FLIR Si2x-Series Acoustic Imaging Cameras: Now IECEx & ATEX Certified for Safer, Smarter Performance
Monday 8th September 2025
FLIR has officially launched the updated Si2x-Series Acoustic Imaging Cameras, now available for pre-order. These powerful next-generation cameras are built to deliver exceptional performance in hazardous environments, and the latest models arrive with a major upgrade: IECEx Zone 2 certification for gas in addition to the existing ATEX Zone 2/22 certification for dust and gas.
This expansion of safety approvals ensures that the FLIR Si2x-Series can now be deployed in more global markets, giving customers the assurance they need when working in explosive or high-risk areas.
Why the Certification Update Matters
Working in explosive environments means safety is everything. Equipment that isn’t properly certified poses risks not only to operations but also to the lives of those working on-site. Until now, the FLIR Si2x-Series held ATEX certification, covering European standards. While effective, this limited the product’s potential in global markets where IECEx compliance is required.
To achieve IECEx approval, FLIR made hardware changes to the Si2x-Series, ensuring strict adherence to international safety requirements. This process required new part numbers for the updated models, which guarantees that no ATEX-only versions are mistakenly shipped where IECEx certification is required. Importantly, there’s no price difference between the outgoing and new models – customers simply benefit from broader, more robust compliance.
ATEX vs IECEx – What’s the Difference?
Although ATEX and IECEx standards are technically identical since 2005, there are some key differences that impact certification and global usage:
ATEX: A European standard, with zones categorised as 1, 2, 3. ATEX certification is widely accepted across the EU and several associated countries.
IECEx: An internationally recognised standard (IEC – International Electrotechnical Commission), with zones labelled a, b, c. IECEx requires stricter adherence, including a certificate of conformity (CoC) issued by a third-party Ex Certification Body.
The main takeaway? IECEx certification is recognised globally, while ATEX is region-specific. For companies operating internationally, IECEx approval makes it far easier to standardise equipment across multiple regions without needing separate certifications.
Expanded Market Reach
The addition of IECEx certification for the FLIR Si2x-Series opens the door to new regions:
Europe (covered by ATEX and IECEx)
Africa, Asia, South America, and North America (where IECEx or equivalent Class/Division systems apply)
In the USA, for example, many hazardous area classifications use either Classes and Divisions or IECEx ratings. With IECEx now added, the FLIR Si2x-Series can be sold across much of North America, greatly increasing market availability and sales potential.
In short: customers can now deploy the Si2x-Series almost anywhere in the world with confidence.
Si2x Key Solution Selling Points
Beyond certification, the FLIR Si2x-Series continues to stand out for its best-in-class performance, decision support, and hazardous location compliance.
1. Hazardous Location Rated
Certified for ATEX & IECEx Zone 2, 22 (explosive gas and dust atmospheres).
Wide operating temperature range: -10 °C to +50 °C.
2. Decision Support Capabilities
Leak Mode: Detects and confirms leaks in common industrial gases, including compressed air, nitrogen, ammonia, hydrogen, CO₂, methane, helium, and argon.
Mechanical Mode: Identifies faults in bearings, gears, and other mechanical equipment by recognising noise signatures. Provides decibel (dB), kurtosis (β2), and crest factor (x factor) measurements for accurate comparison over time.
AutoFilter & QR Code Scanning: Streamlines decision-making and asset documentation.
3. Best-in-Class Performance
The most sensitive acoustic imager on the market.
Performance that’s 10X better than most acoustic cameras.
Enhanced multimode capability – detects multiple sources at once.
Integrated fleet management, data integration, and reporting tools for unmatched operational insigh
Mechanical Fault Detection – A Closer Look
One of the Si2x’s most valuable modes is its ability to diagnose mechanical noise issues. Faulty bearings, gears, and other moving parts can generate vibrations that transmit through the air as audible or ultrasonic noise.
With the Si2x-Series:
Bearings in poor condition can be detected early by identifying grinding, squeaking, or rumbling noises.
The MSI system flags whether noise is mechanical in nature.
MECH Mode quantifies mechanical noise, providing engineers with hard metrics to compare against similar equipment and track deterioration over time.
By combining this data with leak detection and documentation tools, maintenance teams can make smarter, faster decisions that prevent costly downtime.
Transitioning to the New Models
With the launch of the updated Si2x-Series, FLIR has announced a clear transition plan:
Pre-orders are open now to ensure availability.
Distributors are advised to sell off existing ATEX-only demo units to make room for updated stock.
After a short transition, the ATEX-only versions will be discontinued, replaced by the combined ATEX & IECEx-certified models.
Why This Update Matters for Customers
For businesses operating in oil and gas, chemical plants, power generation, or any hazardous industrial environment, the updated FLIR Si2x-Series provides a crucial combination of safety, compliance, and performance.
Compliance: Meets international standards, ensuring operations align with regional laws.
Confidence: Certified safe for explosive environments, giving peace of mind to teams in the field.
Capability: Industry-leading acoustic imaging, decision support, and mechanical diagnostics make it the ultimate tool for predictive maintenance.
Final Thoughts
The updated FLIR Si2x-Series Acoustic Imaging Cameras represent more than just a certification upgrade – they mark a step forward in global usability, safety compliance, and advanced performance.
By achieving both ATEX and IECEx certifications, FLIR ensures that customers across the world can confidently deploy these devices in hazardous environments. And with unrivalled acoustic imaging performance, leak detection, and mechanical fault diagnostics, the Si2x-Series is set to remain the go-to choice for reliability, efficiency, and safety in industrial operations.
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