Abstract: A radiation detector for use in hazardous locations, comprising an explosion proof housing with a viewing window and a detector element positioned inside the housing to receive radiation through the viewing window, and means within the housing to apply test radiation onto the external face of the viewing window directly. In one embodiment of the invention the viewing window is recessed in a housing cavity with a flared wall and the test radiation is applied from a housing portion that extends forwardly of the plane of the viewing window. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the housing is formed of front and rear portions which are rotatable in relation to each other, and the viewing window is mounted in a surface of the front portion which is inclined at a 45.degree. angle to the axis of rotation of the portions, and the rear portion has mounting means enabling mounting of the detector so that it can rotate about an axis disposed at a 45.degree.