Lighting a residential or commercial space differs completely from lighting an industrial space. The challenge further multiplies when it is a closed industrial space. Because the hazardous nature of confined spaces itself is a risk for workers. The high possibility of the presence of dust and gas and other flammable liquid particles in a closed industrial environment can’t be denied. Because of this, many businesses that operate in such locations prefer explosion proof LED lights over conventional lights. They are proved to be beneficial in preventing the ignition of flammable gases and dust particles. LED technology has contributed to the features of explosion proof lights by making them more reliable, sturdy, and cost-effective.

Explosion proof doesn’t mean those lights will never explode, but they are designed to isolate sparks within the unit to prevent explosions from escaping and greatly minimize the risk of the explosive reaction from spreading. These lights come with a robust outer casing that covers the lights.

Closed or confined spaces provide an ideal environment for hazardous gases and vapors to accumulate as areas are poorly ventilated, isolated, and usually difficult to maintain compared to other open workspaces of the facility. To overcome all these challenges of confined spaces, explosion proof lights must be used to eliminate or greatly decrease the possibility of fire accidents. Examples of confined spaces include chemical storage tanks, silos and tanker rail cars, etc. 

Conventional explosion proof lights use incandescent and fluorescent fixtures. The lights are not efficient enough to meet the safety requirements of hazardous environments compared to LEDs. Incandescent and fluorescent units offer a lifespan of 1,200+ and 10,000+ hours with a 10-17 and 40-70 lumens-per-watt ratio respectively and have difficulties operating under extreme temperatures and humidity. You need extreme care while handling such lights because they break easily due to glass parts and filaments inside the products.

On the contrary, explosion-proof LEDs come with an average lifespan of 50,000+ hours and a superior 40-100 lumens-per-watt ratio. LEDs are highly durable and can withstand rough treatment due to their compact design and a sturdy body. Most importantly, they consume over 20 percent less energy compared to the traditional lights and are eco-friendly.

Classification of Explosion-proof LED lights:

Looking at the types of dust and gases present in hazardous industrial environments, explosion-proof LEDs are categorized into different classes, divisions, and groups. Businesses that are interested in deploying explosion-proof lights in their facility must understand this classification for better lighting and higher safety. Following are the classification: 

• Class I: Presence of high concentration of flammable gases and vapors to cause ignition

Examples: gas station, paint shop, chemical plant, alcohol production facility

• Class II: Presence of a high concentration of combustible dust to cause ignition

Examples: candy factory, coal mine, pharmaceutical manufacturing facility

• Class III: Presence of a high concentration of ignitable fibers to cause ignition

Examples: cotton gins, leather goods work areas.

Each of these three classifications is subdivided based on the level of hazardous material present in the area.

• Division I: Ignitable components are present during normal operating conditions
• Division II: Ignitable components are present but  under abnormal operating conditions

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) further requires that lighting for each classification and division is once again put under one group from A-G. Groups A-G is defined based on the characteristics of the hazardous materials present in an environment.

• Class I group A – D: Environments that have traces of gas. A being the most dangerous and D being the least dangerous.
• Class II group E – G: Environments that have dust. E contains more dangerous/conductive ingredients, and G is the least conductive dust.

With this information, you can choose the best explosion proof LED lights ideal for your industrial environment. If you are looking for upgradation or planning to have a new installation, Maes Lighting– a direct from manufacturer supplier of commercial and industrial lighting can be an excellent choice. They are ‌in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area and provide cost-effective lighting solutions to contractors and facility managers in every industry across the USA.