Explosion Proof Light Fixtures – Mounting Options for Lighting Fixtures

Introduction

Explosion-proof light fixtures are vital in maintaining safety in environments with hazardous materials where any ignition could be catastrophic. The effectiveness of these fixtures is significantly influenced by their mounting options, which not only support the installation but also enhance their functionality and adaptability to different environmental conditions. This guide delves into a variety of mounting options, each tailored for specific applications and benefits, enhancing both safety and lighting efficiency.

Understanding Explosion Proof Lighting Fixtures

Before diving into mounting options, understanding what makes light fixtures explosion proof is important. These fixtures are designed to contain any explosion originating within the housing of the light and prevent sparks from escaping into the surrounding atmosphere where they could ignite flammable gases, vapors, or dust. To be classified as explosion proof, fixtures must meet rigorous standards set by national and international safety organizations.

Mounting Options for Explosion Proof Lights

Hazardous Location Vertical Pole Mount

• Description: In hazardous locations, vertical pole mounts secure LED lights to a vertical pole that extends upward, ensuring the lighting is elevated and protected from potential hazards on the ground.
• Benefits:
  • Elevates lighting to cover a wide area, critical for visibility in expansive hazardous zones.
  • Maximizes ground space, which is vital in areas where equipment mobility is necessary.
• Applications: Essential for illuminating large hazardous areas like chemical plants or oil refineries where elevated, clear lighting reduces risk.

Hazardous Location Non-Vertical Pole Mount

• Description: These mounts feature light poles that are angled or adjustable, allowing the direction of the lighting to be tailored to specific needs in hazardous environments.
• Benefits:
  • Adjustable angles focus lighting precisely, enhancing safety in specific work zones.
  • The flexible design supports varied lighting schemes to avoid shadows and blind spots.
• Applications: Ideal for complex hazardous settings like processing areas where direct lighting over machinery or obstructions is crucial.

Hazardous Location 25° Tilt Standard Stanchion Pole Mount

• Description: A stanchion pole mount with a fixed 25° tilt in hazardous areas directs light downward at a strategic angle, ensuring focused illumination where most needed.
• Benefits:
  • Targets essential areas, improving visibility and safety.
  • Minimizes direct glare, enhancing comfort and reducing accidents.
• Applications: Widely used in hazardous zones like loading docks or storage areas to enhance visibility and safety.

Hazardous Location 90° Tilt Standard Stanchion Pole Mount

• Description: Set at a 90° angle, this mount positions lights almost horizontally, ideal for illuminating horizontal expanses in hazardous areas.
• Benefits:
  • Directs light across wide areas, suitable for illuminating side spaces or under structures.
  • Perfect for lighting areas beneath equipment or pipelines.
• Applications: Crucial for side lighting in hazardous environments like under pipelines or storage shelves.

Hazardous Location 25° Tilt Stanchion Wall Mount to Junction Box

• Description: This mount connects to a wall in a hazardous location and tilts at 25°, directing light to specific areas efficiently while integrated with a junction box for power.
• Benefits:
  • Focuses light downward to improve work area visibility.
  • Streamlines installation with built-in electrical safety features.
• Applications: Optimal for external walls of hazardous facilities or areas near hazardous materials handling.

Hazardous Location 90° Tilt Stanchion Wall Mount to Junction Box

• Description: In hazardous settings, this wall mount tilts at 90°, directing light horizontally and seamlessly integrating with a junction box for safe electrical connections.
• Benefits:
  • Expands horizontal light coverage, crucial for perimeter security lighting.
  • Simplifies maintenance with integrated electrical safety.
• Applications: Essential for illuminating perimeter walls and alleyways in hazardous locations.

Hazardous Location Trunnion Mount

• Description: Trunnion mounts in hazardous areas support LED lights on a horizontal bar, allowing precise adjustment of the lighting angle to suit specific operational needs.
• Benefits:
  • Offers high adjustability and control, crucial in variable lighting conditions.
  • Durable and stable, designed to withstand high-vibration environments.
• Applications: Common in sectors like mining or petrochemical processing where precise, adaptable lighting is key.

