5 Things to Know Before Buying Portable Explosion Proof Lighting

In many hazardous work environments, lighting is an essential tool to ensure the safety of workers. However, in areas where explosive gases, vapours, or dust are present, the use of traditional lighting sources such as incandescent bulbs or fluorescent lamps can be dangerous. That's where Intrinsically Safe lighting comes in. In this definitive buyers guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about IS lighting, including what it means, why it's important, how it's certified, and what to consider before buying.

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What is Intrinsically Safe (IS) in Lighting

Intrinsically Safe is a term used to describe equipment that is designed to operate in hazardous environments without posing a risk of causing an explosion or fire. This means that IS equipment is constructed in a way that it won't ignite or create sparks, even if it encounters flammable materials. Intrinsically Safe lighting is designed to prevent sparks or hot surfaces from igniting flammable substances in the air.

What Makes Intrinsically Safe LED Lighting a Safer and Better Option?‍

The use of Intrinsically Safe LED lighting is critical in hazardous work environments because it minimizes the risk of ignition and explosion, which can cause severe damage to people and property. In addition, LED lights are highly energy-efficient, which can save money on energy costs while reducing the carbon footprint. LED lights also have a longer lifespan than traditional lighting sources, which means less maintenance and replacement costs.

LED lights are made up of electronic components, such as resistors and capacitors, which can generate heat when electrical energy passes through them. It's unusual for LED lights to catch on fire, making them a safe option. They operate at a low temperature, which is the cause. One of the main reasons why light bulb fires occur is overheating. If the bulb heats up excessively, it may harm the fixture, melt it, or heat the surroundings to the point of igniting a fire.

Certification of Intrinsically Safe Lights and Comparison with Explosion-Proof Lighting‍

Intrinsically Safe products are certified by testing agencies such as UL, CSA, and ATEX. These agencies evaluate the design and construction of the product to ensure that it meets the necessary safety standards. The certification process involves rigorous testing and evaluation to ensure that the product will not cause an explosion or fire in a hazardous environment. Products that pass the certification process receive a certification mark indicating that they are safe for use in hazardous environments.

Intrinsically Safe lights are designed to prevent sparks and heat from igniting flammable substances, while explosion-proof lighting is designed to contain an explosion if it occurs. Explosion-proof lights are typically constructed with thicker, more durable materials that can withstand an explosion without shattering or breaking. Both types of lights are suitable for use in hazardous environments, but the choice depends on the application's specific needs.

7 Fundamentals To Keep In Mind While Buying Intrinsically Safe Lighting

When choosing intrinsically safe (IS) lighting, there are several key considerations to keep in mind. In this definitive buyer's guide, we will explore these factors and why you should consider purchasing intrinsically safe (IS) lighting from SharpEagle.

1. Hazardous Classification‍

The first step in selecting intrinsically safe lighting is to determine the hazardous classification of the work environment. Different environments require different types of intrinsically safe (IS) lighting, such as explosion-proof, dust-ignition-proof, or non-incendive lighting. Choosing a lighting solution that meets the specific classification requirements of your work environment.

‍2. Lighting Requirements‍

The lighting requirements of the work environment will also impact the selection of intrinsically safe (IS) lighting. Consider factors such as the size of the area that needs to be illuminated, the type of work being performed, and the brightness level needed. This information will help determine the type and number of lights needed.

3. Light Source‍

The light source is another important factor to consider. Intrinsically safe lighting can use either LED or fluorescent bulbs. LED lighting is generally more energy-efficient, long-lasting, and has a brighter light output. Conversely, fluorescent lighting is less expensive upfront and offers a wider range of colour temperatures.

‍4. Power Supply‍

The power supply for intrinsically safe (IS) lighting must be specially designed to prevent any electrical energy from sparking and igniting the atmosphere. There are two types of power supplies: AC and DC.

5. Type of lighting‍

There are different types of intrinsically safe (IS) lighting solutions available, including handheld flashlights, headlamps, and area lighting. Consider the specific needs of your operation and choose the type of lighting that best suits your requirements.

6. Brightness and colour temperature 

The brightness and colour temperature of the light are important factors to consider. Make sure the lighting solution provides sufficient brightness for the task at hand and that the colour temperature is appropriate for the environment.

7. Battery life‍

Battery life is an important consideration, especially for portable lighting solutions. Look for lights with a long battery life that can withstand extended use in hazardous environments.

‍Why Buy Intrinsically Safe Lighting from SharpEagle?‍

SharpEagle is a trusted supplier of intrinsically safe lighting solutions that meet the stringent safety standards required in hazardous work environments. Here are the reasons why you should consider purchasing intrinsically safe lighting from SharpEagle:

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1. High-quality products: SharpEagle offers a range of ATEX lighting products that are designed and manufactured to meet the highest safety standards. Their products are certified by independent safety organisations and have been tested to ensure they meet all necessary safety requirements. They use the latest technology and high-quality materials to ensure their products are reliable and long-lasting.
2. Custom solutions: SharpEagle understands that different work environments have different lighting requirements. That's why they offer custom solutions that are tailored to your specific needs. Whether you need lighting for a specific area, such as a tank or pipeline, or need lighting that can withstand extreme temperatures or corrosive environments, SharpEagle can provide a solution that meets your requirements.
3. Excellent customer service: SharpEagle has a team of knowledgeable and experienced professionals who are dedicated to providing excellent customer service. They can help you choose the right lighting solutions for your needs and provide guidance on installation and maintenance. They also offer fast shipping and responsive support to ensure that you get the products and services you need when you need them.

