Product Overview
Built for environments where standard surveillance cameras simply cannot operate, the DS-2XE6146F-HS is a fixed dome explosion-proof network camera engineered to meet the strict demands of hazardous industrial locations. Certified to both ATEX and IECEx standards, it is approved for use in Zone 2 explosive gas atmospheres and Zone 21 combustible dust atmospheres, covering applications across oil and gas facilities, chemical processing plants, grain handling operations, and mining sites. The enclosure is fabricated from 316L stainless steel and finished with an anti-corrosion spray treatment, providing long-term resistance against sparks, aggressive chemicals, and corrosive airborne compounds. Featuring a 4 MP imaging sensor with a 4 mm fixed lens and a 77-degree horizontal field of view, the DS-2XE6146F-HS delivers detailed coverage of process areas and access points. A built-in heater supports cold-start operation down to -40 degrees Celsius, making it suitable for outdoor hazardous installations in harsh climates. IP68 water resistance completes the protection package for exposed mounting positions.
Key Capabilities
ATEX and IECEx Dual Certification
Certified to ATEX II 2G Ex db IIC T6 Gb and IECEx Ex db IIC T6 Gb for explosive gas zones, and II 2D Ex tb IIIC T80°C Db IP68 for combustible dust zones. These certifications are legally required in many hazardous area installations and are not interchangeable with standard industrial ratings.
316L Stainless Steel Anti-Corrosion Enclosure
The 316L stainless steel body, combined with an anti-corrosion spray finish, resists chemical attack, salt spray, and the mechanical stress of industrial environments. This is a step above standard aluminium alloy housings typically used in general-purpose outdoor cameras, offering durability in facilities handling aggressive substances.
Built-In Heater for Extreme Cold
An integrated heater enables cold-start operation from -40 degrees Celsius, which is critical for outdoor hazardous area installations in cold climates such as LNG terminals, offshore platforms, and cold-climate mining or processing sites where cameras without heating would fail to start.
4 MP Resolution with H.265+ Compression
The 1/2.7-inch progressive scan CMOS sensor captures footage at up to 2560 x 1440, providing enough detail to monitor personnel movement, equipment status, and access points in process areas. H.265+ compression reduces storage consumption and bandwidth requirements compared to H.264 streams at equivalent quality.
IP68 Ingress Protection
Full IP68 water resistance prevents ingress during prolonged submersion, covering installations in exposed outdoor locations subject to heavy rain, wash-down procedures, or elevated humidity. This rating is required on the explosion-proof certificate itself and is not an added specification.
Onboard Storage and Alarm I/O
A built-in microSD/SDHC/SDXC slot supports up to 128 GB of local storage, providing edge recording continuity if network connectivity is interrupted. A dedicated alarm input and alarm output allow integration with site-level alarm systems, perimeter detection equipment, or process control hardware via the RS-485 interface.
Best For
- Oil, Gas, and Petrochemical Facilities: ATEX and IECEx Zone 2 gas and Zone 21 dust certification makes the DS-2XE6146F-HS directly applicable in refineries, LPG storage areas, fuel loading bays, and similar hydrocarbon environments where certified equipment is mandatory.
- Chemical Processing Plants: The 316L stainless steel enclosure with anti-corrosion treatment withstands exposure to acids, caustic vapours, and cleaning chemicals that would degrade standard aluminium or plastic camera housings over time.
- Grain Handling and Dust-Heavy Manufacturing: The II 2D dust zone certification covers grain silos, flour mills, woodworking facilities, and other environments where combustible dust presents an explosion risk, filling a surveillance gap that standard cameras cannot address.
- Cold-Climate Outdoor Hazardous Installations: The built-in heater supporting -40 degrees Celsius cold-start performance is specifically suited to outdoor process areas, LNG terminals, and mining operations in cold regions where unheated cameras would fail to initialise in winter conditions.
