Hazardous Emergency Lights – Explosion Proof

Hazardous Emergency Lights – Explosion Proof

Hazardous emergency lights—also called hazardous location emergency lights or explosion-proof emergency lights—are built for classified spaces with flammable gases, vapors, or combustible dust. These fixtures pair sealed, corrosion-resistant housings with high-output LEDs and battery backup to provide reliable egress illumination in Class/Division areas. For related signage, see explosion-proof exit signs or browse all emergency lights.

UL 844 / UL 924 Explosion-Proof Industrial Rated Battery Backup
Buyers Guide Tips

What to Look for in Hazardous Emergency Lights

  • Compliance & classification: Verify UL 844 (Class/Division or Zone) and, if applicable, UL 924 for emergency lighting; confirm with your AHJ.
  • Temperature code & ambient: Match T-code (e.g., T4/T6) and allowable Ta range; consider derating with lens/heater options.
  • Gas/dust groups: Ensure correct groups (Class I A–D; Class II E–G; Class III fibers) for the classified area.
  • Enclosure rating: Specify IP65/IP66 or NEMA equivalents and gasketing for wash-down, dust, and moisture.
  • Housing & corrosion: Copper-free aluminum or fiberglass; stainless hardware; durable finish for chemicals and salt air.
  • Conduit & entries: Sealed hubs (e.g., 1/2″ NPT), proper thread engagement, and approved sealing fittings per NEC Article 500/501.
  • Lumen output & optics: Size output and beam pattern to achieve target egress levels (e.g., ≥ 1 fc avg / ≥ 0.1 fc min) for the path of egress.
  • Power & electronics: Universal 120/277 VAC, surge/brownout protection, low-voltage disconnect, and robust control gear.
  • Battery & runtime: Ni-Cd or lithium packs delivering 90 minutes; consider cold-weather heaters for low-ambient sites.
  • Mounting & vibration: Wall/ceiling brackets rated for industrial vibration and shock; verify weight and clearances.
  • Maintenance & diagnostics: Self-testing for monthly/annual checks; clear nameplate with class/division, group, T-code, ambient, and IP/NEMA ratings.

Constructed in copper-free die-cast aluminum or fiberglass-reinforced housings with sealed gaskets and 1/2" NPT conduit hubs, these lights resist corrosion, dust, moisture, vibration, and impact—ideal for refineries, chemical plants, paint booths, grain handling, and other industrial sites. Adjustable LED optics provide efficient coverage along paths of egress while minimizing maintenance.

Most models are UL 844 listed for hazardous locations; many also carry UL 924 emergency-lighting listings and provide a minimum 90 minutes of battery runtime (verify per spec). Match your environment by checking temperature code (e.g., T4/T6), gas/dust group, and ingress protection (e.g., IP65/IP66).

💡 What is hazardous location emergency lighting? A sealed, code-certified fixture designed to provide safe emergency illumination without sparking ignition in explosive or combustible atmospheres.

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Hazardous Location Ratings

Know your classification before you buy: Class I Division 2 exit signs — flammable gases or vapors present under abnormal conditions; Class II Division 1 exit signs — combustible dust present during normal operation; Class II Division 2 exit signs — dust present under irregular or fault conditions.

Hazardous Emergency Lights – Spec Guide

  • Compliance & classification: Confirm UL 844 (Class/Division or Zone) and, when applicable, UL 924 for emergency lighting; verify with your AHJ.
  • Temperature code & ambient: Match T-code (e.g., T6/T5/T4) and allowable Ta range; consider heater kits for low-ambient conditions.
  • Gas/dust groups: Ensure correct groups: Class I (A–D), Class II (E–G), Class III (fibers/flyings) for the classified area.
  • Enclosure & ingress: Specify IP65/IP66 or NEMA 4/4X with continuous gasketing and impact-resistant lens for wash-down/dusty environments.
  • Housing & corrosion: Copper-free die-cast aluminum or fiberglass; stainless hardware; chemical-resistant finishes for refineries/chem plants/coastal sites.
  • Conduit & sealing: Threaded entries (e.g., 1/2″ NPT); use approved sealing fittings and proper thread engagement per NEC Article 500/501.
  • Lumen output & optics: Size output/beam to achieve egress targets (≈ ≥1 fc average and ≥0.1 fc minimum) along the path for 90 minutes.
  • Power & electronics: Universal 120/277 VAC, surge/brownout protection, low-voltage disconnect, robust drivers and status indicator/test switch.
  • Battery & runtime: Maintenance-free Ni-Cd or lithium packs delivering ≥90 min; evaluate recharge time and expected life at site temperatures.
  • Mounting & vibration: Wall/ceiling brackets rated for industrial vibration/shock; confirm fixture weight, clearances, and aiming for egress coverage.
  • Nameplate & markings: Ensure label lists Class/Division (or Zone), group, T-code, ambient range, and ingress rating for inspection.
  • Maintenance & diagnostics: Self-testing electronics to automate monthly/annual checks; maintain logs per AHJ/OSHA procedures.

FAQs About Hazardous Location Emergency Lights

What qualifies as a hazardous location?

A hazardous location is an area where flammable gases, vapors, dusts, or fibers could ignite. These spaces are categorized by the NEC (and referenced by OSHA) as Class I (gases/vapors), Class II (dusts), or Class III (fibers/flyings), and split into Division 1 or 2 based on how often the hazard is present.

What’s the difference between Class I Div 1 and Class I Div 2?

Class I, Division 1 means explosive gases/vapors are present under normal operating conditions (e.g., paint booth interiors). Class I, Division 2 means they’re only present under abnormal conditions, like leaks or equipment failure (e.g., adjacent storage or piping areas).

Are battery backups required in hazardous emergency lights?

Yes. Per UL 924 and NFPA 101, emergency lights—including explosion-proof models—must provide at least 90 minutes of illumination during a power outage.

Can I use hazardous location emergency lights outdoors?

Yes—choose units rated for harsh environments, such as NEMA 4X or IP66/IP67. These are suitable for outdoor, marine, wash-down, or corrosive areas (e.g., refineries, gas stations, food-processing lines).

Do these fixtures use LED technology?

Most hazardous-location emergency lights use LED heads for higher efficiency, long life, and lower maintenance compared with halogen.

How do I choose the correct class and division?

Match the classification to your materials and how frequently they’re present. For example, active spray areas may be Class I, Div 1, while nearby storage or ventilation spaces may be Class I, Div 2. Confirm with your local fire marshal or building inspector.