What Are Explosion Proof Lights?

Some industrial settings are known for their hazardous and harsh workplaces. Since such locations are more dangerous, they require high protection lighting fixtures against water,

corrosion, impact, and explosion; these are known as hazardous location lights often called explosion proof lights, but have the same use.

First and foremost, it is essential to understand the definition of hazardous locations in this context. Hazardous locations are broadly described as areas with a sufficient concentration

of combustible materials (such as natural gas, toluene, and ethanol) with the potential to cause an explosion or fire. Surprisingly, flammable materials can also be in the form of dust

(grain, flour, coal). These hazards call for the use of specially designed equipment to reduce the risk of igniting the flammable material present. An explosion proof light is an example

of these specially designed types of equipment.

So, what exactly are explosion proof lights? They are lighting fixtures with a certain degree or capacity to isolate fixtures from flammable or volatile materials hence preventing sparks

and ignitions that can be catastrophic. Most of them are encased within a thick glass or fitted with gaskets made of rubber. The design is necessary because excessive heat, loose wiring,

or contact in a volatile environment may cause an explosion.

Several misconceptions about explosion proof lights are out there. For instance, many people assume that explosion proof lights work by preventing all vapors and gases from coming

into contact with live electrical power, even when the light is to break. This is, however, not the case. Note that these lights do not have to be “airtight” to perform efficiently.

Why Are Explosion Proof Lights Important? 

The following are three main reasons why these lights are crucial and hence a requirement by law in certain manufacturing facilities or other hazardous locations;

  • Explosion proof lights play a vital role in the safety of hazardous locations. These lights help in reducing the risks of ignitions and explosions of fixtures. The location’s safety is
  • ensured, given that explosion proof lights do not react to the volatile environment. Safety is guaranteed not only to the lighting fixture but to the workers and the environment.
  • Using explosion proof lights offers safe and sufficient illumination in hazardous work areas. Adequate lighting is vital in hazardous work areas. With explosion proof lights,
  • accidents and wrong operations can be effectively avoided.
  • Adopting explosion proof lights is an effective way of enhancing working productivity and performance. Workers will comfortably rely on the available lighting only if the
  • fixtures are safe. Instead of worrying about the volatile atmosphere and the safety of the lights, workers will focus on their work. And as a result, higher productivity will be
  • achieved due to improved working performance.

Why LED Explosion Proof Lights in Manufacturing Plant?

There are lots of reasons why   lights are important  including safety, energy efficiency and more.

(1)The best thing about adding LEDs in the mix is that it ensures you save on expenses without compromising safety. Furthermore, you avoid the risk of shattered glass because

LEDs do not have filaments or parts made of glass. LEDs are highly resistant to vibrations due to their compact design. Broken glass is potentially a health hazard when

contaminated with chemicals.

(2) Explosion proof lamp ratings can be difficult to comprehend. A comprehensive rating system is required to provide a safe working environment because hazardous workplace

circumstances can vary substantially. This rating is, however, much more manageable with LEDs.

(3) LEDs are reputable for their brightness and energy efficiency. The brightness of LED explosion proof lights makes them ideal for hazardous locations considering the

importance of sufficient light in such spaces. Furthermore, they utilize up to 90 percent of the energy for illumination. LEDs utilize less power per the generated light.

Types Of Manufacturing That Benefits from Explosion Proof Lighting

Explosion-proof lighting may be required in food and beverage processing and manufacturing facilities for cold storage so that the lights perform well in extremely cold conditions,

in areas where lighting needs to be sanitized, like food production lines, and in industrial “kitchens” where food is prepared before packaging. Also, the use of ovens and other high

heat equipment.

Work areas where chemicals are manufactured are usually confined. Such spaces are ideal environments for hazardous vapors and gases to build up. Due to the confined nature

(often isolated and poorly ventilated) of these spaces, explosion proof lights must be used to decrease or eliminate the chances of fire hazards.

High temperatures in the presence of volatile materials will most likely cause an explosion. To avoid such explosions, manufacturing companies that handle anything with heat

or melting are forced to adopt explosion proof lights.

The oil and gas industry is vital to the world’s economy. It is also one of the most dangerous sectors because when safety measures are overlooked, the danger of explosion is

always lurking. Adopting explosion-proof lighting is a safety precaution that helps oil and gas companies improve their workplace safety.

Most people are aware of the flammability of paint. Paint will burn and explode when it reaches a particular concentration in the air or meet with a high-temperature open flame.

The use of explosion proof lighting has come in handy in preventing such incidents in the manufacturing process that involves paint.