Hazardous location lighting: What you need to know

Hazardous location lighting is designed to withstand the harsh conditions of hazardous locations, while providing a safe and reliable lighting source. The NEC classifies hazardous locations as those areas “where fire or explosion hazards may exist due to flammable gases or vapors, flammable liquids, combustible dust, or ignitable fibers or flying’s.” A substantial part of the NEC is devoted to the discussion of hazardous locations, as electrical equipment, including lighting fixtures can become a source of ignition in these volatile areas. Installing explosion proof lighting significantly reduces the risk of explosions by preventing the ignition of flammable gases and vapors. Explosion proof light fixtures have the capacity to contain sparks that could potentially ignite the flammable and explosive gases in the atmosphere. Such fixtures are engineered to withstand mechanical, electrical, and chemical abuse associated with hazardous locations. They are often more robust than standard lights, with an enclosure that is designed to contain sparks and prevent igniting flammable gases.
What is the purpose of hazardous location lighting?
Hazardous locations need special lighting to ensure that employees can continue working in them safely. This type of lighting has to meet a variety of criteria, including its ability to be resistant to vibration and impact, have a long lifespan, and offer the right level of brightness. It also needs to be easy to install and use, and be cost-effective. Hazardous location lighting is designed to help reduce injury and property damage due to falls, burns, and explosions. The lights are typically bright enough to illuminate the area sufficiently while still providing enough contrast so that people can see what they’re doing. leawo blu ray player review
Reasons why hazardous location lighting would be beneficial?
Here are some reasons why Hazardous location lighting (or explosion proof lighting) would be beneficial for you to use.
Hazardous location lighting designed to withstand harsh conditions
Hazardous location lights are often designed to withstand harsh conditions in order to reduce the risk of short-circuiting or catching fire. They’re also often built with wiring that’s rated for harsh conditions and long lifespans (25 years or more) to save you money on maintenance costs. Hazardous location lights are typically manufactured with metal housings and other weatherproof materials that can stand up to extreme conditions, such as high temperatures, rain, or dust. Some hazardous location lights may even be designed to float if they are used near water.
Provide better visibility in dangerous areas
Hazardous location lights are designed to provide better visibility in dangerous areas. They often have a wider beam of light with more brightness than lights meant for general indoor use. This is important for a variety of reasons, including the following: - Preventing accidents: In many industries, hazardous location lights are the main type of light and the only light used for safety purposes. - Preventing entanglements: Wider beams of light are especially important when working in close quarters, where a tight beam may not provide enough visibility. - Providing more illumination: With a wider beam, hazardous location lights can send more light out into the surrounding area. This is especially important when working in dark or dimly lit conditions.
Explosion-proof lighting fixtures can contain sparks
Explosion-proof light fixtures are designed to contain sparks, which can lead to an explosion. They are often required in areas where flammable chemicals are present or in industrial settings near high-pressure equipment. Explosion-proof light fixtures can contain sparks and other combustible materials. They often have an extra enclosure, called a spark arrestor, designed to contain sparks until they are consumed and put out. If sparks are allowed to travel to other combustible materials, they could spark an explosion and put people at risk. Because explosion-proof lighting contains sparks, it reduces the risk of an explosion.
Explosion proof lighting significantly reduces the risk of explosions
Whether or not a location is designated as a hazardous location for industrial or laboratory use, there is always the potential for explosions. Explosions are often caused by flammable gases or vapors igniting due to excessive heat or sparks from equipment. Because explosion-proof lighting contains sparks, it reduces the risk of an explosion. This is particularly important in industrial settings where flammable chemicals may be present (such as in oil refineries).
Easier to install
Hazardous location lighting is often easier to install than other lights, such as indoor lights or general lighting. For example, it’s often possible to wire these lights at the junction box, as opposed to running a separate circuit. In addition, hazardous location lights often have a junction box built into their housing so they can be installed directly into a wall or ceiling. This makes installation faster, easier, and less expensive.
safety precautions you need to take when using hazardous location lighting?
The safety precautions you need to take when using hazardous location lighting include wearing protective equipment such as gloves, eye protection and ear protection. Other safety precautions to take when using hazardous location lighting include:
Using the correct voltage and amperage in the electrical supply.
Using only approved fixtures, confined to the correct slope.
Installing ventilation fans in confined spaces.
Securing all wiring and cables to prevent tripping hazards.
Securing the ladder or scaffold properly before working on high or low hazards.