Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our explosion-proof lighting solutions and services

6Products

Explosion-proof lighting is designed to prevent ignition of flammable gases, vapors, or dust in hazardous environments. These fixtures are built with rugged materials to contain any internal sparks or explosions, preventing them from igniting surrounding hazardous substances.

  • Oil refineries and gas plants
  • Chemical processing facilities
  • Paint spray booths
  • Grain storage and milling facilities
  • Mining and tunnels
  • Power plants

Yes, explosion-proof LED lights are widely available. LEDs offer advantages such as energy efficiency, low heat generation, longer lifespan, and minimal maintenance.

Explosion-proof lights must meet specific safety standards to ensure they can operate safely in hazardous environments.

  • UL (Underwriters Laboratories) – UL 844 for hazardous locations
  • ATEX (European standard) – Approved for explosive atmospheres
  • IECEx (International Electrotechnical Commission Explosive Atmospheres) – Global certification

Yes, explosion-proof lights can be used in regular environments. However, they are typically more expensive and may not be necessary for non-hazardous areas.

Selecting the appropriate explosion-proof lighting depends on several key factors that ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance in hazardous environments.

  • Hazardous classification (ATEX/IECEx Class I, II, III, Divisions, or Zones)
  • IP rating (water and dust resistance)
  • Temperature rating (T-code) to prevent ignition of gases or dust
  • Color temperature and brightness (lumens output)
  • Certifications (ATEX, IECEx, UL, ABS, etc.)
  • Mounting type (ceiling, wall, portable, etc.)

12Technical

Explosion-proof lights are enclosed in a durable housing that prevents sparks, heat, or flames from escaping and igniting external combustible substances. The fixtures also dissipate heat efficiently to reduce fire risks.

Explosion-proof lighting is classified based on NEC (National Electrical Code) standards. These classifications help determine the appropriate lighting solutions for different hazardous environments.

ClassDescriptionExample Locations
Class IFlammable gases or vaporsPetroleum refineries, chemical plants
Class IICombustible dustGrain elevators, flour mills
Class IIIIgnitable fibers or flyingsTextile mills, woodworking plants

Each class is further divided into Divisions and Groups based on the level and type of hazardous materials present.

IP RatingEquivalent NEMA Rating
IP65NEMA 4
IP66NEMA 4X
IP67NEMA 6
IP68NEMA 6P

Explosion-proof and intrinsically safe lighting are both used in hazardous environments but differ in their approach to preventing ignition.

  • Explosion-proof lighting contains potential ignition sources inside a robust enclosure, preventing external explosions.
  • Intrinsically safe lighting operates on low energy levels that cannot ignite flammable substances, even in a fault condition.

Absolutely! Our explosion-proof lighting systems are weatherproof, making them ideal for outdoor industrial and hazardous environments.

Yes, some explosion-proof LED fixtures support dimming, but not all models include this feature. It is essential to check the manufacturer's specifications before purchasing to ensure compatibility.

The T-code (Temperature Class) represents the maximum surface temperature a fixture can reach in a hazardous location. This helps determine its suitability for different environments.

T-CodeMaximum Surface Temperature
T1≤450°C
T2≤300°C
T3≤200°C
T4≤135°C
T5≤100°C
T6≤85°C (Safest for highly flammable environments)

NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) ratings are commonly used in North America, whereas IP (Ingress Protection) ratings are internationally recognized. Below is a comparison of common ratings:

IP RatingEquivalent NEMA Rating
IP65NEMA 4
IP66NEMA 4X
IP67NEMA 6
IP68NEMA 6P

Explosion-proof LED lights are designed for durability and long lifespan. On average, they last between 50,000 to 100,000 hours, making them an excellent choice for hazardous environments that require reliable illumination.

Absolutely! Explosion-proof lighting systems are designed to be weatherproof, making them ideal for outdoor industrial and hazardous environments. Many models feature high IP ratings, ensuring protection against dust, water, and extreme weather conditions.

IP (Ingress Protection) ratings define the degree of protection against solids and liquids. Explosion-proof lighting comes with various IP ratings to ensure durability in hazardous environments.

IP RatingProtection Level
IP65Dust-tight and protected against water jets
IP66Dust-tight and protected against powerful water jets
IP67Dust-tight and protected against immersion in water up to 1m
IP68Dust-tight and protected against continuous immersion in water
IP69KResistant to high-pressure, high-temperature washdowns (used in food processing)

Color temperature is measured in Kelvin (K) and affects the appearance of light, making it suitable for different environments.

Color Temperature (K)Description
3000K (Warm White)Soft, yellowish light suitable for low-glare environments
4000K (Neutral White)Balanced light for general workspaces
5000K-5700K (Cool White)Bright, daylight-like illumination for high-visibility applications
6500K (Daylight Ultra White)Used in precision tasks requiring the highest visibility

2Installation

Installation must comply with local electrical codes and should be performed by a licensed electrician. Proper wiring, sealing, and mounting are essential to maintain safety and compliance.

  • Regular inspections for cracks, wear, or corrosion
  • Cleaning lenses and housings to ensure optimal brightness
  • Checking seals and gaskets for damage
  • Ensuring proper wiring connections remain intact

5Certification

Yes, all AJV Tech hazardous lighting products meet global safety standards such as IECEx and ATEX. These certifications ensure that the lighting solutions are suitable for hazardous environments and comply with stringent safety regulations.

ATEX (Atmosphères Explosibles) is the European certification for equipment used in explosive atmospheres. It ensures that explosion-proof lighting meets strict safety standards.

ZoneDescription
Zone 0Continuous presence of explosive gas or dust
Zone 1Likely presence of explosive gas or dust during normal operations
Zone 2Explosive gas or dust present only in abnormal conditions

Lights are marked with an Ex symbol and ATEX classification, such as II 2G Ex db IIC T6 Gb (for gas) or II 2D Ex tb IIIC T85°C Db (for dust).

IECEx (International Electrotechnical Commission Explosive Atmospheres) is a global certification similar to ATEX but recognized internationally. It ensures compliance with safety standards for hazardous locations.

The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) certifies marine and offshore equipment, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards.

  • Offshore oil rigs
  • Ships and marine vessels
  • Hazardous maritime environments

ATEX and IECEx are both certification standards for explosion-proof equipment. ATEX is mandatory in the European Union, while IECEx is recognized globally.

FeatureATEXIECEx
RegionEurope (EU)International (Global)
Mandatory?Yes (for the EU market)No (used voluntarily worldwide)
Approval ProcessRequires manufacturer self-certification (for some categories)Third-party testing and certification required
Marking ExampleII 2G Ex db IIC T6 GbEx db IIC T6 Gb