Explosion-proof lamps. Characteristics and application

Explosion-proof lamps are special lighting devices that are designed for operation in hazardous areas. Like other explosion-proof equipment, these lamps differ from the usual specific design - a durable hermetically sealed enclosure, protective mesh, heat-resistant glass and other. For what such lighting fixtures are needed, what are the types and features of their application, we will discuss in this article.

Characteristics

Explosion-proof lamps are specially designed to provide the proper level of illumination in potentially explosive areas. So, they are used at gas stations, mines, oil-loading platforms, laboratories, warehouses. The use of any other lighting devices in such places is considered a violation of the safety standard.

Their main distinguishing feature from conventional lighting devices is a very tight connection of parts made, in turn, from high-strength fireproof materials. The shell of such luminaires is capable of withstanding colossal temperature and pressure, the design provides a lower ignition temperature of gases, the thermal regime of explosion-proof luminaires flows in such a way that the temperature of the outer parts never exceeds the permissible value( it does not heat up).Thus, such lighting elements can not in any way provoke a fire hazard situation.

Scope of Application

In installations with increased explosion hazard, the use of explosion-proof lamps is mandatory, otherwise safety requirements are violated. Such zones and objects include all enterprises of the oil industry, including gas stations, as well as sites for subversive work, military training grounds, factories producing combustible substances or any varnish-and-paint materials.

If you are planning to buy explosion-proof fixtures, the choice should be approached very carefully, taking into account the specifics of the room and the design of the device itself. It is lighting that gives people not only safety and comfort of movement, but also a sense of security. It is laid on a subconscious level, because a person will always go from darkness to light, believing that there is heat and protection there. Explosion-proof fixtures can provide this kind of protection and comfort, and in an extreme situation even save lives.

It should be understood that these are not just lighting elements, but the most important factors on which not only the productivity of employees, but their life and the fate of production as a whole, can depend.

Features of

What factors allow explosion-proof luminaires to function smoothly in the most extreme situations when ordinary industrial lamps completely fail? The fact is that unlike conventional devices, these lamps are made of incredibly strong materials, fastened in a special way. The case, for example, is made of polycarbonate, and the reflectors are made of sheet steel, which helps to maximize the safety of people working in the enterprise.

Protection against mechanical damage is provided by a reinforced housing. As a rule, most of these lamps are made of heat-resistant glass. All their parts are connected very tightly, so during an explosion or a fire they can withstand a colossally high pressure and temperature. It is the sharp increase in pressure that causes the lighting element to fail, and the design of the luminaire reduces the risk to zero.

Also merit of the design is to provide a lower temperature of ignition of gases and a special thermal regime, in which the external parts of the lamp are heated. This eliminates the risk of a fire hazard situation. Plus, the wiring is also put in a special way - it is protected by a special casing, so even if a short circuit occurs, the explosion is virtually impossible.

How to choose

Today, the nomenclature of explosive and fireproof luminaires is increasing and replenished with new copies every day. Lighting specialists constantly modernize the lighting fixtures and are engaged in studying innovative ways to illuminate explosive zones. That is why it is very difficult for an inexperienced person to understand the incredible variety of models.

Than to be guided at a choice of such specific illumination:

1. First of all, the choice should be defined by classes of zones in which fixtures will be used. It is on the correctness of this choice will determine the optimal cost, economy and reliability of lighting.
2. The complexity of the design - all kinds of protective devices( grids, glass, gratings, etc.) and their strength directly affects the efficiency of lighting devices and their lighting performance. Before buying, carefully study and evaluate the factors that determine the efficiency and quality of electric lighting. For example, if a bright light is needed in a warehouse for work, then it is not advisable to buy a lamp, "packed" in thick glass and a lot of gratings. If there is enough light for normal operation, for example, to see the path in the corridor or mine, then you can use the above described lamp.
   
