7 Facts to Know About LED Explosion Proof Hazardous ...

In hazardous industries such as oil, gas, and chemical processing, safety isn't just a priority &#; it&#;s a necessity. One critical aspect of safety in these environments is the type of lighting used. But what makes lighting safe for hazardous areas? Are LED lights explosion-proof? And, why are they the go-to solution for such high-risk zones?

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Lighting plays a crucial role in ensuring a safe working environment, but not all lights are designed to withstand volatile conditions. In this blog, we will explore 7 essential LED lighting facts that highlight why LED explosion-proof lights are an indispensable asset in hazardous areas. From their energy efficiency to their certifications, we&#;ll cover all you need to know about these specialised lights and how they can enhance both safety and efficiency in your operations.

&#;Explosion-Proof&#; &#; Debunking the Myth of Spark-Free Operations

A common misconception surrounding explosion-proof lights is the belief that they are indestructible or can survive an external explosion. However, the term &#;explosion-proof&#; refers to a light&#;s ability to prevent any internal sparks from coming in contact with the surrounding atmosphere and causing an explosion. 

The LED explosion-proof lights are designed to prevent ignition in hazardous areas by containing any sparks or electrical faults within a robust, sealed housing. This is critical in environments where flammable gases, vapours, or dust are present.

The key feature of explosion-proof technology is containment. These lights are designed to prevent internal electrical faults from becoming external hazards. Whether you&#;re working in a petrochemical plant or a grain silo, the need to minimise the risk of ignition is paramount. LED explosion-proof lights are not designed to survive an external blast but to prevent one from occurring in the first place.

Certifications Are Key to Safety

Not all LED lights are explosion-proof. To be safe for use in hazardous locations, lights must meet strict industry standards and obtain specific safety certifications.

Key certifications for explosion-proof lights include:

• ATEX: This European standard certifies that equipment is safe to use in explosive atmospheres.
• IECEx: The International Electrotechnical Commission Explosive (IECEx) certification ensures that products meet international safety standards for explosive atmospheres.
• UL: In North America, Underwriters Laboratories (UL) provides certification for equipment that meets stringent safety standards for hazardous locations.

These are considered safety rated lights, meaning they have passed rigorous tests to ensure they can be safely used in environments classified as hazardous, such as Class I Division 1 & 2 or Zones 0, 1, and 2.

By ensuring your lights meet these certification standards, you guarantee that they are suitable for hazardous areas. Certifications are crucial not just as regulatory requirements but as vital indicators of a product's reliability in explosive atmospheres.

Energy Efficiency: Save Costs and Enhance Safety

Another crucial fact about LED lights is their energy efficiency, which not only saves costs but also enhances safety in hazardous environments. LED explosion-proof lights are significantly more energy-efficient than traditional lighting systems like incandescent, fluorescent, or halogen lights. They use up to 80% less energy while delivering the same or even better illumination.

In hazardous areas, where lighting systems may run continuously, energy consumption becomes a serious concern. By opting for LEDs, businesses can significantly reduce their energy bills, especially in industries where large facilities require extensive lighting. Reduced energy consumption also means lower operating temperatures, which is an important safety factor in areas where excessive heat could ignite volatile gases or dust particles.

LEDs are safer than most traditional lighting options due to their energy efficiency and reduced heat output. The lower heat emission of LED explosion-proof lights makes them inherently safer in environments where flammable materials are present.

Longevity and Low Maintenance Reduce Downtime

One of the most beneficial LED light facts for hazardous environments is their durability and long lifespan. Explosion-proof LED lights are built to last. Traditional lighting systems like halogen or fluorescent lights have shorter lifespans, often ranging from 1,000 to 10,000 hours, requiring frequent replacements, especially in harsh conditions.

In contrast, LED explosion-proof lights can last up to 50,000 to 100,000 hours, depending on the application and environmental factors. This impressive lifespan minimises the need for replacements, reducing maintenance costs and minimising downtime in operations.

Hazardous locations benefit greatly from LED lights safety, as fewer maintenance interventions are required, lowering the risks associated with frequent repairs or replacements in dangerous zones. Reduced maintenance means fewer opportunities for accidents and less exposure to hazardous conditions for workers.

