Explosion-proof lights don’t mean they are themselves explosion-resistant. They contain sparks or heat that don’t escape, thus protecting your hazardous surroundings from any explosion. Knowledge about different types and uses of explosion-proof lighting is paramount to ensure maximum safety. That’s why this article will explore different types and uses and also help you choose the right type of light according to your specific area. So, keep reading!
1) Basic understanding of explosion-proof lights
“Explosion-proof lights are also known as hazardous location lights, which are particularly made for areas with combustible fumes, dust, fibres, etc.”
You might also wonder how light can withstand an explosion. Well! The reason is the light’s external feature, which is often made of a metallic casing, such as aluminium or steel.
Moreover, it has a strongly sealed casing, guaranteeing no gas escapes and no air gets within. Even if an electrical fault sparks the bulb, the fuel or gases remain within the casing and do not spill out to the surrounding area.
Furthermore, the outer part of explosion-proof lights has a thick glass or polycarbonate covering to reduce the chances of breakage. These lights are very useful in dangerous places such as blimps, oil rigs, chemical factories, and even mines, where safety concerns are paramount.
2) What are the different types of explosion-proof lighting, and where to use them?
Hopefully, you have understood explosion-proof lights. Now, it’s time to discuss the different types and see where you can use them.
i) Explosion-Proof LED Lights
Most workplaces with hazardous work zones have accepted the use of explosion-proof LED lights because they have longer working lives and are cost-effective to operate. Moreover, LEDs generate less heat than incandescent lamps, reducing the risk of fires in places with flammable substances.
- Ideal use: You can use such lights in oil refineries, chemical and gas plants, gas stations, and offshore platforms.
ii) Explosion-Proof Fluorescent Lights
These fluorescent lights are also explosion-proof and designed for use in high-risk areas. Because of their fluorescence phenomenon, they produce high amounts of light while using lower power than other incandescent lamps.
For instance, when power is turned ON, the gas in the light tube gets excited and produces UV light. For your information, the light tube is internally lined with phosphorous material, so when UV light strikes it, it produces a glow ( visible light ) using less power.
- Ideal use: Fluorescent lights are well-suited for depots, grain storage facilities, food industries, and sewage treatment plants. The bright, well-dispersed light allows visibility in large areas where dust or fibres might be present.
iii) Explosion Proof Emergency EXIT Lights
The provision of emergency lighting in hazardous areas is critical and helps prevent threats that may arise as a result of blackouts, flames, or other emergencies. It works on internal standby batteries, meaning it will be effective when there is a mains power failure.
- Idea use: You can use them in dangerous industrial working areas, exit pathways, safe zones within oil refineries, and emergency housing within chemical plants. These lights help you see and evacuate safely in an emergency.
iv) Explosion-Proof Linear Light
Eplosion-proof linear Lights are long, cylindrical lights. They can be used where gases, vapours, and dust can cause explosions. Their aluminium body is shielded with a high-blast electrostatic plastic coating, which enhances safety. The end cover is removable, making tube replacement trouble-free.
The wiring is additionally reinforced with steel to increase its resistance to damage by thermoset plastics and other insulators. Because of their thick glass and hard metal construction, they are portable, lightweight, and can be used in harsh environments.
- Ideal use: These lights are primarily present in oil refineries, chemical structures, and plants that require safety. Because of the linear design, they evenly distribute bright light over an extensive area.
v) Explosion-Proof Work Light
An explosion-proof work light is a portable light used to illuminate spaces with hazardous light sources. These lights are handheld or mounted on a stand, so workers can carry them to different positions. Their outer casings seal their gases, making them durable and safe.
- Idea use: These are best for use in oil rigs, underground mines, or chemical plants. They can also be used anywhere bright light is essential to work efficiently without blowing up the place.
vi) Explosion-proof Linear LED Light
Explosives-compatible LED linear lights have the same features as linear lights. Except that they utilize LEDs for better power consumption and durability. These lights have a copper-free aluminium enclosure and powder-coated finish. The outer body of these LED linear lights is usually covered by special anodised polyester powder, which enhances the overall life span.
