Is the thermography camera intrinsically safe?

Most of FLIRs range of Thermal Imaging cameras are not intrinsically safe and will require a "hot work permit" before being used in hazardous environments. However, in 2022 FLIR launched the FLIR Cx5 thermal imaging camera with ATEX, UKEX, IECEx zone 2 certifications* for Condition Monitoring applications, removing the need for “hot working permits” in certain hazardous environments, potentially allowing immediate inspections. 

With the exception of the FLIR Cx5 thermal imaging camera, “hot working permits” will be required when using thermal imaging cameras in hazardous environments, which is the standard procedure all over the world. Typical infrared cameras (regardless of manufacturer) are not intrinsically safe or Ex class, and if you use them in Ex environment you need a HW permit.

* Ensure the FLIR Cx5 Ex certification is suitable for your exact working environment before using the camera without a hot working permit in place.

If you wish to find out more about the subject of intrinsic safety or Ex class click on the links below

External links

• https://www.flir.com/cx5/
• Definition of Intrinsic safety 1
• Definition of Intrinsic safety 2
• Explosion Proof/Intrinsically Safe Information
• AN9003 – A User's Guide to Intrinsic Safety (good resource for understanding Intrinsic Safety)