Hazardous Location Lighting

Hazardous Location Lighting

Hazardous Location Lighting

• Certified for Safety
  Engineered to meet UL, NEC, IEC/ATEX, and IECEx standards for hazardous locations.

• Durable & Reliable
  Built to withstand extreme conditions, including explosive gases, dust, and moisture.

• Optimized for Performance
  High-lumen output with energy-efficient LED technology for long-lasting illumination.

What is Hazardous Location Lighting?

Hazardous location lighting refers to lighting fixtures specifically designed for environments where flammable gases, vapors, dust, or fibers are present and could ignite under normal or abnormal operating conditions. These lights are built to meet strict safety standards to prevent explosions and fires, making them essential for industries like oil and gas, chemical processing, manufacturing, and food processing.

Key Characteristics of Hazardous Location Lighting:

• Explosion-Proof Construction: Designed to contain sparks or heat that could ignite flammable substances.

• Ingress Protection (IP) Ratings: Typically high IP ratings to withstand dust, moisture, and corrosive environments.

• Temperature Ratings: Engineered to operate at safe temperatures that won’t ignite surrounding materials.

• Corrosion Resistance: Many fixtures are made from durable materials like aluminum or stainless steel to withstand harsh environments.

Types of Hazardous Location Lighting

Hazardous Location High Bays

Hazardous location high bays are engineered for ceilings over 20 ft., these fixtures feature robust construction to withstand corrosive environments. They are commonly used in oil refineries, chemical plants, and industrial facilities.

Hazardous Location Low Bays

Hazardous location low bays for ceilings under 20 feet, these fixtures provide efficient, focused illumination for confined work areas. They are ideal for storage rooms, loading docks, and other locations where chemicals or vapors are present.

Hazardous Location Flood Lights

Built to illuminate large outdoor areas, these fixtures are ideal for oil rigs, fuel stations, and mining operations. They offer wide beam coverage and reliable performance in extreme temperatures.

Hazardous Location Emergency Lights

Hazardous location emergency lights automatically activate during power outages for safe evacuation in hazardous areas. They include battery backup systems and durable enclosures.

Hazardous Location Lighting vs. Explosion Proof Lighting

Hazardous location lighting is designed for environments where flammable gases, vapors, dust, or fibers are present, posing a risk of fire or explosion. These lights are built to meet strict safety standards and are classified based on the specific hazards of the location (e.g., Class I, II, III, and Divisions/Zones).

Explosion-proof lighting is a type of hazardous location lighting specifically engineered to contain and prevent the ignition of hazardous substances. Instead of avoiding exposure to flammable materials, explosion proof fixtures are constructed to withstand internal explosions and prevent them from spreading into the surrounding atmosphere.

All explosion proof lighting is hazardous location-rated. However, not all hazardous location lighting is rated as explosion proof. The right choice depends on the specific classification and risk level of the environment.

Understanding Hazardous Location Lighting Classifications

Hazardous location lighting classifications define areas where flammable gases, vapors, dust, or fibers may be present, creating a risk of fire or explosion. These classifications, established by the National Electrical Code (NEC) and IEC/ATEX standards, ensure that electrical equipment used in such environments is designed for safety.

Hazardous Location Classes

• Class I – Areas with flammable gases or vapors (e.g., oil refineries, chemical plants).

• Class II – Areas with combustible dust (e.g., grain silos, flour mills).

• Class III – Areas with ignitable fibers or flyings (e.g., textile mills, woodworking facilities).

Each class is further divided into Divisions (NEC) or Zones (IEC/ATEX) based on the likelihood of hazardous materials being present.

Divisions (NEC - North America)

• Division 1 – Hazardous substances are present under normal operating conditions (e.g., inside fuel processing areas).

• Division 2 – Hazardous substances are present only under abnormal conditions, such as leaks or equipment failures (e.g., fuel storage areas).

Zones (IEC/ATEX - International)

• Zone 0 – Explosive gases or vapors are present continuously or for long periods.

• Zone 1 – Explosive gases or vapors are present occasionally during normal operations.

• Zone 2 – Explosive gases or vapors are present only under abnormal conditions (similar to Division 2).

• Zone 20, 21, 22 – Equivalent zones for combustible dust hazards, with Zone 20 being the most hazardous.

