Explosion-proof fixtures .Characteristics and application

Explosion-proof lights are special lights that are designed for use in hazardous areas.Like other explosion-proof equipment, such lamps are different from ordinary specific design - durable sealed housing, protective grid, flameproof glass and other things.What are those lights, what are the types and characteristics of their application will be discussed in this article.

Features

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

Their main distinguishing feature of the conventional lighting is very tight connection of parts made, in turn, is made of high fireproof materials.The shell of these lamps can withstand tremendous heat and pressure, the design provides a lower ignition temperature of the gas, the thermal regime of explosion-proof luminaires proceeds so that the temperature of the outer parts, never exceed the permissible value (not heated).Therefore, such lighting elements can never provoke a fire situation.

Scope

At sites with a potentially explosive atmosphere use explosion-proof luminaires necessarily, otherwise violated safety requirements.all businesses nefteobrabatyvayuschey industry can be attributed to such areas and objects, including gas stations, as well as the venue of the blasting, military training grounds, factories producing flammable substances or any paints.

If you plan to buy explosion-proof lamps, to the choice should be approached very carefully, taking into account the specifics of the room and the design of the device itself.This coverage gives people not only the safety and comfort of movement, but also a sense of security.It is laid on a subconscious level, because people will always go out of the darkness to the light, suggesting that there is warmth and protection.Explosion-proof lights can provide just such protection and comfort, and in extreme cases, even save lives.

We must understand that it is not just lighting elements, and the most important factors, which may affect not only the productivity of workers, but their lives and the fate of the production as a whole.

Features

What factors allow fully enclosed fixtures to operate smoothly in the most extreme situations where conventional industrial lamp is completely out of order?The fact that, unlike conventional devices, these lamps are made of extremely strong materials, fastened with a special manner.Housing, for example, made from polycarbonate and reflectors - made of sheet steel, which helps to maximize the safety of the people working at the plant.

protection against mechanical damage is provided by a reinforced hull.As a rule, most of these fixtures are made of heat resistant glass.All their parts are connected very tight, so in an explosion or fire, they can withstand the enormously high pressure and temperature.That is a sharp increase in pressure brings lighting element of order and design of the lamp reduces the risk to zero.

also merit the design is to ensure that at the temperature of ignition of gases and special thermal regime, in which the outer parts on the lamp hot.This eliminates the risk of fire hazards.Plus, the wiring is also placed in a special way - it is protected by a cover, so even if a short circuit happens, the occurrence of an explosion is virtually impossible.

How to choose

Today nomenclature of explosion and fire lamps increases and updated with new copies every day.Specialists are constantly upgrading lighting fixtures and are exploring innovative ways to lighting hazardous areas.That is why an inexperienced person it is very difficult to understand the incredible diversity of models.

What followed in the choice of such a specific lighting:

1. First of all, the choice should be determined by the classes of the zones in which fixtures will be used.It is up to the correctness of that choice will depend on the optimum cost efficiency and reliability of the lighting.Complexity
2. structure - various protective devices (grids, glass, grids, etc.) and their strength directly affect the efficiency of lighting devices and lighting performance.Before buying, carefully review and evaluate the factors that determine the efficiency and quality of electric lighting.For example, if the stock is required to operate a bright light, then buy a lamp, "packaged" in a thick glass and a lot of arrays is inappropriate.If, however, for the normal functioning of quite a bit of light, for example, to see the way in the corridor or a mine, then you can take advantage of the above-described lamp.
   
3. for class B and B-Pas-H is best to use lights for hazardous areas, as well as containing a mixture of fibers and air and combustible dusts.
4. For class areas B-1 analogues can be used explosion-proof lamps, which are used to work in areas with unstable gas mixtures, vapors and air.
5. for Class B-Pa is permissible to use the general purpose lamps, if for them a special protective shell, do not miss the dust inside the housing.
6. Regardless of the area of ​​class luminaire degree of protection should be not less than the PR54.

When purchasing any lamp on a mandatory basis should be granted a certificate in which the operational and structural characteristics to be displayed.Price explosion-proof luminaires depends on the specific use.

Classification and types

Explosion-proof fixtures are characterized by two indices of security, which are displayed on the case or packaging:

1. type "d" - stands for "vzryvonepronitsaemost shell."
2. type "s" - stands for "special type of protection" and is used for the introduction of the device box.This view shows the extent to which the type of protection "e" and the requirements of the protection of the environment from the effects of IP67.

With such a protection cable can not get into the flameproof enclosure, which is a significant advantage for the consumer, because at the same time ensures effective protection of life and maximum of positive performance.If the cable is injected directly into the shell body or the opening fixture of the box, then almost all the responsibility falls on the shoulders of the consumer.

Separation labeling

following types of applications, explosion-proof luminaires for marking:

1. 1st level (1Ex ...) - are used where possible to use the second-level lights (2Ex ...).
2. Category IIC - are used where possible to use lamps of category IIB.
3. high temperature class fixtures - used where permitted concurrent use of lighting smaller temperature class.Thus, T6 lamps can be used where there is a lighting T5, T4, T3, T2 and T1, and so on.T2 lamps only with T1 may be used.
   

There are also certain markings in accordance with GOST 15150, indicating the use of explosion-proof lighting in macro-areas with maritime climate (on the coast, rivers or lakes):

• U - moderate;
• CL - cold;
• UHL - temperate cold;
• T - tropical dry and wet;
• TV - tropical wet;
• TS - tropical dry;
• TM - tropical marine;
• About - obscheklimaticheskoe execution (all macroclimatic area on land but very cold);
• M - moderately cold sea;
• OM - moderately cold and tropical marine (used on ships of unlimited navigation area);
• B - suitable for all areas on land and at sea, except for very cold.

Separation op type of light source

also explosion-proof lighting can be divided according to the type of light source:

1. Fluorescent - the main advantage of these lamps is their cost-effectiveness, safety and durability.In the manufacturing process of these devices use a special "flameproof enclosure", which is a part of the explosion-proof electrical (bulb) isolated from the possible adverse effects of the environment.This eliminates the possibility of destabilizing the operation of explosion-proof fluorescent lamp from outside.
   
2. Bulb - explosion-proof luminaires for incandescent lamps consist of a durable aluminum casing, have a built-in chuck and thermally shock resistant borosilicate glass cover.A protective cap attached to the body by a thread.
   
3. LED - different special protection from shock and mechanical loads, voltage fluctuations and adverse climate impacts.As to such lighting devices are special requirements, their design must be suitable for working in areas with hazardous or harmful production.Also explosion proof LED lights are used for illumination of buildings or street lighting.This type is most common and is used not only in industry, but also in offices, on the streets, etc.Price LED explosion proof light fixtures depends on the scope of their application.

Separation by type of installation

The final classification implies the division of the lighting models on the type of installation.For example, there are pendant lights, which can be broadcast on the hook or ceiling mounting pipe.

Thus, the following types of lamps according to the method of installation:

1. Suspended - the ability to install on the hook, ceiling or mounting on special pipe overhead structures.Used in warehouses and large rooms with high ceilings.
   
2. Wall - mounted on a vertical surface, like the indoor lamps.
3. Portable - devices, the location of which can be changed if necessary.Portable explosion proof lighting is used, if the work is far from the main light source.