Do You Need Explosion-Proof Cameras in a Sawmill?

This post originally appeared on the Opticom blog.

Choosing the right types of cameras for your sawmill is no easy feat. You already know that you need rugged cameras that can withstand the harsh environment in a sawmill and perhaps even survive getting hit by a log. 

But there’s more to rugged cameras than an increased lifespan. For instance, do you need explosion-proof cameras in a sawmill?

Before you set up your sawmill video monitoring system, let’s answer this question. First, a quick primer:

What Are Explosion-Proof Cameras?

Also known as explosion-rated cameras or Zone 1 cameras, explosion-proof cameras are devices designed for hazardous environments, where easily ignitable materials are present. They are a protective measure.

While most of them will not survive an explosion, they are built to not cause one. You may have never thought about this but, much like any electronic device, cameras occasionally throw sparks or even explode, depending on how your electrical infrastructure “treats” them.

In hazardous environments like oil rigs or even some areas of sawmills, a tiny spark can generate a catastrophe.

This is where explosion-proof cameras come into play: their enclosure is built to contain any spark and any explosion. Thus, even if something happens to the camera itself, the surrounding area will be safe and you won’t have to deal with the aftermath of a fire.

Explosion-Proof Cameras in Sawmills: Where and Why?

You may be thinking that sawmills aren’t oil rigs and there’s no reason to use explosion-proof cameras. That’s half true: some areas of your sawmill are more prone to fires than others.

For example, it’s a good idea to use explosion-proof cameras in bins and other areas where sawdust, woodchips, and other flammable materials are present. A single spark in such areas can lead to a massive incident.

A good rule of thumb here is: if your regulations forbid smoking and open fire in an area, that area can benefit from explosion-rated cameras.

Of course, you don’t have to use them everywhere—that would be a poor use of your video monitoring budget. The goal of installing a video monitoring system is to ensure that it has an excellent ROI.

The safest way to do so is to choose the right type of camera for the right area. After all, the ROI of avoiding a massive fire in your sawmill may be hard to measure but it’s definitely huge.

How to Choose the Right Explosion-Proof Cameras for Your Sawmill

Explosion-rated cameras are but a small part of your entire system. If you’re a regular on the Opticom blog, you may have noticed we always recommend consulting a specialist before designing your video monitoring system. Contrary to popular belief, a consultant won’t add to your budget. Quite the contrary, they will help you save money.

Explosion-rated cameras are a good example here. You may be tempted to install them everywhere in your sawmill, just to be safe. But there’s no reason to do that.

You can use your budget better. For instance, you can invest in waterproof cameras for other areas of your sawmill or make sure you can buy enough units to cover your entire facility. This way, you will have a lower cost of ownership of your video monitoring system and, of course, a better ROI. 

Not sure where you need explosion-proof cameras in your sawmill and where you need other types of cameras? Our consultants are just a click away—we’d be happy to help you.