Hazardous areas

Areas with high explosion risk exist in almost all engineering facilities and strict rules are followed in order to mitigate those risks. The use of explosion-proof (Ex) light fittings is mandatory in these areas and their classification is based on zones according to their hazard potential.

Hazardous areas are explosive atmospheres created by gases, vapours and ignitable dusts or fibres. They can typically be found in places like oil/gas rigs, processing refineries, chemical production facilities, flammable liquid storage facilities, during fuel transport, at petrol stations, in paint and paper production facilities, etc.

It’s important for the lighting products to actually be designed for use in actual hazardous areas, and for their operation and maintenance to comply with the appropriate requirements. The luminaire housings are often made of aluminium/zinc coated or stainless steel and include external batteries for emergency lighting and extending their lifetime.

Ex hazardous area classification

The ATEX equipment directive no. 2014/34/EU for Equipment and protective systems is intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. ATEX and IEC Ex define atmosphere groups depending on the type and presence of gases and dust. Site owners must classify areas where hazardous explosive atmospheres may occur into zones.

Hazardous areas are classified into zones (0, 1 and 2 for gases, vapours and mists and 20, 21 and 22 for dust). These hazardous zones must be protected against sources of ignition. Explosion-proof fittings meant for use in Ex-classified areas must meet the requirements of the directive. Zone 0 and 20 require Category 1-marked equipment, zone 1 and 21 require at least Category 2-marked equipment, and zone 2 and 22 require at least Category 3-marked equipment. Zone 0 and 20 are the zones with the highest risk of an explosive atmosphere occurring.

industry_hazardous areas_2.jpg

Depending on their minimum ignition energy, gases are classified in maximum surface temperature classes ranging from T1 = 450°C to T6 = 85°C.

Glamox has vast experience with the most extreme explosive conditions in the North sea. We produce luminaires suited for Zone 1/21 and Zone 2/22 (Ex-n) and for maximum surface temperature classes T4 (135°C) to T5 (100°C).

 

Recommended Products

Find out more about our solutions for other types of spaces

Loading image...

Cold and frozen storage

The struggle between light and cold is an ongoing issue in the cold storage industry. Temperatures in cold storage...

Loading image...

Manufacturing plants

Modern-day assembly work is more and more automated, leading to increasingly high quality demands. The remaining visu...

Loading image...

Parking garages

Garages and multi-storey car parks can be viewed as unsafe after dark, but this image is rapidly changing as indoor...

Loading image...

Warehouse and logistics

Warehouses are usually tall buildings with high storage racks, which means they have very little or no access to...

Loading image...

Control rooms

The design and layout of control rooms is a scientific research field in its own right. Operators working night shift...

Loading image...

Food processing

In the food processing industry, cleanliness and hygiene are imperative to ensure product quality. The frequent use o...

Loading image...

Cleanrooms

Creating luminaires for cleanrooms can be described as the art of combining robust design with easily cleanable...

Loading image...

Heavy industry

Heavy industries include mining and metal processing. Luminaires for these applications require high ingress protecti...

Loading image...

Quality control and laboratories

Despite the increasing prevalence of automated work processes, the human eye is still superior in spotting flaws and...

Loading image...

Agriculture

Light is a key environmental factor that influences and directs the physiological processes in all animals. Light mak...

Loading image...

Chemical facilities

Chemical production facilities are among the harshest environments and include a variety of work tasks. High...