Stray sparks can set off a buildup of flammable gasses and materials, which is why having explosion proof lighting is important. We have several explosion proof fixtures that will give you great lighting while also allowing you to take your mind off your hardware. Our explosion proof lighting fixtures use powerful LED technology to help create widespread illumination while minimizing risk.
Each of these LED explosion proof lighting fixtures is classified by which areas it is best suited for. Check out our zoning information at the bottom of the page to make sure you get the right match for the area you intended to work in. This will ensure you get hazardous area LED light fixtures with the reliability you need.
Information about Hazardous/Explosion Proof Fixtures:
- Hazardous area/explosion proof fixtures are extra durable fixtures designed specifically for the toughest environments. Hazardous Area/Explosion Proof Lighting from Warehouse-Lighting.com delivers superior illumination in the most extreme environments.
- A hazardous location 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 that can be used in a range of settings is not necessarily the same as hazardous. For instance, explosion proof can be used in commercial kitchens to avoid accidents caused by shattered light fixtures.
- A few common applications for this type of fixture includes fabrication workshops, industrial settings, laboratories, and warehouses. The use of this fixture ensures a safe option which will not shatter under extreme conditions which is ideal for such tough settings.
- Scroll down to the bottom of the page to see detailed descriptions of all divisions, zones, and classifications of hazardous areas.
Gas Divisions or Zones
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.
Dust Zones
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.
ANSI/NFPA/NEC Areas Description
- Class 1, Div. 1 - Where ignitable concentrations of flammable gases, vapors or liquids are present continuously or frequently within the atmosphere under normal operation conditions.
- Class 1, Div. 2 - Where ignitable concentrations of flammable gases, vapors, or liquids are present within the atmosphere under abnormal operating conditions.
- Class 2, Div. 1 - Where ignitable concentrations of combustible dusts are present within the atmosphere under normal operation conditions.
- Class 2, Div. 2 - Where ignitable concentrations of combustible dust are present within the atmosphere under abnormal operating conditions.
- Class 3, Div. 1 - Where easily ignitable fibers or materials producing combustible flyings are present within the atmosphere under normal operation conditions.
- Class 3, Div. 2 - Where easily ignitable fibers or materials producing combustible flyings are present within the atmosphere under abnormal operating conditions.
- Class 1 Areas: Group A: Acetylene / Group B: Hydrogen / Group C: Propane and Ethylene / Group D: Benzene, Butane, Methane & Propane
- Class 2 Areas: Group E: Metal Dust / Group F: Carbon & Charcoal / Group G: Flour, Starch, Wood & Plastic
- Class 3 Areas: NO GROUP: Cotton & Sawdust
Frequently Asked Questions - Explosion Proof Lighting Systems
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:
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.
- Lighting quality is superior in terms of color rendering, color temperature and lumen output (compared to wattage used).
- They have a much longer lifespan which means that the lights need to be replaced less frequently than other types. This is particularly important when it comes to any Hazardous Area/Explosion Proof lighting that requires lifts or scaffolding to reach the fixtures.
- Although LED lighting is more expensive initially upon point of purchase, costs are more than made up in the long term due to the fact that they consume much less energy than conventional lights. This saves on utility costs over time. They also don’t waste energy emitted as heat.
