Intrinsically Safe vs Explosion Proof Lights

Intrinsically Safe vs Explosion Proof Lights

'Explosion Proof' and 'Intrinsically Safe' represent the two most prominent types of lighting classified by differing approaches to explosion prevention in environments containing hazardous vapors. This category encompasses handheld, portable, and wearable lights, alongside complete lighting solutions for facilities. The distinction between these two lighting classifications is crucial, hinging upon the concept of Containment versus Prevention.

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Containment (Explosion Proof) vs Prevention (Intrinsically Safe)

The Containment method allows ignition to occur internally but prevents it from escaping into the open atmosphere, thus mitigating danger. Alternatively, the Prevention approach effectively manages the ignition source, ensuring that the energy levels never reach a point where ignition can take place. Ultimately, utilizing Intrinsically Safe devices emerges as the most secure method of accident prevention.

Applicable Standards

Intrinsically Safe (IS) Standards

Numerous international safety regulations exist that authenticate lighting systems as Intrinsically Safe:

• FM Approvals, acting independently on behalf of global insurance companies, provides certifications for products meeting their rigorous scientific test standards.

• American National Standards Institute (ANSI) sets forth standards for "Explosive Atmospheres Performance" (ANSI/ISA - 1 standards).

• United Laboratories (UL) delivers certification for lighting designed to withstand hazardous conditions (UL).

• Moreover, the National Electrical Code (NEC) offers guidelines for electricians and other professionals when installing lighting in dangerous environments.

An Intrinsically Safe rating confirms that the equipment's electronics or wiring will not produce sparks.

• The lighting's energy levels are insufficient to ignite gases or vapors present in the vicinity.

• The equipment’s surface temperature will not exceed ignition thresholds for local gas or vapor.

Explosion Proof (EP) Standards

Having an explosion-proof designation does not guarantee the lighting will endure an explosion—this is a common misunderstanding. Instead, it signifies that the lighting is enclosed in a housing constructed to restrict any internal spark from instigating an external explosion.

• The enclosures are typically fabricated from stainless steel or cast aluminum.

• In case hazardous gases enter the enclosure, it is specifically designed to hold back any internal explosions caused by sparks.

• Explosion-proof lighting must be insulated adequately to ensure that, should an internal explosion occur, the external temperature does not achieve ignition temperatures of nearby gases.

Understanding Hazardous Atmospheres

Three classes and two "divisions" of hazardous environments exist for lighting assessments. The classes are as follows:

• Class 1 entails gases and vapors (the most explosive)
  • Group A. Acetylene
  • Group B. Hydrogen and hydrogen-containing gases
  • Group C. Petrochemicals
  • Group D. Methane
• Class 2 refers to combustible dust
• Class 3 involves combustible fibers and "flyings"

Categories of hazardous conditions within each class split into two divisions:

• Division I: Gases or vapors are constantly present at sufficient concentrations to pose an explosion risk.
• Division II: Gases or vapors may be present and likely reach hazardous concentrations.

How Intrinsically Safe Lighting Functions

Typically, intrinsically safe lighting involves low-powered models, frequently including batteries and rechargeable systems. Low-voltage bulbs, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), are often utilized, while halogen flashlights and high-intensity discharge (HID) lights may also fall under this classification.

Fundamentally, intrinsically safe lights are designed to limit electrical energy usage to levels that do not pose a risk for ignition, thereby preventing sparks in hazardous atmospheres.

A standard fixed industrial IS lighting circuit may incorporate a temperature sensor meant to limit energy to the light based on the temperature. Although controlled by ambient conditions, the lighting still complies with stringent visibility standards.

High-intensity discharge lamps produce light through a transparent, sealed fused quartz or aluminum tube filled with gas and metallic salts. An electric arc ignited in the gas heats and vaporizes the metals, generating a plasma that intensifies the light emitted by the arc itself. These lights yield more visible light per energy unit compared to traditional fluorescent or incandescent bulbs. However, they deplete their fuel (metallic crystals), causing luminosity to diminish by up to 70% over a span of 10,000 operational hours.

Pros and Cons of Explosion Proof vs Intrinsically Safe

Explosion Proof devices are developed to permit ignition, yet contain it to avert external explosions.

• Explosion-proof installations aren’t restricted to low-voltage inventory.

• The installation of explosion-proof devices follows well-established procedures.

• Wiring for these devices can be costly due to conduits, enclosures, and seals that are necessary.

• The lighting enclosures need good and regular inspections for damage or leaks.

• Most specialists concur that explosion-proof lighting entails more ongoing safety threats due to allowing ignition to happen with the potential for unforeseen disasters.

By contrast, Intrinsically Safe devices work to prevent ignition from occurring at all.

• Explosions cannot occur, even during faults like damaged wires or malfunctioning circuit boards.

• The installation of wiring is simpler than that required for explosion-proof setups; it only needs to adhere to electrical standards.

• Due to minimal threat of fire, Intrinsically Safe devices don’t necessitate stringent maintenance schedules, allowing for continuous operation without requiring personnel evacuation.

• These systems include various portable light sources powered by rechargeable batteries, which can also connect to low voltage AC systems.

In Summary

Widely regarded as safer, Intrinsically Safe lighting appears superior to Explosion Proof lighting for hazardous settings. For a complete listing of BAYCO lighting products available from goSafe, please visit their site. For further information, contact your goSafe representative.

As safety becomes paramount in environments rife with explosion risks, making the right choice in lighting solutions is critical. If you're considering installation or upgrades, understanding these distinctions between Intrinsically Safe and Explosion Proof lighting is invaluable.

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