- Ideal use: These lights are mainly found within structures requiring regular, spacious, bright illumination, such as the floors of industrial production storehouses.
vii) Explosion-Proof HID Lighting
High-intensity discharge lighting (HID) is explosion-proof and provides high-intensity light output. It comprises metal halides, high-pressure sodium, and mercury vapour lamps.
- Ideal use: Their very nature predisposes them to usage in extreme outdoor conditions or gigantic-scale industrial facilities where good concentrated illumination is necessary. For instance, in stadiums and street lights.
- Energy efficiency table
| Types | Power consumption | Energy efficiency( lumens/watt) |
| Explosion-Proof LED Lights | 10-200W | 100-150 |
| Explosion-Proof Fluorescent Lights | 20-100W | 60-100 |
| Explosion-Proof LED Emergency EXIT Lights | 10-50W | 100-150 |
| Explosion-Proof Linear Light | 18-120W | 70-120 |
| Explosion-Proof Work Light | 50-300W | Just like LED or fluorescent |
| Explosion-proof LED Linear Light | 18-120W | 100-150 |
| Explosion-Proof HID Lighting | 150-400W | 80-120 |
3) How can I find the right type of explosion-proof lighting?
According to some industry reports, improper lighting choices are responsible for about 30% of workplace accidents in hazardous environments. Thus, choosing the right type is the most important factor.
? Area Classification: Areas are further classified into different zones depending on the frequency and the duration of the explosives in the form of gases, vapours or dust. This is important in identifying the appropriate explosion-proof lighting required. So, let’s look at the table;
| Types of Areas | Features | Best Type of Lighting | Examples |
| Zone 0 | Most dangerous zone. | Explosion-proof LED lights | PipelinesRefinery Process UnitsChemical Processing FacilitiesOil RigsUnderground Mines |
| Zone 1 | Explosives gases/vapours are present, but not all the time. | Explosion-proof LED lightsFluorescent Explosion proof light | Refinery areasChemical manufacturing facilitiesGas stations |
| Zone 2 | The occasional presence of explosive gases/vapours during abnormal situations | Explosion-proof linear lights Explosion-proof Floodlights | Oil and Gas Production PlatformsWastewater Treatment PlantsPaint Spray BoothsFuel Storage Areas |
| Zone 20,21,22 | Explosions due to the presence of dust | Dust-ignition-proof LED light ( Zone 20)Explosion-proof LED light ( Zone 21)Explosion-proof linear or work lights ( Zone 22) | Floor millsTextilesPackaging area |
? Consider the material type of casing: Lights constructed using aluminium or stainless steel are more robust and help suppress a spark or generate heat. These days, about 60% of explosion-proof lights are made with these designs, thus improving safety.
? Consider environmental conditions: If dirty or wet areas are concerned, lights should have high IP ratings (IP65 or higher), protecting against water and dust intrusion.
? Low maintenance: To conclude, it is advisable to find simple lights to maintain. 70% of the companies in the survey said that the major focus was on installing and maintaining the lights to minimise downtime in hazardous zones.
? Check Certifications: Always check whether lights comply with ATEX, IECEx, and UL standards before buying.
Indeed, LED lights can reduce energy use by up to 50% compared to traditional light while emitting low amounts of heat, thus minimizing the chances of causing a fire.
4) Conclusion
To put it briefly, lightning is very important for accomplishing useful tasks from personal to industrial. Because explosion-proof fixtures are used in hazardous environments, quality is an important consideration when purchasing any light. Any compromise on quality will result in an irreparable loss.
That’s why we suggest you buy explosion-proof lights from Hexlone, a manufacturer with 17 years of experience in manufacturing highly reliable and durable safety technologies. Moreover, all of their products are certified by IECEx (International), ATEX (Europe), and China Ex (China GB standards). So, go and try their products to enhance the safety line.
