Axis XC1311 Explosion-Protected Network Horn Speaker

A network horn speaker built for classified hazardous areas

The Axis XC1311 is a network horn speaker that Axis certifies for Class I Division 1 and Zone 1 IIC locations. It is a standalone, PoE-powered device: a re-entrant horn with a compression driver, a built-in 7 W Class D amplifier and pre-configured digital signal processing, all inside an impact-resistant aluminium enclosure finished in RAL 3000 red. The datasheet gives a maximum sound pressure level of more than 110 dB at 1 m and a 54 degree coverage pattern.

Because it sits on the normal IP network, the speaker can deliver live announcements, scheduled messages and event-triggered clips without a dedicated analogue amplifier room. Axis gives two examples: severe-weather alerts and a recorded reminder to wear protective equipment when an analytics-equipped camera reports that it is missing. AXIS Audio Manager Edge is preinstalled, so zones, content, scheduling, priorities and user permissions can be set up from the device itself, with up to 200 speakers divided into 20 zones.

Technical specifications

Choosing certificates, entries and the audio system

Hazardous-area projects are judged against the certificate that applies at the site, so check the zone, gas or dust group, temperature class and the certificate scheme the authority accepts. The datasheet prints ATEX, IECEx and cULus data together with several national certificates, and the temperature class is T5 for gas and T91 degC for dust. Match these values to the area classification drawing before ordering.

The enclosure has two M20 side entries and one 1/2 in. NPT entry, so glands or adaptors must be selected to suit the cable type and the certification of the installation. Power and connectivity share one PoE cable, which keeps cabling light on gantries, jetties and tank farms, but the switch port must supply 802.3af class 3 or better and the cable length must respect Ethernet limits.

For a single site, the built-in AXIS Audio Manager Edge covers basic zoning and scheduling. Larger or multi-site schemes need AXIS Audio Manager Pro or the cloud service. Axis lists compatibility with several mass-notification and SIP platforms, so confirm which one the plant operator already uses. Tell us the number of speakers, the notification platform and the camera system so the offer can follow the complete design.

Related Axis audio products

Axis also lists non-hazardous network speakers that use the same audio management software. Choose the XC1311 only where an explosion-protection certificate is required.

Key features at a glance

• Explosion-protected flameproof enclosure (Ex db) for gas Zone 1 and dust-protected (Ex tb) for Zone 21, with Class I Division 1 listing for North American projects.
• Re-entrant horn with compression driver for intelligible voice over long distances and in noisy plant areas.
• Single PoE cable for power, audio and control – no separate amplifier or mains supply at the speaker.
• Built-in health monitoring through AXIS Audio Manager Edge, so a failed speaker can be detected remotely.
• SIP support for integration with IP telephony and paging systems.
• Wide operating range of -40 to 60 °C and IP66/IP67/NEMA 4X protection.

Where the XC1311 fits in a plant

Traditional public address and general alarm (PAGA) systems in hydrocarbon facilities use central amplifiers and analogue speaker loops. A network speaker such as the XC1311 suits areas where IP infrastructure already exists, or where a few speakers are needed in a classified area without extending an analogue PA system. Examples include:

• Tank farms, loading bays and truck gantries at fuel depots.
• Process units, compressor and pump areas in oil and gas facilities.
• Paint shops, solvent stores and chemical warehouses.
• Grain, flour and other dust-hazard areas covered by the Zone 21 marking.
• Jetties and marine terminals combined with explosion-protected cameras.

Whether a network speaker may serve as part of a life-safety alarm system depends on the project specification and the applicable codes; for those duties, confirm the requirements with the client and the responsible safety engineer.

Installation and maintenance

• Installation, gland selection and inspection in hazardous areas must follow IEC 60079-14 and IEC 60079-17 or the equivalent national rules, carried out by competent personnel.
• Close unused cable entries with certified blanking plugs.
• Do not open the flameproof enclosure in an explosive atmosphere, and keep flamepath surfaces free of damage and paint.
• Aim the horn toward the area to be covered, keeping in mind the 54 degree coverage pattern, and avoid pointing it at reflective walls close by.
• In coastal sites and desert areas, inspect the enclosure, gaskets and glands periodically for corrosion and sand ingress.

What to include in your RFQ

• Model AXIS XC1311 and quantity.
• Area classification and required certificate scheme (ATEX, IECEx, cULus or national).
• Cable type and preferred glands or adaptors.
• Mounting accessories such as pole mounts.
• PoE switch details and the audio management or notification platform in use.

Documents and quotation

The attached Axis datasheet is the reference for certificates, protocols and dimensions. Send the area classification, cable-entry preference, quantity and any mass-notification platform with your request for quotation. Related products: CCTV and security products.