Five-Year Energy Savings:
$7,200Average Foot Candles (fc) Achieved:
53 fcThe Backstory
Barrette Outdoor Living, an Oldcastle APG brand, struggled to properly illuminate an existing paint booth with inadequate, exposed fluorescent lighting, leading to a remodel. The Operations Manager, Brandon Hiller, sought LED Lighting Supply's Product Specialist, Joe Hawkins, for expert guidance on the LED lighting upgrade.
The Customer Challenge
The customer needed support in selecting the proper lighting solution for their demanding environment. Barrette Outdoor Living required fixtures for an area that frequently contains flammable paint chemicals and sprays such as lacquers and gelcoat. Additionally, the customer was renovating parts of the booth, including pulling down the ceiling, reframing the walls, and rewiring, while leaving the sprinkler system in place. Due to the intended use of the property, the flammable paint chemical exposure in the environment was not only a concern but also required specialized lighting specifications to comply with local standards. Our team understood that upgrading lighting in hazardous locations involves more complex planning than traditional spaces. The goal was to achieve brighter, safer lighting with minimal shadowing.
LIGHTING PLAN WE CREATED FOR THE CUSTOMER
Lighting Plan Metrics:
- Mounting Height: 10 ft
- Fixture Used: 50 Watt Round Explosion Proof LED Light
- Average Foot Candles Achieved: 53
- Product(s) Used: MLLG-E-EXPLS2-150-50-C1D1
Before
After
The Strategy & Solution
Our customer requested mounting the fixtures near the grating area to prevent glare. LED Lighting Supply’s Product Specialist determined that a smaller light would be most beneficial to achieve the request. After further analysis of the chemicals present in the environment as well as the overall layout of the space, our team recommended a 140°F-rated light as suitable for the project type. Since the most important factor included Class I Division 2 (C1D2) ratings for the lights, the solution was positioned around vapor-proof and explosion-proof options, supported by photometric guidance, proper lighting layout strategies, and custom layout recommendations. The requirements for this space are governed by NEC Article 501. This sets the requirements for electrical equipment in locations where flammable gases or vapors may be present.
The solution included three (3) 50 Watt Round Explosion-Proof Lights at 10-foot mounting heights around the booth.
The Results
Built to withstand harsh, flammable contaminants, these specialty fixtures are rated for exactly the kind of environment our customers’ paint booth presents. Its compact size allowed the team to mount it close to the grating, just as they requested. Brandon, the Operations Manager who led the project with us, highlighted positive results: “We got the lights installed, and they look great! Really brightened up our space!” The result is a safe and evenly lit paint booth.
With just three fixtures installed, the lighting provides an average foot-candle (fc) reading of 53. The recommended foot-candle values in hazardous areas for this project type are between 50 and 100 fc, depending on the size of the area being illuminated. A foot candle is defined as the numerical calculation of the light level. The fixtures and their placement provide uniform lighting in the paint booth for precision, while meeting the requirements of a Class 1 Division 2 space.
Always consult a qualified professional to verify your location's classification.
The upgrade also provides the customer with measurable energy and investment savings. They are projected to save $1,795 on energy costs each year and up to $7,200 after 5 years with the LED lighting upgrade.
Savings and payback the booth will benefit from:
| In 1 Year | In 5 Years |
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Projected figures are estimates. Actual savings may vary.
By upgrading to LED explosion-proof fixtures, the customer achieved:
- $1,795 energy savings annually
- $7,200 energy savings after 5 years with the lights
- Return on investment savings seen within less than 1 year
- A lighting system that is code-compliant for hazardous locations
- A brighter, safer, and more efficient work area
- Decreased maintenance and replacement costs
- Long-term operational savings