Hazardous Location Hook Pendant Mount

• Description: This mount features a hook for hanging lights, suitable for hazardous areas where the light might need to sway due to environmental conditions.
• Benefits:
  • Allows lights to sway slightly, absorbing vibrations without damage.
  • Facilitates easy installation and repositioning in dynamic environments.
• Applications: Ideal in hazardous warehouses or areas with fluctuating conditions.

Hazardous Location Surface Mount

• Description: Surface mounts affix directly onto flat surfaces in hazardous areas, providing secure and space-efficient lighting installations.
• Benefits:
  • Ensures a stable and secure lighting setup.
  • Optimizes limited space, crucial in confined hazardous environments.
• Applications: Typically employed in narrow corridors or small rooms within hazardous sites to maintain clear egress paths.

Hazardous Location Wall Mount

• Description: Wall mounts in hazardous locations fix lighting fixtures onto vertical surfaces, directing light in necessary directions to ensure safety and operational visibility.
• Benefits:
  • Enhances illumination of perimeter or specific zones, maintaining safety.
  • Preserves floor space for safe movement and operations.
• Applications: Key for lighting along boundary walls, corridors, and operational areas in hazardous environments.

Hazardous Location Pipe Mount

• Description: Pipe mounts clamp light fixtures onto existing pipes in hazardous settings, leveraging structural elements for optimal lighting placement.
• Benefits:
  • Utilizes existing infrastructure, minimizing additional hardware needs.
  • Easily adjusted for precise light positioning, enhancing task-specific visibility.
• Applications: Best suited for industrial environments like refineries, where strategic lighting placement is crucial.

Hazardous Location Cable Junction Box Mount

• Description: In hazardous locations, lights are mounted to cable junction boxes which ensure both physical support and secure electrical connections.
• Benefits:
  • Streamlines electrical setups and provides robust connection protection.
  • Shields connections from environmental hazards, ensuring continuous operation.
• Applications: Widely used both indoors and outdoors in hazardous areas, where maintaining electrical safety is a priority.

Hazardous Location Yoke Mount

• Description: Yoke mounts feature a U-shaped bracket that allows light fixtures in hazardous areas to be tilted and swiveled for optimal directional lighting.
• Benefits:
  • Offers multidirectional lighting adjustments, responding to varied operational needs.
  • Simple to modify, supporting dynamic lighting requirements.
• Applications: Employed in hazardous workshops or sites requiring flexible and adjustable lighting setups.

Hazardous Location U Bracket Mount

• Description: Features a U-shaped bracket fixed to a surface in a hazardous area, with the light mounted within, providing stable and adjustable lighting.
• Benefits:
  • Delivers robust support and stability for the lighting fixture.
  • Enables slight lighting adjustments to enhance area-specific illumination.
• Applications: Useful in both indoor and outdoor hazardous environments that demand sturdy and reliable lighting.

Hazardous Location Suspended Mount

• Description: Suspended mounts dangle light fixtures from the ceiling by cables or chains in hazardous locations, combining aesthetic appeal with functional overhead lighting.
• Benefits:
  • Creates an appealing environment while ensuring comprehensive illumination from above.
  • Ideal for spaces with high or intricate ceilings, maximizing light distribution.
• Applications: Perfect for large commercial hazardous areas or high-ceiling warehouses, where aesthetics and functionality must coincide.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Mounts for Explosion Proof Fixtures

Selecting the appropriate mount for explosion proof lights in hazardous locations is critical to ensuring safety, functionality, and efficiency. Here’s a detailed guide on the key factors to consider when choosing from various mounts like vertical pole mounts, trunnion mounts, suspended mounts, and more.

1. Environmental Conditions

• Corrosivity: Areas with high levels of corrosive substances require mounts made from materials that resist corrosion, such as stainless steel or specially coated metals.
• Vibration: In environments with high vibration, choose mounts like trunnion or U-bracket mounts that provide stability and reduce the risk of mechanical failure.
• Temperature and Humidity: Some mounts are better suited for extreme temperatures or high humidity. Ensure the materials and design of the mount can withstand such conditions without degrading.

2. Safety and Compliance

• Certifications: Ensure the mounts comply with international and local safety standards such as NEC, ATEX, or IECEx, which confirm their suitability for explosive atmospheres.
• Zone Classification: Different hazardous zones require specific types of mounts. For example, zones with explosive gases might need different mounts compared to areas with combustible dust.

