Explosion Proof Lighting

What are Explosion Proof Lights?

Explosion-proof lighting is designed to be used in hazardous environments and locations where there’s a risk of explosion / ignition due to the presence of flammable gases, liquids, or dust and safety is paramount.

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

This 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.

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 Is the Difference Between Flame Proof and Explosion Proof LED Light Fixtures?

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 flameproof light in place of an explosion-proof light. Only certified Explosion Proof LED lights will work in these types of environments.

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 are the Classifications of LED 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

Division 1 are areas where the flammable vapors or gases are present all or most of the time under normal operating conditions.

Division 2

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.

Groups of Class 1 Locations

There are 4 groups defined for Class 1 Locations that represent the type of gas or vapor.

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

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

This is similar to Class 1 Division 1. These locations contain combustible dust which is suspended in the air in quantities that can produce an explosion if ignited under normal operating conditions.

Division 2

This is similar to Class 1 Division 2. These locations 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.

Groups of Class 2 Locations

There are 3 groups defined for Class 2 Locations and represent the type of dust or combustible particle.

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

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

Class III, 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

Class III, Division 2 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.

What Are the Best Applications for LED Explosion Proof Light Fixtures?

LED Explosion Proof Lighting can replace, 1 for 1, metal halide and fluorescent fixtures. in indoor and outdoor explosive locations. You can use an explosion-proof lighting fixture indoors or outdoors. 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
Refineries and Oil and Gas storage
Grain silos
Water Treatment Facilities

How Does LED Ex-Proof Lighting Work?

The light is designed to prohibit an explosion starting within the fixture from escaping. It is not vapor-tight, as some may think. The light’s design includes a series of channels. These channels cause hot gas or flames that might start inside the fixture to cool down. By the time it leaves the fixture, it’s been defused.

When Does It Make Sense to Use Explosion Proof Lights?

There are rules and regulations that mandate the use of these lights. They’re used in any environment, indoors or outdoors, where a spark from a light could cause an explosion. A refinery or underground mine are good examples of where to use explosion-proof lighting fixtures.

Where Are Your LED Explosion Proof Lighting Fixtures Manufactured?

Our Explosion Proof LED Lighting fixtures are manufactured in our overseas facilities. We stock these fixtures in the USA.

Do you need BAA / TAA (Buy America Act) certified fixtures? We can also supply BAA / TAA versions of some of our explosion-proof fixtures. Our BAA versions usually carry a 4-week production lead time.

What Mounting Bracket Options are available?

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

What’s the best way to install 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.