3. For class В-Па and В-Н it is better to use fixtures for explosive areas, as well as containing a mixture of fibers, air and combustible dusts.
4. For zones of class B-1, analogues of explosion-proof luminaires can be used, which are used to work in rooms with unstable mixtures of gas, vapors and air.
5. For zones of Class B-Pa it is permissible to use general purpose luminaires if they are provided with a special protective shell that does not allow dust to enter the enclosure.
6. Regardless of the class of the zone, the degree of protection of luminaires must be at least PR54.

When purchasing any luminaire, a certificate must necessarily be provided in which the operational and design characteristics must be displayed. The price of explosion-proof lamps directly depends on the specific use.

Classification and types

Explosion-proof lamps are characterized by two safety indications that are displayed on the body or package:

1. The "d" type is interpreted as "explosion-proof enclosure".
2. View "s" - stands for "special type of explosion protection" and is used for the input box of the device. This type shows the degree of protection type "e" and the requirement of protection from the external environment IP67.

With this type of protection, the cable can not get into the flameproof enclosure, which is a significant advantage for the consumer, because it provides both real life protection and a maximum of positive performance characteristics. If, however, the cable is inserted directly into the casing of the casing or the input box of the luminaire, then almost all responsibility falls on the shoulders of the consumer himself.

Marking division

There are the following types of application of explosion-proof luminaires according to the marking:

1. 1st level( 1Ex. ..) - are used where second level luminaires( 2Ex. ..) can be used.
2. Category IIC - used wherever IIB type fixtures can be used.
3. Luminaires of high temperature class are used where simultaneous use of lighting devices of a smaller temperature class is permissible. So, lamps T6 can be used where there are fixtures Т5, Т4, Т3, Т2 and Т1, and so on. Fixtures T2 can only be used together with T1.
   

There is also a certain marking according to GOST 15150, which indicates the possibility of using explosion-proof lighting devices in macro-climatic zones with sea climate( on the coast, rivers or lakes):

• U - moderate;
• CL - cold;
• UHL - moderate cold;
• T - tropical dry and wet;
• TV - tropical wet;
• TS - tropical dry;
• TM - tropical marine;
• O - general climatic modification( all macroclimatic zones on land, except very cold ones);
• M - moderately cold sea;
• OM - moderately cold and tropical sea( used on vessels of unlimited navigation area);
• B - suitable for all zones on land and in the sea, except for very cold ones.

Separation with light source type

Also explosion-proof lamps can be divided according to the type of light source:

1. Fluorescent - the main advantage of such luminaires is their economy, safety and durability. In the production of such devices, a special "flameproof enclosure" is used, which is an explosion-proof electrical part( lamp), isolated from the possible adverse effects of the external environment. Thus, the possibility of destabilizing the operation of a fluorescent explosion-proof lamp from the outside is excluded.
   
2. Incandescent lamp - explosion-proof fixtures for incandescent lamps consist of a durable aluminum housing, have a built-in cartridge and heat-resistant impact-resistant borosilicate glass cap. The protective cap is attached to the body by thread.
   
3. LED - are distinguished by special protection against impacts and mechanical loads, voltage fluctuations and adverse climatic effects. Since special lighting requirements are imposed on such lighting devices, their design must be adapted to work in rooms with hazardous or harmful production. Also, LED explosion-proof lamps are used for lighting buildings or for street lighting. This species is the most common and is used not only in industrial plants, but also in offices, on the streets, etc. The price of LED explosion-proof fixtures depends on the scope of their application.

Separation by installation type

And the latest classification involves the separation of lighting models by type of installation. For example, there are hanging lamps that can be broadcast on a hook, ceiling or mounting pipe.

So, the following types of luminaires are distinguished according to the installation method:

1. Suspended - the possibility of installation on a hook, ceiling or mounting pipe on special suspension structures. Used in warehouses and in large rooms with high ceilings.
   
2. Wall mounted - installed on a vertical surface, like a room sconce.
3. Portable - devices whose location can be changed if necessary. A portable explosion-proof luminaire is used if the operation is conducted away from the main light source.