What are Hazardous Area Location Lights?

Hazardous area location lights, also known as explosion-proof lights, are lighting fixtures designed to operate in environments that contain flammable gases, liquids, dust or fibers. These hazardous environments pose a risk of explosion, fire or other hazardous events, making it essential to have lights that are specifically designed for safe operation in these areas.

Where are Hazardous Area Location Lights Found?

Hazardous area location lights are found in a variety of industrial settings, including but not limited to:

• Oil refineries and petrochemical plants
• Gas pipelines and storage facilities
• Chemical processing plants
• Food processing and grain handling facilities
• Pharmaceutical and cosmetic manufacturing facilities
• Coal mines and other mining operations
• Pulp and paper mills
• Textile mills
• Waste water treatment plants
• Offshore platforms and marine vessels

How are Hazardous Areas Defined?

The definition of a hazardous area is determined by the presence of flammable gases, liquids, dust or fibers and the likelihood of an explosion or fire. Hazardous areas are classified into divisions, classes, and groups, based on the level of risk they pose. The following are the codes used to define hazardous areas:

Divisions

• Division 1 – Areas where ignitable concentrations of flammable gases or vapors may be present continuously or for long periods of time.
• Division 2 – Areas where ignitable concentrations of flammable gases or vapors are not likely to occur in normal operations, but if they do occur, they will persist for only a short period of time.

Classes

• Class I – Areas where flammable gases or vapors are or may be present in the air in quantities sufficient to produce explosive or ignitable mixtures.
• Class II – Areas where combustible dusts are or may be present in the air in quantities sufficient to produce explosive or ignitable mixtures.
• Class III – Areas where easily ignitable fibers or filings are or may be in suspension in the air and an ignition source is present.

Groups

• Group A – Atmospheres containing acetylene
• Group B – Atmospheres containing hydrogen or gases having similar explosive properties
• Group C – Atmospheres containing ethylene, propylene, benzene, butadiene, or gases having similar explosive properties
• Group D – Atmospheres containing carbon black, coal or coke dust

It’s important to note that these divisions, classes, and groups are used to identify the level of risk in a particular area and to determine the type of equipment that is suitable for use in that area. For example, lighting fixtures used in Division 1 areas must meet more stringent requirements than those used in Division 2 areas.

What are explosion proof lights?

Explosion lights are lighting fixtures that are designed to be explosion-proof, meaning they are resistant to igniting an explosion in hazardous environments. These lights are made with materials that can withstand high temperatures, extreme pressure, and explosive gases.

They are also designed with features that prevent electrical sparking or arcing that can ignite an explosion. Explosion-proof lights are typically certified to meet strict safety standards set by organizations such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Where are explosion lights found?

Explosion lights are commonly found in hazardous locations where there is a risk of explosion or fire. These locations may include chemical plants, oil refineries, gas pipelines, grain elevators, and mining operations. They are also used in other settings where there is a risk of combustible dust, such as flour mills or woodworking shops. Explosion-proof lights are designed to function in environments with volatile gases, flammable liquids, or combustible dust.

How are explosion-proof lights similar and different from hazardous area lights?

Explosion-proof lights are often confused with hazardous area lights, but they are not the same. While explosion-proof lights are designed to prevent explosions, hazardous area lights are designed to be used in areas where there is a risk of explosion. Hazardous area lights are not designed to prevent explosions but rather to function in environments with hazardous materials.

Similarities between explosion-proof and hazardous area lights:

• Both are used in hazardous locations.
• Both are designed to be resistant to harsh environments.
• Both are available in different types and models to suit specific applications.

Differences between explosion-proof and hazardous area lights:

• Explosion-proof lights are designed to prevent explosions, while hazardous area lights are not.
• Explosion-proof lights are certified to meet strict safety standards set by organizations such as the NFPA and OSHA, while hazardous area lights may not be.
• Explosion-proof lights are more expensive than hazardous area lights due to their specialized construction and certification.

Lightingandsupplies.com

If you are in need of explosion-proof and HazLoc lighting, Lightingandsupplies.com is the go-to source for high-quality lighting products. We offer a wide selection of explosion-proof lights that are designed to meet the safety standards of hazardous locations. Our online store is easy to navigate, and they offer competitive pricing and fast shipping. You can visit our website at Lightingandsupplies.com to browse their selection of explosion-proof lights online now!