What is Class 1 Div 2 Lighting?

Hazardous location classifications follow the National Electric Code (NEC) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines to determine appropriate lighting for environments containing ignitable gases, vapors, flammable liquids, or combustible dusts.

Class I Division 2 LED fixtures protect areas where ignitable gases or vapors appear only during abnormal conditions—equipment failures, container leaks, or system malfunctions. While Division 1 environments maintain constant hazardous atmospheres, Division 2 locations face occasional risks when normal containment fails.

The NEC organizes flammable materials into four groups (A, B, C, D) based on ignition properties and explosion pressures. Group A covers acetylene, Group B addresses hydrogen, Group C handles ethylene compounds, and Group D encompasses common industrial gases like methane and propane. Proper group identification ensures your fixtures meet specific ignition prevention requirements.

In typical industrial facilities, hazardous substances remain safely contained within closed systems during normal operations. Only when equipment fails or accidents occur do these materials escape into the surrounding atmosphere. Our experience shows that most customers deal with temporary exposures rather than continuous hazardous conditions, making Division 2 fixtures the appropriate choice for their safety requirements.

What is a Class 1 Div 2 Hazardous Area?

Class 1 hazardous locations contain specific ignitable materials that determine fixture requirements. Group A encompasses acetylene, the most dangerous due to its extremely low ignition energy. Group B covers hydrogen and similar gases with high flame speeds. Group C includes ethylene, propane, and cyclopropane—common in chemical processing. Group D handles propane, butane, methane, gasoline, and benzene—the most frequently encountered industrial vapors.

Division classification depends on frequency of hazardous atmosphere exposure. Division 1 areas maintain continuous or frequent presence of ignitable concentrations. Division 2 locations experience hazardous conditions only during abnormal circumstances like equipment maintenance, system breakdowns, or accidental releases.

We typically recommend Division 2 fixtures for storage areas, loading docks, and equipment rooms where proper ventilation normally prevents vapor accumulation. Division 1 fixtures become necessary in paint mixing rooms, tank interiors, and process vessels where hazardous atmospheres exist during regular operations.

What are the Benefits of Class 1 Div 2 Lighting in Hazardous Locations?

Hazardous location LED fixtures deliver the same core advantages as standard LEDs while meeting strict safety requirements.

• Extended Service Life: Our fixtures provide 50,000+ hour operation without driver replacement. This eliminates dangerous maintenance work in classified areas where hot work permits and gas monitoring are required for lamp changes.
• Immediate Energy Reduction: Achieve 60-75% lower electricity costs versus metal halide or fluorescent systems. Reduced power consumption means lower heat generation—critical for maintaining safe operating temperatures in enclosed hazardous spaces.
• Superior Heat Management: LED technology converts 95% of input power to light instead of waste heat. Cooler fixture temperatures reduce ignition risks while lowering air conditioning demands in climate-controlled chemical storage areas.
• Enhanced Visibility: Consistent illumination eliminates dangerous shadows where vapor leaks might go undetected. Our fixtures maintain 90% initial lumen output throughout their service life for reliable safety monitoring.
• Immediate Full Output: LEDs reach 100% brightness instantly without warm-up periods. Emergency situations require immediate visibility—no waiting for metal halide lamps to restrike after power outages.
• Retrofit-Friendly Installation: Universal voltage drivers (120-277V) work with existing electrical systems. Pre-wired junction boxes maintain hazardous location sealing requirements while speeding installation time.

What are the Best Hazardous Location Applications for Class 1 Division 2 LED Lighting?

Chemical processing facilities need corrosion-resistant aluminum housings that withstand aggressive vapors while providing reliable illumination during equipment maintenance windows.

Aircraft maintenance hangars require explosion-proof fixtures rated for jet fuel vapors with wide beam angles for detailed mechanical inspections.

Covered fueling operations benefit from Group D certified fixtures that handle gasoline vapors while delivering instant illumination for round-the-clock service operations.

Automotive paint booths demand completely sealed enclosures preventing solvent infiltration with high CRI ratings above 80 for accurate color matching.

Marine drilling platforms require fixtures with marine-grade powder coatings and shock-resistant construction to survive saltwater exposure and heavy vibrations from drilling equipment.

Chemical tank farms need low-profile designs with pendant or surface mounting to avoid interference with piping systems while providing adequate ground-level illumination.

Vessel cargo holds benefit from compact fixtures that navigate tight clearances while delivering sufficient light levels for cargo inspection and loading operations.

