Flir Receives UL 2684 Listing for Thermal Imaging Cameras Used in Fire Detection
FLIR's A40 and A70 thermal imaging cameras are the first systems to be UL 2684-listed for fire detection. The certification provides additional evidence for designers and operators
FLIR’s A40 and A70 thermal imaging cameras are the first systems to be listed under the U.S. standard UL 2684 for video and thermal imaging detectors in fire alarm systems. This provides independent verification of the cameras’ suitability for fire detection.
The certification applies to the radiometric thermal imaging cameras in the Axx series. Unlike conventional fire detectors, these systems continuously measure temperature values within their field of view and can detect unusual heat patterns before smoke or open flames develop.
UL 2684 is a North American product standard developed specifically for video and thermal imaging detectors. For European users, however, this listing does not replace existing approval requirements. Standards such as EN 54, as well as national certification systems—such as those of VdS in Germany or CNPP in France—remain valid. The certification can, however, serve as additional technical evidence during the design and approval of such systems.
FLIR sees this technology as particularly useful in applications with an increased risk of fire. These include waste and recycling facilities, industrial production sites, battery energy storage systems, data centers, and photovoltaic systems. In these areas, critical temperature changes can often become apparent long before smoke or flames develop.
The systems use a combination of thermal imaging and visual cameras. In addition to the actual temperature monitoring, this also provides a visual image of the monitored scene. Alarms can be triggered, for example, by temperature thresholds, temperature differences, or rate-of-rise values.
With the UL 2684 listing, thermal imaging technology for fire detection receives additional independent performance validation. For planners, operators, and insurers, this provides a broader basis for evaluating such systems. However, European approval procedures and project-specific requirements remain unaffected.
