Explosion Proof Lighting: Applications and Hiring an Electrician

We recently got a phone call from a customer in need of explosion proof lighting, which prompted this blog. Some people have never heard of this type of lighting before, so we are here to inform and educate. Let’s discuss what explosion proof light fixtures are, how they work, where you would see these types of lighting fixtures, and who to call for professional installation. 

What Is Explosion Proof Lighting?

Explosion proof light fixtures are designed to endure harsh environmental conditions such as high heat temperatures and hazardous material. They typically have a heavy-duty housing. The misconception of explosion proof light fixtures is that they can withstand an explosion of some sort. This is not the case. It just means that this certain light fixture will not CAUSE an explosion in a harsh environment/work area where certain chemicals, gases, high temperatures, fibers, etc. can ignite.

Where Are Explosion Proof Light Fixtures Needed?

You will see explosion proof fixtures for lighting in many different commercial and industrial workspaces/areas required by OSHA that is deemed a hazardous location. For example, these types of lighting fixtures can be found in:

• Manufacturing plants (chemicals, textiles, clothing, wood-working, power generation, etc.)
• Refineries for gasoline and oil
• Laboratories
• Coal mines
• Processing facilities (grain, wood, steel, etc.)
• Paint and spray paint shops/facilities
• …and others.

Explosion Proof Lighting Classes and Divisions (How They Work)

There are many different types of explosion proof fixtures designed for specific areas in which they will be installed. This determines how these light fixtures work, and the importance of the different types of fixtures for the specific work environment. For example, some explosion proof light fixtures are designed to contain an explosion within the fixture itself if its internal parts malfunction. Others don’t have that quality, but only are designed to prevent the light from being the cause of an explosion when in contact with hazardous materials from the external environment. Let’s explore the different classes and divisions (in the U.S.) so you can get a better idea of the different types and where each one would be applied.

• Class I, Division I – This class and division is defined as a workspace or area in which its environment contains flammable gases, vapors, or liquids under normal conditions. (This type of environment is required to have explosion proof lighting fixtures that will contain an explosion within itself so as to not cause an explosion with the interminglings of the present flammable external materials in the atmosphere of its workspace/area.) 
• Class I, Division II – This class and division is defined as a workspace or area in which its environment usually won’t contain flammable gases, vapors, or liquids under normal conditions. (This type of environment is at lower risk for the potential for an explosion and would only occur during an accident or unusual circumstance compared to an environment in the class I, division I. This type of environment only needs an explosion proof light fixture that is rated to not cause an explosion when it comes into contact with a flammable gas, vapor, or liquid.) 
• Class II, Division I –  This class and division is defined as a workspace or area in which its environment contains dust that can combust within the air under normal conditions. (This type of environment is required to have explosion proof lighting fixtures that will contain an explosion within itself so as to not cause an explosion with the interminglings of the present combustible dust in the atmosphere of its workspace/area.) 
• Class II, Division II – This class and division is defined as a workspace or area in which its environment won’t contain dust in the air that can combust under normal conditions. (This type of environment is at lower risk for the potential for an explosion and would only occur during an accident or unusual circumstance compared to an environment in the class II, division I. This type of environment only needs an explosion proof light fixture that is rated to not cause an explosion when it comes into contact with combustible dust.) 
• Class III, Division I –  This class and division is defined as a workspace or area in which its environment contains flammable fiber/material that produces residue within the air under normal conditions. (This type of environment is required to have explosion proof lighting fixtures that will contain an explosion within itself so as to not cause an explosion with the interminglings of the present flammable external materials in the atmosphere of its workspace/area.) 
• Class III, Division II – This class and division is defined as a workspace or area in which its environment contains flammable fiber/material that won’t produce combustible residue in the air under normal conditions. (This type of environment is at lower risk for the potential for an explosion and would only occur during an accident or unusual circumstance compared to an environment in the class III, division I. This type of environment only needs an explosion proof light fixture that is rated to not cause an explosion when it comes into contact with combustible residue.)

Hire An Electrician For Explosion Proof Lighting Installation

Trust a licensed and insured professional when it comes to installing your explosion proof light fixtures. Explosion proof lighting is like installing any other light fixture: it’s best when installed by an electrician. Electricians can install your explosion proof lighting for any work environment, whether it is commercial or industrial. Electricians are versed in the NEC (National Electrical Code) for proper and safe installation for any type of lighting fixture. The team at KB Electric LLC has over a combined 35 years of hands-on field experience, so you can trust them to wire and install everything and anything electrical. We are your local, family-owned and operated electrical contractor serving all of Montgomery County, PA as well as the surrounding Southeastern, PA counties of Berks, Bucks, Chester, and Delaware. Call us today for competitive pricing, and professional service: (267) 467-3178