Buy Safe and Reliable IS Lighting To Ensure Best Security Measures‍

Equipping workers and facilities with explosion proof lighting and types of equipment is one of the top priorities when it comes to ensuring their safety in a hazardous environment. This is due to the fact that it restricts thermal and electrical energy in order to prevent ignition. This could imply controlling heat generation and buildup to avoid exceeding a dangerous substance’s ignition temperature. Maintaining voltage and current low prevents the chance of sparks in electrical energy.

This along with the equipment that is designed to withstand explosions by containing the explosion within it. Higher wattage is possible because to the development of strong, thick equipment that can resist an explosion. It’s specially designed to avoid a malfunction in electrical process equipment, whether it’s intrinsically safe or explosion proof.

Now, speaking on behalf of the work environment let’s tackle what kind of factors you need to consider when purchasing intrinsically safe and explosion proof lighting.

1. Ensure it is intrinsically safe

Employees who operate in hazardous situations, both direct and contract, have suffered fines, penalties, and even termination in a number of cases for failing to use the appropriate Class 1, Division 1 intrinsically safe lighting equipment specially rated for their work area.

Consider equipping your employees with explosion proof lighting fixtures to enhance their safety when working in low-light, hazardous areas. This is because when a light source is intrinsically safe, it indicates that it has been graded for safety for use in a potentially hazardous workplace and will not create a fire or explosion if used properly and not tampered with. Due to the high concentration of combustible gases, liquids, and dust in industrial and manufacturing facilities. In this situation, there is a risk of fire and explosion so the first thing when choosing lighting in a hazardous environment is ensuring it is indeed classified as intrinsically safe.

2. Classification of use

Use intrinsically safe fixed and portable task lighting in hazardous areas to safeguard people and property from explosions and fires. The following industries frequently benefit from intrinsically safe lighting devices:

• Oil and gas (vapors)
• Grain elevators, flour mills, sugar refining (combustible dust)
• Textile mills, industrial machine shops (airborne particulates)
• HVAC repair and maintenance inspectors and technicians (vapors)

3. Duration of use

For the following conditions, people must use fundamentally safe lighting: while operating in restricted places or when a potential confined space exists. As a result, working in the oil and gas industry can be hazardous, especially if you operate in an industrial or manufacturing environment where flammable dust and combustible fiber filings are in the air due to the fumes and gases.

After all, with today’s mobile worker, you have to ask yourself if the cost of not having an intrinsically safe flashlight is worth the cost of potentially life-threatening risks. 

4. Design and construction of the device

Typically, hazardous area lighting fixtures are rated as Class 1 Division 1, Class 1 Division 2, ATEX Zone 1, or ATEX Zone 2. This ATEX certification certifies that the equipment is safe to use in environments where explosive chemicals such as vapor, dust, gas, or fibers are present in ignitable quantities. As a result, device manufacturers must apply proper design and construction procedures to ensure that their products are safe to use in confined spaces or regions with combustible substances.

An explosion-resistant lamp, for example, is designed to prevent any explosion within it from spreading to the explosive atmosphere outside it, which may result in a secondary explosion as a result of the initial explosion. A manufacturer may achieve this by using a robust enclosure that encloses any burning gases inside. Other designs may make use of tempered glass to capture sparks, static discharges, and other potential ignition sources, preventing disastrous contact with flammable gases or vapors in the surroundings.

5. IP Ratings

The acronym IP stands for Ingress Protection Rating. The Ingress Protection Rating on a piece of equipment describes the level of protection against diverse items, such as dust or water, entering the device. Using the IP Rating, users are able to choose which equipment is most suited for their environment, hence decreasing their risk.

The IP rating consists of the letters IP followed by two digits, or two digits and another letter in some circumstances. The first digit denotes the amount of ingress protection against solids or foreign objects. The first letter, for example, could indicate that an enclosure provides just modest dust protection.

The second digit denotes the amount of liquid intrusion prevention. The second digit, for example, could indicate that an enclosure protects against vertical water drops (such as light rain) and condensation.

Each numeral represents a different level of security. The level of protection increases as the numbers on the foreign object protection and liquid protection scales rise. Look at the chart for a detailed explanation of each number and the level of security it represents.

These are the top five factors to consider when purchasing intrinsically safe explosion proof lighting for use in hazardous environments. The use of explosion-proof lighting ensures the safety of your staff and others in the event of an explosion. Therefore, if you operate in a potentially dangerous environment, it is critical that you employ the proper lighting fixtures.

For more information, please visit Explosion Proof Lighting Fixtures.