What are LED Explosion Proof Lights?

LED Explosion Proof lighting (or hazardous environment lights ) is designed to be used in hazardous environments where there’s a risk of explosion/ignition due to the presence of flammable gasses, liquids, or dust and safety is paramount.

Engineers design explosion-proof lighting systems to contain an explosion if created inside the fixture. More importantly, it’s inherently designed to prevent that explosion from escaping the fixture.

This hazardous area lighting is commonplace in industrial and commercial hazardous environments, such as oil and gas facilities, chemical plants, underground mines, water treatment plants, paint spray booths, and grain elevators.

LED explosion-proof lights are known for their great light quality and energy efficiency over traditional HID explosion-proof lights.

What are the Benefits of Using LED Explosion Proof Lighting Fixtures?

• Designed for Hazardous Locations: these lights are UL844 Tested to work in these dangerous environments.
• Long Life: Years of maintenance-free life without bulb or ballast changes reducing or eliminating maintenance costs
• Energy Efficiency and Reduced Energy Bills: You can expect to reduce your energy costs and lighting bills by 50% to 75% with lower energy consumption versus traditional lighting.
• Quick Pay Back / ROI: The savings in energy will create a short ROI. And the higher the utility cost per kWh, the faster the payback.
• Environmental Impact: There are no harsh chemicals like mercury in LED explosion-proof lighting. So while you should properly dispose of them at the end of life, there are no costly charges like there are with fluorescent lighting.
• Safer Areas: LED Lights are reliable and produce high-quality lighting for a long period versus metal halide and fluorescent lighting. It keeps the areas lit by LED explosion-proof lights safer and well-lit.
• Instant On: LED Lights turn to 100% the moment you hit the light switch.
• Easy to install: There is nothing difficult about installing and wiring our explosion-proof lights for new installations or replacing old high bays. All instructions are included. We recommend using a licensed electrician familiar with installations in hazardous locations.

What are the Best Applications for Explosion Proof LED Lighting?

LED Explosion Proof Lighting can replace, 1 for 1, metal halide and fluorescent fixtures in indoor and outdoor explosive locations and industrial settings. LED Lights will pay for themselves with energy savings in a short period. You can use explosion-proof LED lighting indoors or outdoors as they are wet location rated. You can use them in new or existing facilities for the following applications:

• Chemical processing plants
• Aircraft maintenance areas
• Enclosed fueling stations
• Paint spray booths
• Offshore oil and gas rigs
• Chemical storage units
• Ship tanks
• Oil and Gas Refineries and storage
• Grain silos
• Water Treatment Facilities

How Can You Determine If a Light Is Explosion-Proof Rated for Hazardous Locations?

In the USA, the light requires a certification to UL844 standard. Beyond that, you have to determine what certification applies – Class 1 Division 1 and Class 1 Division 2 are the most common.

There are other certifications – like ATEX, that apply to other countries. In the USA, Canada, and locations near here, make sure it is UL844 certified. Canada also certifies explosion-proof lighting under CSA. Explosion-proof light fixtures manufacturers are required to ensure their products conform to these standards. All of LED Lighting Supply's do.

What LED Explosion Proof Light Is Best for You?

Class 1 Division 1 LED Lighting	LED explosion proof lighting that is UL tested (UL844) to the class 1 division 1 standard.
Class 1 Division 2 LED Lighting	LED explosion proof lighting that is UL tested (UL844) to the class 1 division 2 standard.
Explosion Proof LED Round Lights	LED Explosion Proof Lighting with a round fixture. These lights are available in Class 1 Div 1, Class 1 Div 2, Class 2 Div 1, and Class 2 Div 2. These lights are a good choice for ceiling, wall, or pole mountings.
Explosion Proof LED Square Lights	LED Explosion Proof Lighting with a square fixture. These lights are available in Class 1 Div 1, Class 1 Div 2, Class 2 Div 1, and Class 2 Div 2. These lights are wall or ceiling-mounted and a good option where a high bay is needed in a hazardous location.
Explosion-Proof Jelly Jar Lights	These LED explosion proof jelly jar lights are smaller wattage lights and great for lighting up small and tight areas where lighting is needed.
High-Temperature Explosion Proof Lighting	LED explosion proof lighting designed to work in ambient temperatures that are generally too hot for normal explosion-proof lights. They're rated to work in temperatures up to 176F.
Explosion Proof Flood Lighting	These explosion proof flood lights can be used indoors or outdoors
Explosion Proof Strip Lighting	The LED Explosion Proof Linear / Strip lights are a great replacement for fluorescent fixtures. Common uses are service pit areas and paint booths.
Vapor Proof Explosion Proof Lighting	These explosion proof lights are also vapor proof. This means that the fixture keeps the outside environment sealed from entering the fixture itself.

