Where are explosion proof lights required?
Before we understand where Explosion Proof Led Light are used, we should cover what it is and isn’t in more detail. Many people think explosion proof lighting is lighting capable of surviving an actual explosion since it is used in areas where hazardous materials are present, but it has nothing to do with that aspect. Explosion proof lighting is a type of fixture which can be exposed to certain elements, such as chemicals, gases, or high heat, that is designed to be protected against the fixture itself exploding from being exposed to these harsher conditions and environment. This feature is important because if the fixture explodes it won’t send glass flying everywhere. Certified explosion proof lights are required by OSHA for hazardous locations, such as areas containing flammable vapors, liquids or gases, or combustible dust or fibers. It is these types of environments that help categorize what Class and Division an explosion proof light is certified for. Class and Division Explained There are three classes of explosion proof lights, known as Class I, Class II, and Class III. These are the broadest sense in which explosion proof lights are distinguished from each other. The classes are then each broken down further into two separate divisions. The three classes and their corresponding divisions: - Class I, Division 1 – Where ignitable concentrations of flammable gases, vapors or liquids are present continuously or frequently within the atmosphere under normal operation conditions. - Class I, Division 2 – Where ignitable concentrations of flammable gases, vapors, or liquids are present within the atmosphere under abnormal operating conditions. - Class II, Division 1 – Where ignitable concentrations of combustible dusts are present within the atmosphere under normal operation conditions. - Class II, Division 2 – Where ignitable concentrations of combustible dust are present within the atmosphere under abnormal operating conditions. - Class III, Division 1 – Where easily ignitable fibers or materials producing combustible flyings are present within the atmosphere under normal operation conditions. - Class III, Division 2 – Where easily ignitable fibers or materials producing combustible flyings are present within the atmosphere under abnormal operating conditions. Common hazardous locations Hazardous location lights are lighting fixtures placed or used in a location where a fire could start after hazardous materials come into contact with lighting fixtures. The materials could be combustible, flammable, or ignitable, and could be vapors, dust, gases, or fibers. In certain situations, electrical equipment could also create a fire risk. According to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), hazardous locations are those areas “where fire or explosion hazards may exist due to flammable liquids, vapors or gases, combustible dust or ignitable fibers or flyings。 Common hazardous locations include paint booths, food processing plants, oil and gas refineries, fuel and chemical processing plants, etc. You'll find that several sectors such as oil refineries, chemical plants, food processing industries, and mines utilize Ex-Proof lighting. And, Standard lighting falls short of overcoming the unique challenges when operating in hazardous areas.Most explosion-proof lights are equipped with rubber gaskets or encased in thick glass. What are the advantages of using Explosion Proof Led Lights in these places? Higher Safety: Explosion Proof LED Light have explosion-proof function, which can be safely used in flammable and explosive places, reducing the risk of explosion accidents. Stronger Durability: Explosion Proof LED Light are made of high-strength materials and can withstand higher impacts and vibrations, with strong durability. Wider Applicability: Explosion Proof LED Light are suitable for various dangerous places, such as oil fields, refineries, chemical plants, etc. Energy-saving and Environmental Protection: High Bay Explosion Proof LED Light use LED light source, which can save energy, reduce energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions compared with traditional flood lights. Higher Reliability: Explosion Proof LED Lights use high-quality electronic components and waterproof design, with high reliability and can work normally under harsh weather conditions. Read the full article