Why Choose the DS-2XE6146F-HS
The DS-2XE6146F-HS addresses a surveillance requirement that standard IP cameras, regardless of their resolution or weather rating, legally and physically cannot fulfil. ATEX and IECEx certification is a regulatory requirement in most hazardous area installations, and the dual gas and dust coverage of this model means a single camera specification can apply across multiple zone types within the same site. The 316L stainless steel construction goes beyond cosmetic durability, providing genuine chemical resistance in environments where aluminium housings would corrode and plastic would degrade. The integrated heater removes the need for external heating equipment or enclosure accessories in cold climates, reducing installation complexity and ongoing maintenance requirements. The 4 mm fixed lens provides a practical field of view for monitoring defined coverage zones such as entry gates, pump stations, or equipment bays. Available through Security Wholesalers, the DS-2XE6146F-HS is a technically specific tool for installations where the certification and construction genuinely matter.
Buyer Decision Tips
Lens Selection: This listing is specified with a 4 mm fixed lens, which delivers a 77-degree horizontal field of view. The DS-2XE6146F-HS is also available with 2 mm, 2.8 mm, and 6 mm lens options, each providing a different field of view. Confirm your coverage zone dimensions and mounting distance before ordering, as the M12 lens mount is not designed for field replacement without specialist tooling. A 4 mm lens suits a mounting height of approximately 3 to 5 metres covering a focused entry point or equipment bay. For wider area coverage from a higher mounting position, a 2.8 mm or 2 mm variant would be more appropriate.
Certification Verification: Before specifying any explosion-proof camera, confirm the hazardous area zone classification with your site’s hazardous area documentation or HAZOP study. The DS-2XE6146F-HS is rated for Zone 2 gas (Group IIC, Temperature Class T6) and Zone 21 dust (Group IIIC, 80 degrees Celsius surface temperature). If your site classification is Zone 1 or Zone 0, a different equipment category will be required. The ATEX certification code on the camera identifies the exact category and should be matched to your site area classification drawing.
Key Features & Technical Specifications
| Image Sensor |
1/2.7-inch Progressive Scan CMOS |
| Maximum Resolution |
2560 x 1440 (4 MP) |
| Lens (This Variant) |
4 mm fixed, F2.0, M12 mount |
| Field of View (4 mm) |
Horizontal 77°, Vertical 42.5°, Diagonal 89.3° |
| Min. Illumination |
Colour: 0.028 lux @ F2.0 (AGC ON); B/W: 0.01 lux @ F2.0 (AGC ON) |
| Day/Night |
Electronic (Day / Night / Auto / Schedule / Alarm-triggered) |
| WDR |
Digital WDR |
| Image Enhancement |
BLC, 3D DNR, HLC, Defog, EIS |
| Video Compression |
H.265+ / H.265 / H.264+ / H.264 |
| Main Stream Frame Rate |
50 Hz: 25 fps at 2560 x 1440; 60 Hz: 24 fps at 2560 x 1440 |
| Explosion-Proof Certification |
ATEX: II 2G Ex db IIC T6 Gb / II 2D Ex tb IIIC T80°C Db IP68; IECEx: Ex db IIC T6 Gb / Ex tb IIIC T80°C Db IP68 |
| Enclosure Material |
316L stainless steel with anti-corrosion spray |
| Ingress Protection |
IP68 |
| Built-In Heater |
Yes – cold-start operation from -40°C |
| Power Supply |
12 VDC ±20% (terminal block) or PoE 802.3af Class 3 |
| Power Consumption |
Max 10 W (12 VDC); Max 12.5 W (PoE) |
| Network Interface |
1 x RJ45 10/100/1000 Mbps self-adaptive Ethernet; 1 x RS-485 |
| Alarm I/O |
1 alarm input, 1 alarm output (max 24 VDC 1 A or 110 VAC 500 mA) |
| Onboard Storage |
microSD/SDHC/SDXC slot, up to 128 GB |
| Camera Weight |
Approx. 2.5 kg |
Ideal Use Cases
Oil Refinery Process Areas
Pump stations, valve manifolds, and compressor areas within oil refineries fall under Zone 2 gas classifications. The DS-2XE6146F-HS carries the required IIC Group certification, covering hydrogen and acetylene atmospheres, which is the highest gas group classification and ensures suitability across the broadest range of gas types.
