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Lighting DesignExplosion Proof Lighting
Explosion Proof lighting fixtures are installed in hazardous, explosive locations where gas or dust is always present or sometimes present. Explosion proof lights are not vapor tight. The two most common categories are Class 1 Division 1 Lights and Class 1 Division 2 Lights. The difference between the two lies in the nature of the hazardous location. Get Your Free Explosion Proof Lighting Plan
Frequently Asked Questions
We spoke to our customers to find out what questions they have when buying explosion proof lights. If it’s your first time making a purchase with LED Lighting Supply, feel free to call us at (888) 423-3191 to speak directly with one of our lighting experts.
General
How Do You Determine If an LED Light Is Explosion Proof?
In the USA, the light needs to be certified to UL844 standard. Beyond that, you have to determine what certification applies - Class 1 Div 1 and Class 1 Div 2 are the most common.Â
There are other certifications – like ATEX, that apply to other countries, but in the USA, Canada and locations near here, make sure it is UL844 certified.
Are All LED Lights Explosion Proof?
Not all LED lights are explosion proof. The fixture needs to have been tested under the UL844 certification to be considered explosion proof. Do not confuse vapor proof with explosion proof, they are not the same thing. Never use a vapor tight fixture in an environment where explosion proof is needed.
Why Would an LED Bulb Explode?
An LED bulb, by itself, should never explode. But if this bulb inadvertently creates a spark in an explosive environment, it could cause an explosion. By nature, a spark, or explosion inside an explosion proof fixture, will never escape outside the fixture.
What Is the Difference Between Flameproof and Explosion Proof?
A flame proof light is one that is built with materials that inhibit flames. Explosion proof lights are lights designed to run safely in a hazardous environment. A flame proof light should never be used in place of an explosion proof light in a hazardous environment.
What Are Intrinsically Safe LED Lights?
Intrinsically safe lighting fixtures differ from explosion proof lighting fixtures in that they are designed so they cannot create an explosion or spark. For the most part, they tend to be low power, low voltage lighting and often are battery-powered.
Are Vapor Tight Rated Fixtures Explosion Proof?
No. A vapor tight fixture is designed to keep non-explosive gases and dust from entering the fixture and causing premature failure of the fixture. It is not designed to keep an explosion caused by the fixture from escaping into the external hazardous environment it’s installed in. Although we sell LED Vapor Tight fixtures, they should never be used to replace an explosion-rated fixture.
Before You Buy
How Does Explosion Proof Lighting Work?
The light is designed to prohibit an explosion that might start within the fixture from escaping to the environment it’s installed in. It is not vapor tight, as some may think. The light is designed with a series of channels causing any explosion that might start inside the fixture to cool down – and by the time it leaves the fixture, it’s been de-fused.
Where Are Your Explosion Proof Lights Manufactured?
Our explosion proof fixtures are manufactured in our overseas facilities and we stock these fixtures in the USA. If a BAA (Buy America Act - usually required for government contracts) explosion proof fixture is required, we can also supply the USA made versions. Our BAA versions usually carry a 4-week production lead-time.
What Temperature Can the Explosion Proof Lights Handle?
Our explosion proof fixtures are rated between 121F to 149F (up to 185F for Exit Signs). We indicate on each product what the upper operating temperature is.
Do You Have a Portable Battery-Operated Explosion Proof Light?
We have a battery-operated portable work light that works off batteries. It weighs 15 pounds and can be carried to locations where you need instant explosion proof rated lighting. It is both Class 1 Div 1 and Class 1 Div 2 rated.
Do You Have Any Explosion Proof Lights That Would Be Considered Shatter-proof in the Event of a Fall?
Our explosion proof lights are all IK10 rated. This is the highest impact rating that can be obtained by any LED Fixture. All our fixtures come with a tempered glass lens that is IK10 rated-shatter proof.
Where are Hazardous Area/Explosion Proof Lights Used?
