Benefits Of Explosion-Proof LED Lighting

The complex and risky nature of working in confined spaces with volatile substances presents various risks for workers. To ensure their safety, businesses that operate in hazardous locations must utilise explosion-proof lights to prevent the ignition of flammable gases and dust particles. 

Due to its naming convention, some have the misconception that explosion-proof lighting is resistant to explosions. However, this is not true. Instead, it refers to a light fixture’s capacity to restrain the path of sparks and prevent external ignition in hazardous areas. 

Learn More: Everything You Need to Know About Explosion-Proof Lighting

As with similar protective systems, a business’s explosion-proof lighting system must be safe, robust, and efficient to ensure business continuity. But how does an enterprise identify a suitable lighting solution that balances benefits and costs? The answer may lie in explosion-proof LED light fixtures. Let us share how installing explosion-proof LED lighting in hazardous environments can benefit businesses.

Benefit #1: longer life span

Before the rise of LED technology, traditional explosion-proof lighting usually incorporate the use of fluorescent or incandescent fixtures. However, these light fixtures are not as efficient in meeting the needs of specific hazardous work environments. In general, incandescent lights have a lifespan of 1,200+ hours. Meanwhile, fluorescent units have a lifespan of 10,000+ hours. 

Furthermore, both types of luminaires require careful handling to prevent malfunctions due to the glass parts and filaments found inside. Conversely, LED luminaires boast an average lifespan of 50,000+ hours and are designed to be more robust and compact. As a result, they are more resistant to vibration and can endure rough treatment compared to the former two options.

In a hazardous environment where rough-and-tumble work is expected, it can be disruptive to the workflow if workers have to replace the luminaires constantly. Explosion-proof LED light fixtures offer a helpful solution to this issue, as they operate on a drive rather than ballast. This feature, coupled with the absence of high heat production, ensures a longer lifespan, meaning businesses spend less time and money on upkeep and maintenance.

Benefit #2: Energy efficient

LED light fixtures are generally touted as more energy efficient, as they operate on a lower wattage than conventional luminaires. This means they require less power to illuminate an environment (approximately 90% less energy). 

Businesses utilising explosion-proof LED light fixtures will find themselves cutting down on their electricity bills. The savings can be significant for enterprises that own larger workplaces with plenty of light fixtures installed.

Benefit #3: Low heat production

Traditional explosion-proof light fixtures, like fluorescent and incandescent, generate a lot of heat as a byproduct of their inefficiency since most of the energy is converted to heat loss. And in hazardous areas, luminaires that produce significant heat present a risk of explosion and injuries for workers. 

Conversely, explosion-proof LED lighting converts almost 80% of the energy consumed to produce illumination. As a result, there is less heat production, representing less risk for those working in hazardous work environments. 

Benefit #4: Higher lumen output

Explosion-proof LED lighting operates on a lower wattage. However, this does not mean they are less bright than fluorescent and incandescent light fixtures. In fact, LED boasts a superior lumens-per-watt ratio of 40-100. In contrast, fluorescent and incandescent units possess a 40-70 lumens-per-watt ratio and a 10-17 lumens-per-watt ratio, respectively.

So what does this mean? In layman's terms, lumens are a measure of the total amount of visible light – to the human eye – generated by a light source. So the higher the lumen rating, the brighter the luminaire appears. As such, an LED light source will generally outperform a fluorescent or incandescent unit. 

The lumen output of a luminaire is essential for any work environment, especially those where dangerous substances are at play. LED offers high lumen output for a brighter light source, is void of flickers, and minimises shadows, offering the best overall visibility. With enhanced visibility, there is less risk of workers getting into an accident.

As you can see, there are plenty of benefits in utilising explosion-proof LED light fixtures. So if you have yet to make the switch, we recommend doing so as soon as possible! At Supermec, we offer an extensive selection of explosion-proof luminaires, including explosion-proof LED flood lights and explosion-proof LED high bay lighting, for perusal. 

However, if you are wondering which explosion-proof LED light fitting is most suitable for your business, the answer is: it depends, as each business will have its specific requirements. Your work environment may also have separate hazardous area classifications, necessitating explosion-proof LED light fixtures with different categorisations. 

So we recommend contacting us for assistance in selecting the appropriate light fixtures for your hazardous work environment. As a specialist in explosion-proof electrical equipment, we believe our team is well-placed to answer any queries you may have about our products.