Petroleum refineries require multi-group rated fixtures capable of high-temperature operation in ambient conditions exceeding typical industrial environments.

Bulk fuel storage terminals need weatherproof enclosures with 120-277V universal drivers for compatibility across diverse electrical distribution systems.

Agricultural grain facilities demand dust-tight construction and vibration resistance to handle mechanical stress from conveyor systems and grain handling equipment.

Commercial dry cleaning operations require chemical-resistant fixtures that maintain consistent output despite exposure to perchloroethylene and other cleaning solvents.

Natural gas power generation facilities need fixtures with emergency circuit compatibility and quick-disconnect wiring for maintenance during planned shutdowns.

Flammable liquid warehouses benefit from high-bay configurations that provide wide-area coverage while maintaining safe clearances from storage tank operations.

Manufacturing plants handling hazardous materials need Class 1 Div 2 certified fixtures that retrofit into existing conduit runs without requiring complete electrical system upgrades.

Safety and Performance Certifications

All our fixtures carry essential certifications including DLC Premium, UL Listed, and ETL Listed approvals. These certifications ensure safety, performance, and energy efficiency while qualifying your project for utility rebates and tax incentives. DLC Premium certification guarantees the highest efficiency standards and maximum rebate eligibility.

5-Year Warranty and Warranty Support

All our lights come with at least a 5-year warranty, and all warranty support is based in the USA. We take customer support seriously, and helping you with a warranty claim is important to us. Our experienced support team understands the importance of keeping your lighting operational and will work quickly to resolve any warranty issues.

Class 1 Division 2 LED Lighting FAQs

Is Atex Rated the Same as Class 1 Div 2?

No, ATEX is a European certification standard while UL844 Class 1 Division 2 is the U.S. requirement. After 17 years installing hazardous location lighting, I've seen facilities mistakenly order ATEX-rated fixtures for American installations. Only UL Listed C1D2 fixtures meet U.S. electrical codes for flammable gas environments.

Can I Get Away with Using a Vapor Tight Fixture when Flammable Gases Are Present?

Absolutely not. Vapor-tight fixtures lack the UL844 certification required for hazardous locations. I've witnessed facilities face serious safety violations and insurance issues when inspectors discover non-compliant lighting in Class 1 environments. The gasket sealing and electrical components in vapor-tight fixtures cannot prevent ignition sources like properly certified C1D2 LED fixtures.

Does Class 1 Div 2 LED Lighting Need to be Sealed?

UL844 certified fixtures arrive completely sealed and ready for installation. The testing process ensures all gaskets, driver compartments, and electrical connections meet explosive atmosphere requirements. No additional sealing compounds or modifications are needed—doing so would actually void the UL certification.

Is IP66 Wet Location Rating a Class 1 Div 2 Rating?

No, IP66 rating only indicates dust and water protection levels. Our C1D2 fixtures typically carry IP66 or higher ratings, but the UL844 explosive atmosphere certification is what qualifies them for hazardous locations. IP ratings address environmental protection while UL844 specifically prevents ignition sources in flammable gas environments.

Is the Cord Rated Class 1 Div 2 or Do I Need to Remove It?

The included power cord is UL844 rated and serves as a wiring reference for electricians. Most installations involve hardwiring directly to the fixture's driver compartment using approved conduit methods. Your local electrical inspector determines specific wiring requirements, but the 12-inch cord shows proper wire gauge and connection points. All electrical connections remain enclosed within the certified housing.

Does Class 1 Div 2 Require Intrinsically Safe Certifications?

Class 1 Division 2 applications don't require intrinsically safe ratings. UL844 explosion-proof and intrinsically safe represent two different safety approaches for hazardous environments. Explosion-proof fixtures contain any potential ignition within their housing, while intrinsically safe devices limit electrical energy below ignition thresholds. Most C1D2 LED fixtures use explosion-proof design.

What Accessories Are Needed to Install Class 1 Div 2 Lighting?

All electrical components within the hazardous area must carry Class 1 Div 2 ratings or higher. This includes junction boxes, conduit fittings, and switch gear. Motion sensors and photocells require separate UL844 certification if installed within the classified area. Contact us with your specific application—we'll identify compliant accessories for your installation.

What is the Best Way to Install Class 1 Div 2 Hazardous Location LED Lighting?

Always hire a qualified electrician experienced with hazardous location installations. UL844 certification becomes void if installation doesn't follow NEC Article 501 requirements. Improper mounting, conduit sealing, or wiring methods create serious safety hazards and code violations.