Harsh Environment LED Lighting

Frequently Asked Questions

There’s a lot of questions around harsh environment LED lighting, so we’ve curated a list from first time buyers and repeat customers. Check out our most frequently asked questions below or call us on (888) 423-3191 to find the right lighting for you.

What Is Harsh Environment LED Lighting?

Harsh Environment LED lighting is a broad category of lights designed to work well in areas that are typically harder on lighting than general areas. There is not one particular environment or situation that uniquely defines “harsh”, as it could include areas of high temperatures, food processing, or offshore environments where salt water and spray are constant. These lights are typically more robust, with high impact ratings, large components and higher grade finishes to be able to withstand a particularly harsh environment.

What Are the Benefits of Harsh Location Lighting?

A harsh environment light is designed to provide years of trouble free, maintenance free lighting. No one wants to purchase harsh environment LED lighting and have them fail in a short period of time.

When Does It Make Sense to Use Harsh Environment LED Lighting?

If you have an environment where explosive materials, such as gas or dust, are always or sometimes present in concentrations that a spark from a light could create an explosion, then hazardous location lighting must be used. Your local government will usually mandate the use of these lights in such conditions.

What Are the Different Types of Lights That Can Be Used in Harsh Environments?

In areas where food or human consumables are being produced, NSF Food Safe Lights are your best option. In manufacturing environments with large spaces and high ceiling, industrial-grade High Bay lights are a great option. In high ambient environments, high temperature LED lights are your best choice. In parking garages where car exhaust would harm the internal components of a light, choose Vapor Proof lighting. And in offshore or nearshore locations where salt water is present, choose fixtures with a marine-grade finish.

What Makes Light Fixtures Durable Enough for Harsh Environments?

It depends on the type of light. For the most part, these lights are very robust, industrial grade with heavier casting, high impact ratings, and epoxy or special powder coating finishes. In the case of explosion proof lighting, it's the lights’ design and engineering that keeps sparks and explosions created inside the light from causing an explosion outside the light. And in the case of high temperature lighting, it's the heavy duty heat sinks and other design factors that allow them to operate in these high temperatures.

How Do You Install Lighting in Harsh Environments?

As always, a licensed electrician who is familiar with this type of harsh environment is your best option. Following the provided instructions and following local code is the best way to install these fixtures.

Do You Need a Harsh Environment LED Lighting Plan?

A lighting plan uses specialized lighting software to create a model of your Harsh Environment indoor or outdoor space. It will detail light locations, light measurements and how balanced the light is across the entire space

It takes away all the guesswork and makes converting to LED lights simple and easy.