Explosion-Proof Lighting: Going Out Without A Bang

Working in intense environments with chemicals present is as important and unavoidable as it is dangerous. Explosion-proof lighting provides safety and peace of mind for those who work in hazardous locations, but it’s proving to be explosive in another way; with the rise of pharmaceutical, oil and gas investments as well as increased government regulations, the global market for this type of lighting is expected to grow from $340 million USD to $471 million within the next five years.

What makes an application hazardous is the presence of flammable or combustible gases and other chemicals that increase the likeliness of fire or an explosion. Because of this, these applications cannot use just any type of lighting.

Industry leaders are striving to stay ahead on their explosion-proof lighting innovation while meeting government safety standards before fixtures can be installed. PLT Solutions is doing just that with the PLTS-11957 and PLTS-11958. Both are round LED hazardous location fixtures designed to be pendant-mounted in warehouses, factories, petroleum refineries, gas stations and other hazardous locations.

At 1000Bulbs, heavy industrial applications are not taken lightly. These fixtures were designed with several things in mind:

The Light Source: It’s Getting Hot in Here

Hazardous location fixtures must be built to withstand the heat or cold. LEDs are a simple solution for that as they can operate in more extreme temperatures than conventional light sources, such as HID. Designed for durability, the PLTS-11957 and PLTS-11958 are built to withstand -40°C to 55°C and are sealed to protect against infiltration of dust and water.

Additionally, LEDs reduce energy costs for these industrial locations. Created with maintenance savings in mind, the PLTS-11957 replaces 400W metal halide fixtures and delivers superior performance at 151 LPW. The PLTS-11958 provides 139 LPW and replaces 175W metal halide fixtures.

Government Regulations: Highly Classified Information

Explosion-proof lighting does not mean that the fixture prevents or survives an explosion; it means that the fixture will not be the cause of an explosion.

To be certified, a fixture must undergo UL or C-UL testing to prove that it complies, and then be inspected at least four times a year. There are multiple classes and divisions for hazardous location fixtures that determine the classification of the area the fixture is built to withstand.

The PLTS-11957 and PLTS-11958 both fall under Class I Division 2, meaning the fixtures have proven that they cannot be the cause of an explosion when exposed to combustible elements. They are ideal for applications where flammable gases, vapors and liquids are present some of the time.

In Conclusion: Heavy Industrial Applications Are No Light Matter

In hazardous locations, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. It’s important to do your research to determine which explosion-proof fixture is right for your facility. Call one of our friendly lighting experts at 1-800-624-4488 for help.