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3. Mounting Location and Space

• Space Constraints: In confined spaces, compact mounts like surface or wall mounts might be necessary to maximize the area.
• Access for Maintenance: Choose mounts that allow easy access for maintenance and inspection. Hinged mounts or those with easy detachment features can be beneficial.
• Height and Angle: Consider mounts that offer adjustable heights and angles, such as the 90° tilt mounts or hook pendant mounts, to direct light precisely where it’s needed.

4. Lighting Area and Purpose

• Coverage Area: Larger areas might require mounts that elevate the lighting, such as vertical pole mounts, to spread light over wide zones.
• Task-Specific Lighting: For focused task lighting, mounts like the 25° tilt stanchion pole mount allow the precise direction of light to specific workstations.

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5. Fixture Compatibility

• Weight and Size of Fixtures: Ensure that the chosen mount can support the weight and dimensions of the light fixtures. Heavier fixtures may require more robust mounts like yoke or trunnion mounts.
• Installation Requirements: Some mounts might require complex installation processes. Consider the ease of installation and whether special tools or expertise are needed.

6. Aesthetics and Visibility

• Visual Impact: In areas where aesthetics are a concern, mounts like the suspended mount or hook pendant mount can offer a visually pleasing solution without compromising functionality.
• Obstruction and Shadowing: Choose mounts that minimize shadowing and obstruction. For example, high-mounted options like suspended or vertical pole mounts can provide unobstructed illumination.

7. Durability and Maintenance

• Material Durability: The material of the mount should be durable enough to withstand the environmental conditions of the hazardous area.
• Maintenance Accessibility: Some mounts, like those integrated with junction boxes, facilitate easier maintenance and wiring checks, which can be crucial in hazardous environments.

Choosing the right mount for explosion-proof light fixtures in hazardous locations involves a thorough assessment of environmental conditions, safety standards, space constraints, and specific lighting needs. By carefully considering these factors, you can select a mount that not only enhances the effectiveness of the lighting but also ensures safety and compliance in potentially explosive atmospheres.

Conclusion

The variety of mounting options for explosion proof lights ensures that there is a solution for virtually any environment or requirement. From fixed, sturdy mounts to adjustable and flexible options, selecting the right mount can enhance both the safety and efficiency of lighting in hazardous areas. Get greater insights into hazardous location lighting here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What factors should be considered when choosing a mount for explosion proof fixtures? Consider the environment, the specific lighting needs, safety requirements, and the physical layout of the space. Adjustability, ease of installation, and maintenance requirements should also be considered.

Can these mounts be used with any explosion proof light fixture? While many mounts are universally compatible, always check the specifications of both the light fixture and the mount to ensure they are suitable for each other, especially in terms of weight support and fit.

Are there special certifications needed for these mounts in hazardous environments? Yes, mounts used in hazardous environments often need to meet specific safety standards and certifications that correspond to the particular hazards of the environment, such as NEC, ATEX, or IECEx standards.

How do environmental conditions affect the choice of mount for explosion proof fixtures? Environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and exposure to chemicals or saltwater can impact the suitability of a mount. It’s important to choose materials and coatings that can withstand these conditions to ensure longevity and safety.

What maintenance is required for explosion proof fixture mounts? Regular inspections should be conducted to check for corrosion, wear and tear, and integrity of the mount. Depending on the environment, it may also be necessary to clean the mounts regularly to prevent the build-up of potentially hazardous materials.

Are there different types of mounts for explosion proof fixtures? Yes, there are several types of mounts including ceiling mounts, wall mounts, pole mounts, and chain suspensions. Each type serves different purposes and provides different angles and levels of lighting.

What should be done if a mount doesn’t fit a particular explosion proof fixture? If a mount doesn’t fit, it is recommended not to modify the mount or fixture to force a fit as this can compromise safety. Instead, contact the manufacturer for a compatible mount recommendation or consider getting a custom mount designed to meet the specific requirements.

Can mounts affect the performance of explosion proof lights? Yes, the type of mount can affect the distribution and angle of light, which can impact overall visibility and safety in hazardous areas. It’s important to select a mount that aligns with the lighting design and purpose.