Hazardous Area Lighting refers to light fixtures designed to be used safely in areas with a fire or explosion hazard. These hazards may include gases, fibers or dust particles that may ignite when exposed to high temperatures or electrical arcing.
Applicable Industry Standards
Various industrial associations and regulatory bodies have established standards to ensure that the right lighting fixtures are used in hazardous settings.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has established over 300 codes and standards to protect every building from fire, electrical and associated hazards. The National Electrical Code (NEC) under the NFPA 70 sets standards related to electrical equipment and wiring. Its Canadian equivalent is the Canadian Electrical Codes (CEC).
Regulations to ensure safe and healthy workplaces are enforced by the Occupational Safety and Hazard Administration (OSHA) of the US Department of Labor.
Ingress Protection or Internationa Protection (IP) rating rates and classifies mechanical casings and electrical enclosures based on the degree of protection they provide from the elements.
IK rating, NEMA, ATEX, IECEx and RoHS are also relevant.
What Counts As Hazardous Location?
OSHA classifies hazardous locations into three categories, which are further divided into groups and divisions.
- Class I Locations
These are areas with flammable gases in quantities sufficient enough to ignite or cause an explosion if they come in contact with open flames, electrical issues or any other sources that could cause a fire.
They are further classified into Group A (acetylene), Group B (hydrogen, butadiene, ethylene oxide, propylene oxide and acrolein), Group C (ethylene, cyclopropane and ethyl ether) and Group D (hydrocarbons, fuels, solvents, etc.)
- Class II Locations
Sites with sufficient quantities of combustible dust in the air that could ignite or cause an explosion fall under this category.
They are further classified into Group E (metal dust), Group F (carbonaceous dust) and Group G (non-conductive dust like plastic, wood, flour, etc.)
- Class III Locations
The areas that contain combustible fibers that may be close to machinery or lighting fixtures and may ignite due to heat or electric spark. This class isn’t divided into groups.
But each class is categorized into divisions with Division 1 referring to normal conditions (e.g. normal plant operations) and Division 2 referring to abnormal conditions (e.g. leakage in the gas container).
If you are unsure of your site’s classification, you can consult your OSHA representative.
Benefits Of Installing Explosion-Proof LED Lights
- Explosion-Proof Design
Explosion-Proof LED Lights are designed to prevent sparks or flames from escaping the internal housing, thanks to the components being encased. It’s safer than standard lighting fixtures that expose the bulb, contacts, wiring and switches to the external atmosphere.
- Greater Mobility
Hazardous area LED lights are resistant to vibrations and can be transported from one place to another using a forklift or other machines with no risk of damage or malfunctioning. It can also be used in settings where the operation may need mobile illumination.
- Tough & Durable
Explosions-proof lighting is manufactured with sturdy materials, making them durable as well.
- High-Efficiency
LED lights are very energy efficient, turning most of the energy they receive into light. This makes them cost-efficient as well.
- Flexible Options
Modern explosion-proof lighting fixtures come in multiple mounting options and modular designs. They allow the light output to be adjusted to your needs.
- Mercury-Free
Hazloc LED lights are mercury-free, making them eco-friendly and cost-effective compare to standard hazloc options.
Risks Of Not Installing Hazardous Area Lighting
- Safety & Health
The greatest risk by choosing not to install hazardous location light fixtures is the increased risk of fire or explosion. They can lead to catastrophic damage to the people and property.
- Non-Compliance Fines
Non-compliance with safety standards could lead to fines and having to change to lights that comply with the code anyway. The organization may even face lawsuits if found to not comply with the codes.
- Reduced Durability
Standard lights unsuitable for hazardous locations may not last long, leading to frequent and costly replacements.
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