Hazardous area/explosion proof lights should be used in areas where hazardous gas and dust conditions exist all the time or some of the time.
What Are the Different Types of Hazardous Area/Explosion Proof Lights?
Our explosion proof lights are also IP65 or higher rated, so they can be used both indoors or outdoors. Our lights are extremely adaptable, so they can replace many existing metal halide and fluorescent fixtures including:
High Bays and Low Bays
Linear Strip Fixture
Flood Lights
Jelly Jars
Temporary Work Lights
Exit Signs
Fixtures and Fittings
What Are the Best Applications for Explosion Proof Lights?
LED explosion proof lights are designed to replace, 1 for 1, existing metal halide and fluorescent fixtures in indoor and outdoor hazardous locations. For new installations, our lights are designed to be installed in hazardous explosive locations. These include industrial applications such as:
Chemical processing plants
Aircraft maintenance areas
Enclosed fueling stations
Paint spray booths
Offshore oil and gas rigs
Chemical storage units
Ship tanks
Refineries
Oil and gas storage
Grain silos
What’s the Difference Between Class Div 1 and Class 1 Div 2 Explosion Proof LED Lights?
Class 1 Division 1 hazardous locations are areas that have flammable gases, vapors, and liquids and are present at all times. Class 1 Division 2 locations are areas that have the same flammable gases, vapors, and liquids but are not present at all times.
What's the Difference Between Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3?
Class 1: Gases - Areas in which flammable gases or vapors are present.
Class 2: Dust - Areas in which combustible dust may be suspended in the air or accumulates on electrical equipment.
Class 3: Fibers Areas in which easily ignitable fibers are present.Â
Can you use a Division 1 Fixture of a class in a Division 2 Area of the Same Class?
Yes, that assumes that both have the same grouping certification. For example, Class 1, Div 1, Group C can be used in Class 1, Div 2, Group C.
Can You Substitute a Class 1 Fixture in Classes 2 or 3?
No. Unlike divisions described above, you cannot swap fixtures among classes. It is either rated for the Class you need or it isn't.
How Do Classes and Divisions Translate to Zones?
Class 1, Division 1: Zones 0,1
Class 1, Division 2: Zones 2
Class 2, Division 1: Zone 20
Class 2, Division 2: Zone 22
Class 3, Division 1: No equivalence
Class 3, Division 2: No equivalence
What Are The Groups in Class 1?
Group A: Acetylene
Group B: Hydrogen
Group C: Ethylene
Group D: Propane
What are the Groups in Class 2?
Group E: Electrically conductive dust
Group F: Carbonaceous dust
Group G: Agricultural and polymer dust
Installation
What Are the Mounting Bracket Options?
The main and most common mounting options available are:
Pendant – the wiring runs through the pendant into a junction box.
Trunnion / Yoke Mount – wired with flex pipe to a junction box.
There are some custom mounts that are also available:
Slip Fitter / Pipe Mount – For pole mounting – square fixture
Surface Mount Arm - for wall mounting
Stanchion Mounting - for pole mounting – round fixture
Explosion Proof Ceiling Mount
Explosion Proof Wall Mount
Explosion Proof Pendant Mount
Does it Come With a Whip?
It does not, and the reason is, everything inside a hazardous location room needs to be explosion rated, including the junction boxes and conduit that supplies power to the fixture. Unlike a normal high bay, an exposed power cord/whip does not make sense.
How Do I Replace LED Explosion Proof Lights?
Our lights are designed to be a 1 for 1 replacement for metal halide and fluorescent lighting. It should be as simple as removing the existing light and replacing it with the new light. We recommend using a certified electrician who is familiar with explosion proof lighting when replacing these fixtures.
How Do You Layout Explosion Proof Lights?
The best way is to create a lighting plan.
A lighting plan uses specialized lighting software to create a model of your indoor or outdoor space, place explosion proof lighting in this space, and then calculate light levels and how balanced the light is in the area.
It takes away all the guesswork and makes converting to LED lights simple and easy.