Classifications of Explosion-Proof Lighting

Class I Locations: Flammable Gases, Vapors, or Liquids

Class I are areas where vapors and/or gases can ignite and are present in enough quantity to create an explosion. Vapors are gases present over a liquid material under normal conditions. But they may emit gases that may be flammable.

• Division 1 are areas where the flammable vapors or gases are present all or most of the time under normal operating conditions.
• Division 2 is areas where ignitable gases or vapors are not present under normal operating conditions. Or they are areas next to Class I, Division 1 locations where barriers, walls, or doors do not exist.

Class II Locations: Combustible Dust and Hazardous Substances

These are locations that are hazardous because of the presence of combustible dust. The dust must be present in large enough quantities to create an explosion or fire. To be classified as dust, the material must be 420 microns (0.420 mm) or smaller.

• Division 1 are locations containing combustible dust which is suspended in the air in quantities that can produce an explosion if ignited under normal operating conditions.
• Division 2 is locations that do not have combustible dust under normal operating conditions. However, there are times when this area may accumulate dust in quantities large enough that when ignited causes an explosion.

Class III Locations: Ignitable Flyings and Fibers

Class III locations are areas that have the presence of ignitable flyings or fibers. It’s important to note that these fibers or flyings are not likely to be in suspension during normal operating conditions. These are conditions that sometimes happen but not always.

• Division 1 locations have equipment that produces the ignitable fibers or flyings. This location has concentrations of ignitable flyings or fibers that exist all or some of the time under normal operating conditions.
• Division 2 are locations outside of the manufacturing area that are exposed to ignitable fibers or flyings. These hazardous areas have concentrations of ignitable flyings or fibers that typically do not exist under normal operating conditions.

Groups of Class III Locations

There are no groups in Class III locations.

LED Explosion Proof Lighting Groups

Explosion-proof lighting fixtures are classified into various letter groupings. These help identify the types of hazardous products and materials they can safely operate in.

Groups of Class 1 Locations

• Group A: Acetylene
• Group B: Hydrogen
• Group C: Ethylene
• Group D: Gasoline / Propane

Groups of Class 2 Locations

• Group E: Electrical-conductive dust
• Group F: Carbonaceous dust
• Group G: Agricultural and polymer dust

LED Explosion Proof Lighting Zones

Zones are not part of the UL844 Explosion Proof standard but are more common in the European standard of explosion-proof classifications. The zone classification system is used to indicate what type of fixture can be used within the zone and operate safely.

• Zone 0: Areas where explosive gas or dust is always present or present for long periods.
• Zone 1: Areas where explosive gas or dust is sometimes present under normal operating conditions.
• Zone 2: Areas where explosive gas or dust is not likely present under normal operating conditions but may occur occasionally.

Learn More About LED Explosion Proof Lighting Standards

• UL - Underwriters Laboratories: The UL Standard 844 covers luminaires for use in hazardous locations.
• IEC - International Electrotechnical Commission: International standards organization including the IECEx system.
• NFPA - National Fire Protection Association: The NFPA publishes the National Electrical Code (NEC) - USA. It includes installation guidelines for electrical equipment in hazardous locations.
• CSA - Canadian Standards Association: Canadian Standard.
• ATEX - ATmospheric EXplosive: European Union Standard - does not apply in the USA

Need Help? Talk to an Explosion Proof Lighting Expert.

Understanding explosion-proof lighting and hazardous location lighting isn't easy. And unlike other forms of lighting, there are real dangers with these types of environments. Choosing the right type of lighting is paramount.

The sales engineers of LED Lighting Supply are experts in explosion proof LED lighting solutions. They can ensure the lights you want are right for the environment and will operate safely. Further, we can provide you with a free lighting plan to make sure the area is well-lit and the lighting is balanced.

Completed Industrial Lighting Projects using LED Lighting Supply LED Explosion Proof Lights

LED Explosion Proof Lights FAQ

What are Explosion Proof Lights?

Explosion-proof lighting is fixtures designed to be used in locations where there’s a risk of explosion / ignition due to the presence of flammable gases, liquids, or dust. Engineers designed explosion-proof lighting so that it contains an explosion, if created inside the fixture, within the light fixture itself. More importantly, it’s inherently designed to prevent that explosion from escaping the fixture. Explosion-proof lighting is commonplace in industrial and commercial applications, such as oil and gas facilities, chemical plants, underground mines, water treatment plants, paint spray booths, and grain elevators.

