What are hazardous location LED lighting?

Sometimes, the term "hazardous location LED lighting" is used to refer to any lighting that must operate and perform safely in areas with abnormal conditions. In industrial areas where the chances of hazards are higher, lighting is the only thing that can reflect a sense of safety.

Here, the word "hazard" specifically refers to materials that can be flammable, combustible, or ignitable; like fibers, gases, dust, or vapors. When electrical equipment (such as commercial warehouse LED lights) comes into contact with these hazardous materials, the consequences can be severe.

Hence, it becomes important to choose the safest LED wholesaler to mitigate the risk of any hazard and keep the workplace safe. This article will brief you on what are the hazardous areas, their classification, and LED lights at Beyond LED Technology - an LED light distributor in the USA.

What are hazardous areas?

Hazardous areas have potentially explosive atmospheres. It contains flammable vapors, gases, mist, or combustible dust. All lighting fixtures in such places should be specially designed. Lighting should be tested to ensure safety. Also, dangerous situations resulting from lighting fixtures' reactions to the environment can be avoided.

Classification of hazardous areas

Both the NEC and CEC have adopted classification standards for hazardous location lighting risks. These standards identify three broad categories based on what is present in the environment, followed by material-specific groups:

• Class I: Locations containing quantities of flammable gases/vapors that can ignite when exposed to open flames or electrical sparks.

Group A: Acetylene

Group B: Hydrogen

Group C: Ethylene

Group D: Propane

• Class II: Locations containing combustible dust:

Group E: Metal Particulates

Group F: Carbonaceous Particulates

Group G: Non-Conductive Particulate Matter (these include plastic, wood, grain, flour, etc.)

• Class III: Locations containing ignitable fibers.

Within these three categories, hazardous lighting environments are further subdivided into two divisions. Each is determined by the degree of exposure to the hazardous substance. For instance:

 Division 1: Ignitable elements are present continuously or intermittently during normal operations, or they may be released during routine maintenance or equipment failure.

Division 2: There are ignitable substances present, but they are contained and controlled by positive ventilation and other systems.

Besides these, there are places where adequate lighting is necessary to prevent any harmful circumstances.

1. Hazardous: Locations with a risk of fire, explosion, or combustion are considered hazardous.

Examples: Wastewater treatment plants, refineries, textile factories, etc.

2. Abuse: Lighting that can withstand physical (vandalism is a good example) and/or environmental abuse (often in a public space)

Example: a correctional institution

3. Vandal-resistant: This is often the same as "high abuse," but is more specific and has a more obvious meaning: lighting in public areas that is resistant to tampering.

Example: Parks, Shadowed streets, etc

4. Public places: Again, this is virtually synonymous with vandal-resistant and high abuse-susceptible.

Examples: public park, pedestrian bridge

5. Harsh environment: lighting that must withstand the rigors of nature's elements.

Examples: Think of saltwater when you see a parking lot near the beach.

6. Clean room/containment lighting: illumination for areas that must be sterile and prevent contamination

Example: food processing plant

Which hazardous fixtures at Beyond LED Technology can be used in hazardous locations?

Hazardous location lights protect workers in dangerous environments. Due to increased safety regulations and wider availability, LED hazardous location lights have become increasingly popular. Common LED hazardous location lights include:

1. LED High Bay Lights

High bays are the optimal lighting fixtures for locations or structures with high ceilings. They are ideal for hazardous environments because they increase visibility. In addition, they distribute light evenly, ensuring visibility.

2. Commercial warehouse LED lights

These lights have a higher lumen output that enhances visibility and helps workers to avoid accidents. LEDs provide not only a high lumen output for a brighter light source but also some of the cleanest and most uniform illumination on the scene. It is free of flickering and reduces shadows while providing a concentrated, bright light spread for the best overall visibility.

3. Parking lot lights

Potential criminals looking to vandalize or burglarize your business and parked vehicles may view an inadequately lit parking lot as an inviting target. Even with security cameras and personnel, darkness can aid potential lawbreakers by allowing them to remain hidden. Proper lighting and security measures can reduce the likelihood of a crime occurring on your property by making your business and parking lot less of a target.

4. Industrial lights

Industrial safety is a must when it comes to temperature within the facility. LED lights generate low/no heat. The LED fixtures, coupled with efficiency in operation, produce less heat. Adding light fixtures capable of producing a great deal of heat to a hazardous area can result in explosions and worker injuries. 

As a result of their inefficiency, a great deal of energy is converted to heat loss rather than illumination in a number of light fixtures. LED converts nearly 80 percent of the energy consumed into light, so the light fixture generates very little heat.

5. Exit lights

These lights are suitable for hazardous environments containing flammable gases or vapors or ignitable dust. In the event of a power outage or other emergency, the exit lights guide workers away from potentially hazardous areas. Chemical and Building plants, oil refineries, paint shops, industrial facilities, gas stations, and warehouses are typical application areas for existing lights.

6. Explosion areas

Explosions are a possibility in every hazardous environment. This concern is mitigated by the availability of explosion-proof lighting with LED technology. This is a crucial aspect of a light fixture to consider when working in areas where gases or high temperatures could lead to shattered fixtures and accidents. Explosion-proof models are among the most durable in terms of construction, materials, and gaskets in order to provide additional protection against this issue.

Range of Hazardous Location LED Lighting at Beyond LED Technology

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