Axis Q1961-XTE Explosion-Protected Thermal Camera for Zone 2 and Division 2

Thermal monitoring for Zone 2 and Division 2 plant areas

The Axis Q1961-XTE is a compact thermometric camera certified by Axis for hazardous areas rated Class I Division 2 and Zone 2. It combines a 384 x 288 uncooled microbolometer, a 7 mm athermalized lens with a 55 degree horizontal field of view, and temperature measurement from -40 to 350 degC. At 1.5 kg it is light enough for pole and wall mounting in process areas, and it is offered in an 8.3 fps and a 30 fps variant.

The camera sends a notification when temperature goes above or below a set threshold, or rises or falls too quickly, using up to 10 polygonal detection areas and a spot temperature reading. Early fire detection is listed as an event condition. Axis Edge Vault, TPM 2.0 and signed video support secure operation on shared plant networks.

Technical specifications

Matching the certificate and cable entry to the area

Axis certifies this model for the lower-risk classified areas: Zone 2 and Division 2 for gas (T4) and Zone 21 for dust (T135 degC). If a location is Zone 1 or Division 1, a model certified for Division 1 or Zone 1 is needed instead, such as the XC1311 horn speaker for audio or the explosion-protected cameras that Axis lists for Zone 1, so check the classification before ordering. Compare the gas group, the dust group and the temperature class printed in the datasheet with the area drawing, and confirm which certificate scheme the site authority accepts.

The camera uses terminal block connections for I/O and power and a shielded RJ45 for PoE, so cable glanding and the junction arrangement must follow the certificate conditions marked X in the datasheet. Maximum power is only 12.95 W, which any 802.3af switch port can supply.

A thermal image is not a replacement for a visible camera when identification is required; pair it with a visible-light unit such as the Axis P1465-LE or a hazardous-area visible camera. State the frame-rate variant, power source and the video system with your enquiry.

Installation planning for hazardous-area thermal monitoring

Plan the camera position from the thermal task backwards. Decide which equipment must be watched, such as pumps, compressor skids, conveyors or storage areas, and check that the target will be large enough in the image for reliable measurement at the chosen distance, bearing in mind the minimum object size stated in the thermometry row. Avoid views where hot sky, reflective metal cladding or flare radiation dominate the scene, as these can confuse temperature readings and threshold alarms.

All installation work in a classified area must follow the site permit system and the certificate conditions. Use cable and entry methods that match the certificate marking, keep the documentation of each installation with the area records, and make sure the installer is competent in the relevant hazardous-area standards.

Commissioning thresholds and detection areas

Once the camera is connected, draw the polygonal detection areas around the specific equipment rather than the whole scene, and set threshold and rate-of-change alarms based on observed normal operating temperatures over several days. Record the settings and export the configuration so that it can be restored after a replacement. Test the alarm path all the way to the control room or video management system, including the alarm output if it is used.

Operating in Oman and GCC desert and coastal conditions

Process sites in Oman experience very high surface temperatures in summer, sand and dust carried by wind, and humid, salt-laden air along the coast. Strong solar heating of surrounding structures changes the thermal background through the day, so thresholds that work at night may trigger false alarms at midday. Review alarm logs after the first summer weeks and adjust detection areas and limits where needed. Check that the operating temperature range in the specification table covers the expected conditions at the mounting point, including heat radiated from nearby equipment.

Cleaning and periodic inspection

Dust on the germanium window reduces image quality and measurement accuracy, so include window cleaning in the routine inspection plan, using methods that do not scratch the window and that are permitted in the hazardous area. During inspections, also check mounting stability, cable condition and the certificate marking, and confirm that the camera still reports correct time and streams to the recording system.

Documents and quotation

The attached Axis datasheet lists every certificate number, the variant list and the dimension drawing. Send the zone or division, gas or dust group, quantity and mounting hardware with your request for quotation. Related products: CCTV and security products.