How Do You Determine If a Light Is Explosion Proof?

In the USA, the light requires a certification to UL844 standard. Beyond that, you have to determine what certification applies – Class 1 Division 1 and Class 1 Division 2 are the most common. There are other certifications – like ATEX, that apply to other countries. In the USA, Canada and locations near here, make sure it is UL844 certified.

What are Hazardous Location Lights?

A hazardous location light is just another name for an explosion-proof light. It also includes intrinsically safe lighting which also works in areas containing hazardous materials.

What Is the Difference Between an Explosion Proof LED Light and an Intrinsically Safe Light?

An intrinsically safe light is designed never to create a spark or flame. Intrinsically safe lights are commonly battery-powered fixtures, like flashlights. An explosion-proof LED light is designed so that any explosion that might be generated inside the fixture due to component failure never escapes the fixture and causes an explosion in the outside environment.

What Is the Difference Between Flame Proof and an Explosion Proof LED Light?

A flameproof light is one that’s built with materials that inhibit flames. An explosion-proof LED light is designed to operate in an explosive environment. Never use a flame-proof light in place of an explosion-proof light. Only certified Explosion Proof Lighting Fixtures will work in these types of environments.

What Is the Difference Between Vapor Tight Lighting and Explosion Proof Lighting?

Vapor tight lighting is designed to seal out the environment from entering inside the fixture. Its purpose is to ensure the survivability of the lighting components. However, it is not intrinsically safe nor explosion proof, as it's not designed to contain an explosion inside the fixture. We do offer some vapor-tight explosion-proof fixtures. Of note, explosion-proof lighting is not vapor-tight, unless you purchase a vapor tight explosion proof fixture. Never use a vapor tight light to replace an explosion proof fixture.

When You Should Use LED Explosion-Proof Lighting?

Some rules and regulations mandate the use of these lights. They’re used in any environment, indoors or outdoors, where a spark from LED light fixtures or electrical equipment could cause an explosion. A refinery or underground mine is a good example of where to use explosion-proof lighting fixtures. A value-added explosion proof LED lighting manufacturer can also assist in determining if this type of lighting is needed for your project.

Are All LED Lights Explosion Proof?

Not all LED lights are explosion-proof. The fixture tested under the UL844 certification meets explosion-proof requirements. Do not confuse vapor-proof with explosion-proof, they are not the same thing. Never use vapor-tight fixtures in an environment where explosion-proof lighting is required.

What is Class 1 Division 1 Lighting?

These are lights designed to work in an explosive hazardous location where gas or flammable liquids are always present.

What is Class 1 Division 2 Lighting?

These are lights designed to work in an explosive hazardous location where gas or flammable liquids are sometimes present. For example, a room that contains a sealed vessel that is opened for servicing. At that moment, an explosive environment could be created.

What is Class 2 Division 1 Lighting?

These are lights designed to work in an explosive hazardous location where dust or flammable fibers are always present.

What is Class 2 Division 2 Lighting?

These are lights designed to work in an explosive hazardous location where dust or flammable fibers are sometimes present.

Can You Substitute a Class 1 Fixture for Classes 2 or 3?

No. Unlike divisions described above, you cannot swap an explosion-proof lighting fixture among classes. It is either rated for the Class you need or it isn’t.

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, C1D1, Group C can substitute in C1D2, Group C areas.

Is Replacing Metal Halide and Fluorescent Explosion Proof Lights with LED Recommended?

Yes. LED lights use less energy, are more energy efficient, last a long time, and are virtually maintenance-free. They also produce a lot less heat than an equivalent lumens metal halide light, so the fixture casing is cool to the touch.

Do You Offer Explosion Proof Motion Sensors and Photocells?

We do. We have a motion sensor available that’s a junction box that can control multiple lights, as well as an accessory that attaches through one of the fixture’s NPT sockets. We also have a photocell junction box. You can find them in our Accessory Section.

What's the Best Way to Install LED Explosion Proof Lighting?

Always use a licensed and certified electrician who is knowledgeable in explosion-proof installations.

Everything in the area (light, conduit, switches, junction boxes) must be rated accordingly (not just the lights). Using an electrician familiar with these rules, guidelines, and processes will keep everything safe.

Our fixtures do not come with a whip or cord. Everything inside these areas needs to be explosion-rated. This includes junction boxes and conduits that supply power to the fixture. Unlike a normal high bay, an exposed power cord/whip does not make sense.