Environmental Impact: A Sustainable Lighting Choice

In today&#;s industrial landscape, sustainability and eco-friendly solutions are becoming increasingly important. Explosion-proof LED lights are not only safe for hazardous environments but also environmentally friendly.

Compared to traditional lighting systems, LEDs use less energy, which reduces carbon emissions and lowers the overall energy consumption of your facility. Additionally, LED lights do not contain harmful materials like mercury, which is commonly found in fluorescent lights. This makes them safer for the environment and simplifies the disposal process, as there are fewer hazardous materials to manage.

For businesses focused on reducing their environmental footprint, the switch to LED explosion-proof lights aligns with sustainability goals. They offer an eco-friendly alternative that cuts energy costs, minimises harmful emissions, and supports more responsible waste management.

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With competitive price and timely delivery, SAFER-Ex sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

In recent years, explosion-proof LED lighting has become the de-facto luminaire in hazardous work environments due to its high efficiency, long lifespan, and low power consumption. However, for workplaces where vibrations are ever-present, such as construction sites and drilling rigs, it is essential for these explosion-proof light fittings to be vibration-resistant to reduce the risk of the equipment being damaged and failing mid-operation.

Learn More: Benefits Of Explosion-Proof LED Lighting

Are explosion-proof LED lights sensitive to vibration?

That brings us to the crucial question, &#;Is your explosion-proof LED lighting impervious to vibration?&#;. Fortunately, LEDs are generally shock and vibration-resistant due to their solid stage packet and non-filament designs. Moreover, they are sealed with epoxy to encapsulate and safeguard the electronic elements.

Because there are no filaments and moving parts present within the equipment, the LED light fixture can illuminate perfectly under shock and vibration. With that said, consistent and intense vibration can still damage LED lights over time, as not all LED light fixtures are built to resist powerful vibrations.

How much vibration can your explosion-proof LED lights withstand?

With that in mind, it is worth understanding how much vibration your explosion-proof LED lighting can withstand. The answer depends on various factors, primarily the vibration's frequency, the light fixture&#;s distance from the vibration source, the quality of the LED light, and whether the vibration is intermittent or continuous.

For example, studies have shown that consistent and powerful vibration within close proximity of the light source can induce the potential failures of LED lights. During the experiment, it was observed that the intensity of the luminaire decreased by 25% when exposed to a 15Hz vibration 34.74 inches away. 

The same experiment yielded no significant effects on the light intensity when the vibration was shifted 39.74 inches away from the luminaire. Therefore, we can conclude that long distance mitigates the vibration impact, allowing the LED light to continue performing at peak capacity under intense vibration.

However, it is vital to note that vibration can have other effects on LED lights. For instance, the glass casing can crack, or a connection may come loose under intense vibration. Therefore, we recommend selecting explosion-proof LED lighting corresponding to relevant standards and regulations to reduce such risks in workplaces where high-intensity vibrations are frequent occurrences.

What are the vibration-resistant standards of explosion-proof LED lights?

Here are the three standards used to judge the vibration resistance of explosion-proof LED lighting:

2. IEC -1

IEC -1 is an international standard detailing the requirements for the design, construction, and testing of electrical luminaires. The regulation states that light fixtures must be functional under the stress of vibration, with street lights and floodlights, in particular, emphasized under this standard. Moreover, the regulation requires the connection between each part of the luminaire to remain steadfast when exposed to vibration during normal operations.

2. IEC -2-6

IEC -2-6 is a testing standard that examines the performance of luminaires under sinusoidal vibration only, with the LED light expected to function perfectly within the testing frequency range for an extended duration. The test report will indicate the tested frequency and performance of the luminaire.

3. ANSI C136.31

ANSI C136.31 is an American national standard specifying the minimum capacity to withstand vibration for roadway and area luminaires. 3G Test acceleration rating is also part of the ANSI standards. A luminaire that passes the 3G test can usually withstand the worst-case vibrations. 

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Explosion Proof Led Flood Light. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.