LNG and LPG Storage Facilities
Liquefied gas handling areas require certified explosion-proof equipment across all electrical installations. The -40 degrees Celsius heater-assisted cold-start capability makes this camera suitable for outdoor LNG terminals in cold climates, where standard cameras would fail to initialise during winter commissioning or restart after power outages.
Grain Silos and Flour Mills
Combustible dust environments such as grain handling facilities, flour mills, and stockfeed processing plants require Zone 21 dust-certified equipment. The DS-2XE6146F-HS carries IIIC dust group certification covering the highest-risk dust classifications, enabling use in locations where standard outdoor cameras would be non-compliant.
Chemical and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
The 316L stainless steel body and anti-corrosion spray treatment directly address the challenge of mounting surveillance equipment in chemical plant environments where solvent vapours, acid mist, and cleaning agents would degrade standard camera enclosures. IP68 protection supports wash-down procedures without risk of water ingress.
Offshore and Mining Operations
Remote outdoor hazardous area installations in offshore environments or cold-climate mining sites benefit from the camera’s onboard microSD storage slot, which provides up to 128 GB of local recording continuity if network infrastructure is disrupted. The alarm input and RS-485 interface also allow integration with site emergency shutdown or process control systems.
Choosing the Right Model
- Choose this model if: Your installation is in a confirmed Zone 2 explosive gas or Zone 21 combustible dust classified area and requires a camera with ATEX and IECEx certification, 316L stainless steel construction, and a 4 mm field of view covering a defined access point, equipment bay, or process zone from a mounting distance of roughly 3 to 5 metres.
- Choose a different model if: Your installation area is classified as Zone 1 or Zone 0, which requires Group I or higher equipment category ratings that this model does not cover. Additionally, if your coverage requirement demands a varifocal or motorised zoom lens to accommodate variable mounting distances or framings, a fixed-lens explosion-proof dome will not provide that flexibility without replacing the camera unit entirely.
- Choose a different model if: The site is a standard industrial or outdoor location with no hazardous area classification. In that scenario, the significant cost premium of an explosion-proof camera is not justified, and a standard IP67-rated industrial camera would meet the physical requirements at a lower cost.
FAQs
- What does the ATEX certification on the DS-2XE6146F-HS actually mean for my installation?
The ATEX marking II 2G Ex db IIC T6 Gb means the camera is certified for use in Zone 2 explosive gas atmospheres, covering Gas Group IIC which includes hydrogen and acetylene. The II 2D marking covers Zone 21 combustible dust atmospheres. These are internationally recognised certifications, but Australian hazardous area installations also require compliance with AS/NZS 60079 standards. Always verify with your site’s hazardous area documentation before specifying any certified equipment.
- Does the DS-2XE6146F-HS have night vision or infrared illumination?
The DS-2XE6146F-HS uses an electronic day/night switch rather than a mechanical IR cut filter, and the product data does not confirm a built-in IR illuminator. Minimum illumination is rated at 0.028 lux in colour mode and 0.01 lux in monochrome at F2.0. In hazardous area installations, supplementary explosion-proof lighting is typically installed as a separate certified fixture rather than relying on camera-integrated IR, which may not carry the appropriate certification for the zone.
- Why does the camera weigh 2.5 kg and what does that mean for mounting?
The 316L stainless steel explosion-proof enclosure is substantially heavier than a standard IP camera, which typically weighs under 500 g. Mounting brackets and structural supports must be rated for this load, particularly in vibration-prone industrial environments. The mounting hardware should also be explosion-proof certified if it is located within the hazardous zone. Factor the camera weight into your bracket and conduit entry selection at the design stage.
- Can the DS-2XE6146F-HS be powered by PoE?
Yes. The camera supports 802.3af PoE at Class 3, with a maximum consumption of 12.5 W under PoE. It also accepts 12 VDC via a terminal block connection with a tolerance of plus or minus 20 percent. In hazardous area installations, the PoE switch or power supply must be located in a safe area outside the classified zone, with appropriate cable glands and conduit sealing at the zone boundary to maintain the enclosure integrity.
- What smart features does the DS-2XE6146F-HS support?
