 21 / 22 for dust], Gas group: [IIA / IIB / IIC], Temperature class: [T1-T6 or maximum surface temperature in °C]. Example: “Zone 1, Group IIB, T4.”
If cameras will be installed in multiple zone types across the facility, list each type separately and map them to camera position numbers. Specifying a blanket “Zone 1, Group IIC” requirement when most positions are only Zone 2, Group IIA forces suppliers to quote unnecessarily certified (and expensive) equipment for positions that do not require it.
Section 2: Required Certification Schemes
List every certification scheme that must appear on the equipment. For North American projects: specify UL listed or FM approved for the Class/Division/Group. For European projects: specify ATEX certified (CE + Ex marking, EU Type Examination Certificate from a Notified Body). For international projects: specify IECEx certified in addition to ATEX. For projects spanning multiple regions, specify which certification is required at each site location.
Include a clause requiring that all certificates be current (not expired or under revision) at time of delivery, and that copies of all certificates, Declarations of Conformity, and installation manuals be included with the hardware shipment. Also specify whether UKEX certification (required for Great Britain post-Brexit) is needed if any cameras will be installed at UK sites. For a comparison of what ATEX and IECEx certifications actually cover, see our IECEx vs. ATEX guide.
Section 3: Housing and Physical Requirements
| Specification Item | Typical Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Housing material | Aluminum (marine alloy) or 316L SS | SS required for H2S, offshore, chemical solvents |
| IP rating | Minimum IP66; IP68 for underground/flood risk | IP69K for washdown environments |
| Optical window | Borosilicate glass (standard); sapphire (harsh) | Sapphire for high-abrasion or salt environments |
| Conduit entry | 3/4″ NPT female (US); M25 metric (IEC) | Match existing site conduit standard |
| Operating temperature | -40°C to +60°C (standard); wider if required | Specify for coldest and hottest expected ambient |
| Surface finish | Powder coat RAL 7035 (standard gray) | Marine applications may require 2-coat epoxy |
Section 4: Camera Performance Requirements
Specify minimum camera performance rather than a brand or model. This maintains competition and ensures the equipment meets the actual monitoring need:
Image sensor: Minimum 1/2.8″ progressive scan CMOS, [X] megapixels. Resolution: Minimum [1920×1080 / 2560×1440 / 3840×2160] at [25/30] fps. Minimum illumination: [0.01 lux color, 0.001 lux B&W, 0 lux with IR] — specify based on lighting conditions at camera positions. IR illumination: Built-in IR LEDs, minimum [30m / 50m / 100m] range. Lens: [Fixed focal length Xmm] or [motorized varifocal X-Ymm]. Video compression: H.265 and H.264 (H.265 mandatory for storage efficiency). Network: RJ-45 10/100Base-T, PoE (IEEE 802.3af minimum). Audio: Built-in microphone, line-level audio output [if required]. Protocols: ONVIF Profile S; [RTSP / RTMP as required by VMS].
Section 5: Documentation Requirements
Documentation requirements are frequently omitted from specifications and then become a dispute at project close-out. Include the following as mandatory deliverables:
Required at time of delivery: EC Type Examination Certificate (ATEX) or IECEx Certificate, both current and issued for the specific model ordered; Declaration of Conformity (ATEX); Installation and maintenance manual in English (and local language if required by site regulations); Wiring diagrams specific to the model; Specification sheet confirming compliance with each specified parameter.
Required at project close-out: As-built wiring diagrams; conduit seal installation records; commissioning test records (power-up, image quality check, VMS registration); any variances from the approved specification with documented approvals.
Vendor Qualification Checklist
Include a vendor qualification section in the RFP to filter out distributors who resell uncertified equipment under misleading descriptions. Ask vendors to confirm: (1) The manufacturer’s name and country of manufacture. (2) Whether the hazardous area certification was issued by an accredited Notified Body or NRTL (not self-certified). (3) Reference list of three or more similar industrial installations in the past three years. (4) Lead time from order to delivery. (5) Whether local technical support is available for installation commissioning. (6) Warranty terms and spare parts availability. For a comparison of leading suppliers see our explosion-proof camera supplier comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
What certification is required in the spec for a US facility?
NRTL listing (UL, FM, or CSA) with the Class/Division/Group marking. ATEX or IECEx certificates alone do not satisfy NEC compliance in the US without an NRTL listing.
Should I specify a brand or performance criteria?
Performance criteria enable competitive pricing and focus on what the camera must do. If a brand is preferred for compatibility, specify it as “or approved equal.” Sole-source specs require documented justification.
What IP rating should I specify for outdoor cameras?
IP66 minimum for outdoor. IP66/IP67 dual rating for sites with flooding risk. IP68 for underground. IP69K for washdown environments.
What documents should ship with each camera?
EC Type Examination Certificate or IECEx Certificate, Declaration of Conformity, hazardous area installation manual, and specification sheet. Retain all documents at the facility for the life of the installation.
How do I verify an ATEX certificate is genuine?
Contact the Notified Body named on the certificate (identified by the 4-digit code in the certificate number). IECEx certificates are publicly searchable at ex.iecex.com. Verify the certificate number matches the exact model ordered.
Veilux provides full technical documentation packages with all orders, including ATEX certificates, IECEx certificates, and Class I Division 1 listings. Request a quote and specify your area classification, certification scheme requirements, and documentation needs — we will confirm compliance before the order ships.
Key Industry Standards and References
Equipment specification standards include IEC 60079 series and NFPA 70 (NEC) Article 500. Oil and gas facility procurement references API RP 505 for electrical area classification.
Related Resources
- Explosion-Proof Camera Selection Guide
- How to Design a Hazardous Area CCTV System
- Explosion-Proof Camera System Commissioning: FAT and SAT Checklist
- Annual Explosion-Proof Camera Maintenance Schedule
- Request a Project Quote
Need explosion-proof cameras for your facility?
Veilux has designed and supplied explosion-proof surveillance systems for oil refineries, chemical plants, offshore platforms, grain elevators, and mining operations. Our engineers review your hazardous area classification and specify certified cameras that meet every code requirement.
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.