Introducing the Axis P1468-XLE bullet camera

World’s first explosion-protected camera for Zone/Division 2 hazardous areas launched by Axis

AXIS Communications, a leader in network video, have introduced the Axis P1468-XLE bullet camera, the world’s first explosion-protected camera specifically designed for Zone and Division 2 hazardous locations. The camera is designed for Zone 2, 22 and Class I/II/III Division 2 according to international standards (ATEX, IECEx, NEC).

The Axis P1468-XLE uses the ‘Ex e’ protection method, an explosion-protection approach referred to as ‘increased safety’ or ‘non-incendive’. This method ensures that no arcs and sparks can appear, and that excessive temperatures cannot be reached, during normal operation of electrical equipment. As a result, electrical equipment using ‘Ex e’ protection cannot ignite gas or dust in the surrounding potentially combustible environment.

The Axis P1468-XLE is a robust, impact- and weather-resistant fixed camera which is said to deliver excellent image quality in 4K resolution under any light conditions, through Lightfinder 2.0, Forensic WDR, and OptimizedIR. Compact and lightweight in design, the camera is as easy to install as a standard camera.

Designed in line with North American and European directives for equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, the camera is unable to provide sufficient energy to ignite gas or dust in the atmosphere to cause an explosion, therefore removing the need for any traditional explosion-protected enclosure.

The multi-tasking camera provides many benefits within health and safety applications and operational efficiency. Early detection of smoke and fire, ensuring that personal protective equipment (PPE) is being worn and used, and monitoring restricted areas bring significant health and safety benefits to organizations. For operational efficiency, the camera can be used for visual verification of various processes and as part of an advanced data-driven sensory network.

Built on ARTPEC-8, the Axis P1468-XLE includes a deep-learning processing unit (DLPU) enabling advanced features and powerful analytics that run on the edge. For instance, by connecting the camera to the process control system and continuously monitoring a process, operators can fine-tune the process in real time to maximize throughput.

In addition, it is possible to extract and send metadata for further analysis, which can be used for trend monitoring and predictive maintenance. Built-in cybersecurity features help prevent unauthorized access and safeguard the system.

In contrast to Zone/Division 1 hazardous locations – where the presence of an explosive atmosphere is likely and a regular occurrence – in Zone/Division 2 hazardous locations, an explosive atmosphere is far less likely, less frequent, and present for much shorter periods of time. It is still essential, however, to eliminate the risk of equipment creating a spark that might create an explosion in these areas.

Explaining why the company has chosen to create a camera specifically designed for Zone/Division 2 hazardous locations, Jesper Olavi, global product manager at Axis, said: ‘For customers who have wanted to use video surveillance in Zone/Division 2 hazardous locations, the only realistic solution so far has been to use explosion-protected cameras certified for Zone/Division 1 hazardous locations.

‘But these heavy-duty enclosures are over-engineered and unnecessarily expensive for Zone 2/Division 2 hazardous locations. With the launch of the Axis P1468-XLE, customers will have the chance to bring high-quality video surveillance and advanced analytics into locations where they were previously rarely used due to the prohibitive cost.

‘The Axis P1468-XLE highlights the benefits of Axis designing and manufacturing their own explosion-protected cameras. In designing every element of the camera, we can ensure the methods employed for explosion protection are based on an individual camera’s requirements, rather that creating a ‘generic’ enclosure designed to fit many cameras. It’s a process that leads to an optimal solution for specific environments and use cases.’