The camera supports face detection, audio exception detection, and behaviour analysis functions as confirmed in the product documentation. These operate through the camera’s onboard processing and are accessible via Hikvision’s iVMS-4200, iVMS-4500, iVMS-5200, and Hik-Connect client software. Configuration is available through a web browser or management platform.
- Does the built-in heater affect the explosion-proof certification?
The heater is integrated into the factory-certified camera assembly and is part of the certified product as indicated by the -H suffix in the model designation. The maximum surface temperature under the explosion-proof certification is 85 degrees Celsius for gas atmospheres (T6 class) and 80 degrees Celsius for dust atmospheres, which the heater and camera electronics are designed to stay within. Do not attempt to modify the internal heater or wiring, as this would void the explosion-proof certification.
- Where can I review the full technical datasheet for this camera before ordering?
The official DS-2XE6146F-HS datasheet is linked in the Additional Information section of this product page at Security Wholesalers. The datasheet includes the full explosion-proof certificate details, wiring diagrams, dimension drawings, and complete specification tables, which are essential references when preparing installation documentation or submitting equipment for hazardous area approval on your site.
Additional Information
Hikvision Warranty
3-Year Manufacturer Warranty
All Hikvision IP cameras and recording devices (NVRs/DVRs) are covered by a
3-year back-to-base manufacturer warranty.
Note: Disk drives are limited to a 1-year warranty.
Our warranty is limited to the replacement of faulty items or parts
and does not include damage caused by incorrect fitting of parts or accessories.
(a) Australian Consumer Law (ACL)
Certain legislation, including the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) in the
Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth), and similar consumer protection
laws and regulations may confer you with rights, warranties, guarantees, and remedies
relating to the provision of goods or services to you by us via the Site which cannot
be excluded, restricted, or modified. Our liability is governed solely by the ACL and
these Terms.
(b) Goods
If you are a consumer as defined in the ACL, the following notice applies to you:
“Our goods come with warranties and guarantees that cannot be excluded under the
Australian Consumer Law (Consumer Guarantees). You are entitled to a replacement or
a refund for a major failure and for compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable
loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the
goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major
failure.”
(c) Our Warranties
To the extent permitted by law, we exclude all express and implied warranties,
and all material and work is provided to you without warranties of any kind,
either express or implied. We expressly disclaim all warranties including but
not limited to implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular
purpose.
(d) Manufacturer Warranties
Certain products, including particular models of IP security cameras and DVR/NVR
equipment, may come with a manufacturer’s warranty. The manufacturer’s warranty is
in addition to but may overlap with any rights and remedies you may have under
applicable law, including any Consumer Guarantees. If you are not considered a
“consumer” within the meaning of the ACL, the manufacturer’s warranty may be your
sole remedy. Many manufacturers’ warranties do not apply in a business or commercial
setting. Please contact the manufacturer if you would like to make a claim under
the manufacturer’s warranty.
(e) Repair, Replacement, or a Refund
If you wish to seek repair, replacement, or a refund for a product, please
contact us and we will explain the requirements to you. This may include you
providing evidence of the faulty product to us.
(f) Refund
You are not entitled to a refund for change of mind. If you are entitled to a
refund, we will only provide it once evidence of the faulty product is received
by us, or once we have received the product at our warehouse and inspected it
to assess whether it is eligible for a refund under these Terms. Any refund we
make will be by the same payment method used to purchase the product.
(g) Installed Products
Subject to this clause, we will not accept for return any product that has been
used, connected, installed, attempted to be connected or installed, or if your
product is custom-made or is a special buy product.
(h) Packaging
You must adequately package any product you are returning for our collection
to ensure that it is not damaged during return delivery to our warehouse. You
are also responsible for arranging the return delivery and the costs involved.
(i) Duty of Care
You have a duty of care for the product while it is in your possession. If
you damage products and then subsequently return them, you may be liable to pay
to repair the product to its original condition. In these circumstances, where
a repair is not economically viable, no refund will be made.
For more terms & conditions, please visit www.securitywholesalers.com.au/terms-and-conditions
