Explosion Proof Lighting Information
Environments containing explosive materials, flammable gasses, vapors or dust require the shielding of any possible ignition source in order to maintain a safe workplace. As these environments are almost always indoors, they require artificial illumination in order to ensure proper visibility and safety for personnel. The light fixtures used for this must meet a number of different requirements, including being specifically designed and certified being explosion proof per the UL 844 Standard.
UL 844 Standard certified explosion proof lighting is unique when compared to traditional fixtures in the way in which it is constructed. Unlike most light fixtures which have unshielded electronics, and enclosures that are open to air, explosion proof fixtures are specifically designed to shield and separate electronics and electrical components from the outside environment. They also must be impact and shock resistant in the event of an accident in order to prevent exposing their electronics to the outside atmosphere.
Our specialized explosion proof lighting is designed to meet all NEMA requirements for hazardous environments. They feature sealed impact resistant non-conductive aluminum housings and can be mounted in a variety of different manners to work in different environments. With heavy duty lenses and thoroughly shielded electronics, they are ideal for any hazardous environment that requires serious lumen output.
Classes and Divisions for Hazardous Area Lighting
Class I, Division 1 – Class I Division 1 lights are necessary in areas where concentrations of vapors, liquids, or gasses such as gasoline exist within the environment under typical operating conditions.
Class I, Division 2 – Class I Division 2 lights are necessary in areas where concentrations of vapors, liquids, or gasses such as gasoline exist within the environment under atypical operating conditions.
Class II, Division 1 – Class II Division 1 lights are necessary in areas where combustible dust such as coal exists within the environment under typical operating conditions.
Class II, Division 2 – Class II Division 2 lights are necessary in areas where combustible dust such as coal exists within the environment under atypical operating conditions.
Class III, Division 1 – Class III Division 1 lights are necessary in areas where ignitable fibers or combustible flyings such as sawdust exist within the environment under typical operating conditions.
Class III, Division 2 – Class III Division 2 lights are necessary in areas where ignitable fibers or combustible flyings such as sawdust exist within the environment under atypical operating conditions.
Explosion Proof Lighting Zone System
The explosion proof lighting zone system is used primarily outside North America in areas such as Europe. Similar to the class and division system, the zone classification system is used in hazardous environments to indicate the type of lighting fixtures that can be used safely. This system is based on the potential for explosive gasses or dust to be present in a particular area.
In this system, hazardous environments are divided into zones based on the likelihood and frequency of the presence of explosive gasses or dust.
The three main zones are:
Zone 0: An area where explosive gas or dust is continuously present or present for long periods of time.
Zone 1: An area where explosive gas or dust is likely to be present under normal operating conditions.
Zone 2: An area where explosive gas or dust is not likely to be present under normal operating conditions, but may be present for short periods of time.
Explosion-proof lighting fixtures are designed and rated for use in each of these zones. These fixtures are constructed in such a way that they will not ignite any flammable substances that may be present in the environment. They are also designed to withstand the potential for explosions, preventing sparks or arcs from being generated.
Types of Explosion Proof LED Lighting Fixtures
Common types of explosion proof LED lighting fixtures include but are not limited to the following:
Explosion Proof Flood Lights
Explosion Proof Strip Lights
Explosion Proof Jelly Jar Lights
Explosion Proof Vapor Tight Lights
Explosion Proof High Bays
Round Explosion Proof Lights
Square Explosion Proof Lights
Explosion Proof Lighting Accessories
LED explosion-proof lighting accessories are additional components or features that can be added to explosion-proof LED lighting fixtures to enhance their functionality, safety, or durability. These accessories may include but are not limited to the following:
Cable Junction Box
Straight Swing Pipe
90 Degree Stanchion Arm
Stanchion Arm
Bended Pipe
Straight Chain
Hook Mount
What is The Cost of Explosion Proof Lights?
The cost of explosion-proof lighting fixtures can vary depending on several factors, including the type of fixture, the level of explosion protection required, the materials used in construction, and the manufacturer.
As a general estimate, basic explosion-proof lighting fixtures can start at around $100, while more advanced and durable fixtures can cost several hundred or even thousands of dollars.
Generally speaking, if you find an explosion proof lighting fixture that’s under $400, it’s unlikely that this fixture is properly certified to withstand hazardous environments.
The explosion proof lighting fixtures at our store range from $435 up to $1,436 depending on the style, power, and environment where the fixture needs to operate in.
Explosion Proof Lighting Applications
Explosion proof lights are used in hazardous areas that have a high risk of accidental fires or explosions. These environments usually have some level of flammable gasses, vapors, dust or liquids that are present that can potentially ignite and create explosions. Common applications include but are not limited to the following:
- Chemical Warehouses
- Machine Shops
- Refineries
- Petrochemical Facilities
- Oil and Gas Production Facilities
- Coal Mines
- Power Plants
- Grain Processing Facilities
- Wood Sawmills
- Steel Mills
- Metal Foundries
Explosion Proof Lighting Layout
Our LED lighting experts designed a explosion proof lighting layout for a tanker fuel pumping station. Using photometric software we placed 4 LED round explosion proof lights around the area to ensure 30 foot candles of illumination
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is explosion proof lighting?
This is lighting that is intended for hazardous environments containing combustible dust or flammable gasses, such as a manufacturing facility, petroleum refinery, chemical plant, etc. These fixtures feature heavy duty sealed housings and shielded electronic components.
Q. How does explosion proof lighting work?
The purpose behind lighting being explosion proof is to prevent combustible dust or gasses coming in contact with electronic or electrical components. In order for this to be achieved, fixtures must feature heavy duty housings that are thoroughly sealed from the outside atmosphere, and usually have special extra steps taken to properly shield electronics.
Q. Where is explosion proof lighting required?
This type of lighting is specifically required in any hazardous environment that contains potentially combustible gasses or dust. These are usually industrial manufacturing or production facilities, such as chemical plants, metal foundries, etc.
Q. What is Class 1 Div 1?
This is an area where gasses, vapors or liquids may exist under normal conditions that have the potential to become flammable or ignitable.
Q. What is Class 1 Div 2?
This is an area where explosive or flammable gasses, vapors or liquids usually will not be present under normal conditions.
Q. What is the difference between Class 1 Div 1 and Class 1 Div 2?
The primary difference between these two classes has to do with the likelihood of the presence of flammable, explosive or otherwise ignitable gasses, vapors or liquids in a particular area. Class 1 Div 1 is a higher risk environment where the possibility of accidental or unintentional explosions can happen, whereas Class 1 Div 2 is a lower risk environment where the possibility of this occurring is substantially reduced.