Hazardous areas are classified based on the kind of risk present in the atmosphere. These classifications have been elucidated in two European Directives – The “Workplace” Directive 1999/92/CE (RD 681/2003) and The “Equipment” Directive 2014/34/EU (RD 144/2016).
These directives divide hazardous environments into three distinct zones – Zone 0, Zone 1 and Zone 2. Zone 1 is an environment in which an explosive atmosphere forms under normal circumstances.
Now, what is the significance of these zones?
There are specific rules regarding every aspect of operations in each zone, of which electricity and electrical equipment form an integral part. Since anything to do with electricity is inherently linked to fire and explosion, the kind of products to be used in Zone 1 hazardous environments are extremely important.
According to the directives, only explosion proof lighting and lighting products can be used in Zone 0, 1 and 2 environments. You can refer to our article What is Explosion Proof Lighting to learn more about this kind of lighting fixture and the mechanism behind them.
Best lighting solutions for Zone 1 hazardous environment
Two kinds of lighting are usually required in any zone – permanent lighting fixtures and temporary lighting fixtures. Permanent lighting fixtures, as the name suggests, are permanently installed and need not be moved during operations, such as corridors, cranes, the main workplace and others. However, some operations, which are not conducted round the clock may require temporary lighting, such as cleaning a storage tank. In that case, temporary lighting comes in handy.
Hence, zone 1 lighting solutions are classified into permanent lighting solutions and temporary lighting solutions.
Permanent lights for Zone 1
1. Ex linear lights: Linear lights are usually fitted to the ceiling or wall to light up an entire area. They are very useful for elongated, square or rectangular workplaces. They are available in various sizes such as 5 feet, 4 feet and 2 feet so that they can suit areas of various sizes. Fitted with the latest LED technology, linear ex lights are one of the most versatile lighting solutions available.
2. Ex flood lights: These are most useful to light up a large work area. They are available in various lumen outputs. For example, SPARTAN lights manufactured by Raytec are available with lumen power from 4250 lumens up to 25,000 lumens.
3. Ex bay lights: Explosion proof bay lights are useful to light up an entire bay or corridor. They are fitted with the latest LED technology and available in capacities of 5000 to 48,000 lumens.
4. Ex crane lights: These lights are fitted on a crane to continue smooth operation during the night. They are specially designed to be completely vibration resistant. They are also flexible so their angle can be changed depending on your requirement.
5. Ex bulkheads: Low and compact spaces need specialised solutions. Explosion proof bulkheads are ideal for these areas. These are available in a variety of beam patterns such as circular and elliptical for usage in various facilities.
Refer to the Zone 1 permanent ATEX lighting page on our website to learn more about our product portfolio in this segment.
Temporary lights for Zone 1
Various kinds of explosion proof temporary lighting are available to cater to various kinds of needs. The most popular ones include:
1. Ex blast lights: These lights have an easy-to-attach nozzle holder and easily exchangeable lenses. These versatile lights are available in 12V and 24V strengths.
2. Ex hand lamps: Explosion proof handlamps are intensive lights providing illumination exactly where you need it. They come with easy grip handles for convenience of usage.
3. Ex handlamps: Another versatile product, explosion proof rechargeable torches can be found as handheld torches, hand lamps and flood lights. They are battery-powered and can be easily recharged.
4. Ex tank lighting: Storage tanks require regular maintenance and cleaning. Hence, temporary lights are essential in facilities with tanks. Tailor-made explosion proof tank lighting help in lighting up tanks easily. Usually, they come as a full set for lighting various parts of a tank.
5. Ex torches: Torches are probably the first thing that comes to our mind when we speak of temporary or emergency lighting. Explosion proof torches come in various shapes and forms for fulfilling various functions.
6. Ex tower lights: Want temporary lighting over a large area? This is the product you should look at. Explosion proof tower lights are stand-mounted lights which can be easily moved from one place to another.
7. Ex ultraviolet lights: These ultraviolet lights are tailor-made for killing germs. They are highly suitable for industries which are prone to germs such as food processing industries.
8. Ex work lights: Another versatile product group, explosion proof work lights include portable floodlights, hornet lights, body lights, swivel-mounted lights, string lights, work lights, light towers as well as wall mount brackets for installing the temporary lights.
You can find more about AJV Technical Equipment’s explosion proof temporary lighting solutions for Zone 1 facilities on our website. If you are interested in customised solutions for your hazardous work facility, contact us today. Our team of expert engineers provides bespoke solutions for all our clients.