Hazardous Location Exit Signs – Explosion-Proof, Code-Compliant Safety

Hazardous Location Exit Signs – Explosion-Proof

In environments with flammable gases, vapors, or combustible dust, standard signage can pose a risk. Hazardous location exit signs—also called explosion-proof exit signs—are engineered for classified areas such as Class I Division 2 and Class II Division 1, providing safe, ignition-protected egress marking. For integrated heads, see hazardous location exit sign combos, hazardous location emergency lights, or browse all Exit Signs.

UL 924 / UL 844 Explosion-Proof 90-Min Backup Sealed LED 1/2" NPT Hubs
Buyers Guide Tips

What to Look for in Hazardous Location Exit Signs

  • Compliance & codes: Confirm UL 844 (HazLoc) and, where applicable, UL 924 for emergency operation; align with NEC (NFPA 70) and NFPA 101; verify with your AHJ.
  • Class/Division & groups: Match Class I/II, Division 1/2 (or Zone) and gas/dust groups (Class I A–D, Class II E–G, Class III fibers).
  • T-code & ambient: Verify temperature code (e.g., T6/T5/T4) and allowable Ta range; consider heater kits for low-ambient sites.
  • Enclosure & ingress: Specify sealed housings with IP65/IP66 or NEMA 4/4X ratings and continuous gasketing for dust/wash-down environments.
  • Housing & corrosion: Copper-free die-cast aluminum or fiberglass; stainless hardware; chemical- and salt-mist–resistant finishes for industrial/coastal sites.
  • Conduit hubs & sealing: Threaded entries (e.g., 1/2″ NPT); use approved sealing fittings and proper thread engagement per Articles 500/501.
  • Legend & faces: Standard 6 in letters with typical viewing up to 100 ft; choose red/green and single/double-face to match plans and visibility needs.
  • Chevrons & configuration: Prefer field-selectable arrows to align with egress paths and reduce SKU complexity across layouts.
  • Power & battery: Universal 120/277 VAC, solid-state charger, status indicator, and test switch; Ni-Cd or lithium packs rated for 90 minutes.
  • Maintenance & markings: Optional self-testing to automate monthly/annual checks; ensure nameplate lists class/division (or zone), group, T-code, ambient range, and IP/NEMA rating.

Built with sealed, corrosion-resistant housings (typically copper-free die-cast aluminum) and impact-rated windows, these signs resist dust, moisture, vibration, and chemicals—ideal for refineries, chemical plants, paint booths, grain handling, and other industrial sites. Most models are UL 844 listed for hazardous locations; many also carry UL 924 emergency-lighting listings. Options include internal battery backup for 90-minute operation, self-testing diagnostics to reduce maintenance, and wet-location ratings for outdoor or marine environments.

💡 What is a hazardous location exit sign? A code-rated egress fixture designed to operate safely in explosive or combustible atmospheres without creating an ignition source.

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Hazardous Location Exit Signs – Spec Guide

  • Compliance & codes: Confirm UL 844 (HazLoc) and, where applicable, UL 924 for emergency operation; align with NEC (NFPA 70) and NFPA 101; verify with your AHJ.
  • Classification & groups: Match Class I/II, Division 1/2 (or Zone) and gas/dust groups—Class I (A–D), Class II (E–G), Class III (fibers/flyings).
  • Temperature code & ambient: Verify T-code (e.g., T6/T5/T4) and allowable ambient Ta; consider heater kits for low-temperature sites.
  • Enclosure & ingress: Sealed housings with IP65/IP66 or NEMA 4/4X, continuous gasketing, and impact-rated window for wash-down/dust exposure.
  • Housing & corrosion: Copper-free die-cast aluminum or fiberglass; stainless hardware; chemical- and salt-mist–resistant finishes for industrial/coastal environments.
  • Conduit hubs & sealing: Threaded entries (e.g., 1/2″ NPT); use approved sealing fittings and proper thread engagement per Articles 500/501.
  • Legend spec & visibility: Standard 6 in letters with typical viewing up to 100 ft; choose red/green per contrast and plan requirements.
  • Faces & orientation: Single or double-face; for edge-lit, confirm backplate/mirror configuration to present the legend as required.
  • Chevrons: Prefer field-selectable arrows to align with egress paths and reduce SKU complexity across layouts.
  • Power & battery: Universal 120/277 VAC, solid-state charger, status indicator, and test switch; Ni-Cd or lithium packs delivering ≥90 min runtime.
  • Environment: Wet-location ratings where required; evaluate temperature extremes and marine/coastal exposure for accessories and coatings.
  • Maintenance & markings: Optional self-testing to automate monthly/annual checks; ensure nameplate lists class/division (or zone), group, T-code, ambient range, and IP/NEMA rating.

Hazardous Location Class 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.

FAQs About Hazardous Location Exit Signs

What is a hazardous location exit sign?

It’s an emergency exit sign engineered to operate safely in areas with flammable gases, vapors, or dust. These fixtures are tested and certified to prevent ignition under hazardous conditions.

What does Class I Div 2 mean?

Class I Division 2 refers to environments where flammable gases or vapors aren’t normally present but may exist under abnormal conditions (like leaks or equipment failure). These ratings follow NEC (National Electrical Code) guidelines.

Do these signs have battery backup?

Yes—most hazardous location exit signs include internal batteries that provide at least 90 minutes of emergency illumination, as required by UL 924.

Are these exit signs explosion-proof?

Many are. Explosion-proof models use heavy-duty aluminum housings and sealed electronics to prevent internal sparks from igniting surrounding materials.

Can they be used outdoors?

Yes—many models are NEMA 4X or IP66 rated for wet, marine, or corrosive locations. See our NEMA-rated exit signs for options.

Is self-testing available?

Yes—some models include self-diagnostic circuitry that performs automatic monthly and annual compliance tests.