Connecting and protecting vulnerable cable on Camera and Dome systems in hazardous environments

Camera and dome video surveillance systems are a part of our everyday lives. It could be argued that they are unmissable in the fight against crime and contribute to increased security and safety or conversely Big Brother really is watching us. They are ubiquitous and are found in our homes, on streets, highways, railway stations, trains, museums, cinemas, hospitals and numerous other public places.

Weakest link 

An effective CCTV and dome system has to be designed for continuous uninterrupted operation, be reliable, durable, easy to maintain and minimize costly downtime. It is widely recognized that the cabling on camera and dome systems is the weakest link of a circuit and is often subject to attack by rodents, birds and/or vandals as well as damage caused by exposure to the extreme conditions that they are required to operate.

Nowadays, CCTV technology is also widely used as a surveillance and monitoring tool in industrial hazardous environments. These ATEX IECEx certified cameras are utilized to remotely monitor hazardous processes and areas in many industries including on- and offshore platforms, refineries, chemical plants, tankers, marine and other hazardous areas. They are typically used in Zones 1 and 2, 21 and 22.

Messy process

In this blog we will discuss a case involving an ATEX Ex d camera system used to monitor the  entrance of a refinery in a hazardous environment. The current solution for maintaining and servicing the system was cumbersome, time consuming and inflexible. This was due to an epoxy molded sealing being used in the junction box, before the wiring was connected to the camera’s power unit. This prevented the camera from being disconnected from its mounting pole. As a result, it took a lot of effort and work to dismantle the wires in the junction/connection box. The whole process was messy, time consuming and costly in terms of manpower and downtime and, most importantly, the Ex d protection level of the system could not be guaranteed.

Solution and additional benefits

In order to overcome this problem a solution was needed that would enable the connection between the camera system and the Ex d junction box as well as the connection with the mounting pole. All components used had to be ATEX Ex d components.

Anamet Europe engineered a solution using our HTDL flexible cable protection conduit with our ATEX certified BXA conduit fittings. This allowed us to make an easy connection to the power/data connection box of the camera system, as well as a connection to the Ex d junction box located at the bottom part of the mounting pole … while also protecting the cable . This set up ensured easy access to the power connection of the entire installation.

An additional benefit of Anamet Europe’s ATEX fittings and glands is that they can be supplied in both ISO and NPT threads. This enabled us to overcome the issue of the different thread types on the connection to the Ex d camera system and the Ex d junction box. By using ATEX certified accessories, like enlargers and reducers, we were able to deal with the different thread sizes. The solution designed by Anamet Europe offers more flexibility than the previous system. This CCTV camera and dome system is now easier to service and maintain, which reduces downtime and saves time and money. Crucially, the Ex d protection level of the system is now guaranteed, even after maintenance. The entire system is durable,  reliable and the cable and Ex d components are connected and protected.

If you have any questions about protecting your vulnerable cables, you can get in touch with us.