Explosion Proof LED Lighting For Hazardous Areas

Information about Hazardous/Explosion Proof Fixtures:

Non-Hazardous Area

An area such as a residence or office would be classed as Non Hazardous (safe area), where the only risk of a release of explosive or flammable gas would be such things as the propellant in an aerosol spray. The only explosive or flammable liquid would be paint and brush cleaner. These are classed as very low risk of causing an explosion and are more of a fire risk (although gas explosions in residential buildings do occur). Non hazardous areas on chemical and other plant are present where it is absolutely certain that the hazardous gas is diluted to a concentration below 25% of its lower flammability limit (or lower explosive limit).

Division 2 or Zone 2 Area

This is a step up from the safe area. In this zone the gas, vapor or mist would only be present under abnormal conditions (most often leaks under abnormal conditions). As a general guide for Zone 2, unwanted substances should only be present under 10 hours/year or 0–0.1% of the time.

Division 1 or Zone 1 Area

Gas, vapor or mist will be present or expected to be present for long periods of time under normal operating conditions. As a guide for Zone 1, this can be defined as 10–1000 hours/year or 0.1–10% of the time.

Zone 0 Area

Gas or vapor is present all of the time. An example of this would be the vapor space above the liquid in the top of a tank or drum. The ANSI/NEC classification method considers this environment a Division 1 area. As a guide for Zone 0, this can be defined as over 1000 hours/year or >10% of the time.

Zone 22

A place in which an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in air is not likely to occur in normal operation but, if it does occur, will persist for a short period only.

Zone 21

A place in which an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in air is likely to occur, occasionally, in normal operation.

Zone 20

A place in which an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in air is present continuously, or for long periods or frequently.

What are Hazardous Area/Explosion Proof lights?

Hazardous Area/Explosion Proof lights are extra durable fixtures designed specifically for the toughest environments.

A hazardous area is defined as a place where concentrations of flammable gases, vapors or dust occur. Electrical equipment that must be installed in such locations is specially designed and tested to ensure it does not initiate an explosion, due to arcing contacts or high surface temperature of the equipment.

Explosion proof lighting is not necessarily the same as hazardous area lighting. These types of lights must be able to contain any explosion originating from within its housing to prevent ignition of vapors, gasses, dust or fibers in the area surrounding it.

Where are Hazardous Area/Explosion Proof lights used?

A few common applications for hazardous location fixtures include fabrication workshops, industrial settings, laboratories, food and beverage facilities and warehouses.

Explosion proof fixtures are ideal for oil and gas refineries, drilling rigs, petrochemical facilities, coal mines railways and anywhere flammable vapors, gases, ignitable dusts, fibers or flying debris are often present. Here are some examples of where Hazardous Area Explosion Proof lights are used:

Auto Body Shop Lighting

Mining Operations Lighting

What are the different types of Hazardous Area/Explosion Proof Lights?

Hazardous Area/Explosion Proof lights are available for a wide variety of applications. Examples include linear wall/ceiling fixtures, flood lights, dock lights, high bay lights, wall packs and shop lights. Modern LED lighting systems are the optimal choice of illumination for these types of fixtures.

A classification system is used to determine what type of fixtures are safe for use in particular areas. In North America, hazardous locations are separated into three “Classes” based on the explosive characteristics of the materials. The Classes of material is further separated into “Divisions” or “Zones” based on the risk of fire or explosion that the material poses. The Zone system has three levels of hazard while the Division System has two levels.

What are the benefits of LED Hazardous Area/Explosion Proofs and Shop Lights?

LED lighting technology has developed to the point that it can overcome most of the drawbacks of the technologies previously listed here.