Groups (Gas/Dust Hazard Classifications)

Gas Groups (Class I - Flammable Gases & Vapors)

• Group A – Acetylene (highly explosive gas)

• Group B – Hydrogen, butadiene, ethylene oxide (highly flammable gases)

• Group C – Ethylene, diethyl ether, carbon monoxide

• Group D – Propane, methane, gasoline vapors, alcohols

Dust Groups (Class II - Combustible Dust)

• Group E – Metal dust (e.g., aluminum, magnesium, highly conductive and explosive)

• Group F – Carbonaceous dust (e.g., coal, coke, charcoal)

• Group G – Agricultural dust (e.g., grain, flour, wood, plastic)

What are the benefits of explosion proof LED lights?
LED explosion proof lighting enhances safety in hazardous environments by preventing sparks or heat from igniting flammable gases, dust, or fibers. They consume less energy, last longer (50,000+ hours), and emit minimal heat compared to traditional lighting. With high brightness, instant on/off functionality, and durable, corrosion-resistant housing, they withstand extreme conditions, reduce maintenance costs, and ensure reliable lighting in hazardous locations.

What is the difference between Class 1 Div 1 and Class 1 Div 2 lighting?
Class I, Division 1 (C1D1) lights are used in areas where flammable gases or vapors are present regularly under normal conditions. Class I, Division 2 (C1D2) lights are for areas where hazardous gases or vapors only appear under abnormal conditions, like leaks or equipment failures. C1D1 fixtures offer higher protection and are fully sealed, while C1D2 lights are designed for lower-risk areas.

What type of lighting is best for chemical plants?
The best lighting for chemical plants is LED explosion proof light fixtures rated for Class I, Division 1 or Division 2, depending on the area's hazard level. The lights must also be appropriately rated for hazardous location gas Groups (A, B, C, or D) to ensure safety and compatibility with the specific gases or vapors present. These lights provide high durability, energy efficiency, and resistance to chemicals, heat, and corrosion. They should also have IP66 or higher ratings for protection against dust and moisture, ensuring long-lasting performance in harsh environments.

How do I choose the right hazardous area lighting?
To choose the right hazardous area lighting, consider the following:

• Hazard Classification: Identify whether the area is Class I, II, or III and Division 1 or 2, based on the presence of flammable gases, vapors, dust, or fibers.
• Environmental Conditions: Ensure the fixture has the appropriate IP rating for protection against moisture, dust, and corrosion.
• Explosion-Proof vs. Hazardous Location Rated: Explosion-proof lights contain potential ignition sources, while hazardous location lights prevent sparks in lower-risk areas.

What certifications are required for hazardous lighting?
Hazardous lighting must meet specific certifications to ensure safety in explosive or flammable environments. Key certifications include:

• NEC (National Electrical Code): Defines Class I, II, III, and Division 1 & 2 classifications for hazardous locations.
• UL (Underwriters Laboratories): UL 844 certifies lighting for use in hazardous (classified) locations.
• ATEX (Atmosphères Explosibles): Required for hazardous locations in Europe, ensuring compliance with Directive 2014/34/EU.
• IECEx (International Electrotechnical Commission Explosive Atmospheres): Global certification for explosion-proof electrical equipment.
• CSA (Canadian Standards Association): Similar to UL, ensures compliance with Canadian electrical safety codes.

How does hazardous LED lighting improve workplace safety?
Hazardous location LED lighting enhances workplace safety by providing durable, explosion proof fixtures for areas with flammable gases, vapors, dust, or fibers. These lights are built to withstand harsh conditions, reducing the risk of ignition while ensuring consistent visibility. With a long lifespan and high energy efficiency, they minimize maintenance requirements, lowering the need for workers to enter hazardous areas. Additionally, their uniform coverage improves sightlines, helping prevent accidents and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

Are LED lights safer than traditional hazardous lighting?
Yes, LED lights are generally safer than traditional hazardous lighting because they generate less heat, reducing the risk of ignition in volatile environments. They are also more durable, with shatter-resistant designs that prevent broken glass hazards. Additionally, LED technology eliminates the need for ballasts and instead uses drivers, reducing the risk of electrical failures and maintenance-related exposure to dangerous conditions.

What are the maintenance requirements for hazardous location lighting?
Hazardous location lighting requires minimal maintenance due to its durable, sealed construction designed to withstand harsh environments. LED fixtures, in particular, have integrated LEDs with a long lifespan and do not require frequent bulb replacements. This reduces maintenance costs and the need for workers to enter hazardous areas. Regular inspections are necessary to ensure enclosures remain intact and free from contaminants that could compromise safety.

What industries require explosion proof lighting?
Industries that handle flammable gases, vapors, dust, or fibers require explosion proof lighting to prevent ignition hazards. These include oil and gas refineries, chemical processing plants, mining operations, and grain storage facilities. Manufacturing plants, wastewater treatment facilities, and aerospace industries also use explosion proof lighting to ensure compliance with safety regulations and protect workers in high-risk environments.

Explosion Proof Lighting Buyer's Guide