Explosion Proof Lights

Lighting in hazardous locations must meet specific standards when utilized in hazardous environments. The National Electrical Code (NEC) defines hazardous locations as places where there's a risk of fire or explosion due to the presence of flammable gases, vapors from flammable liquids, combustible liquid-produced vapors (Class I), combustible dust (Class II), combustible fibers/flyings, or ignitable fibers/flyings (Class III). Metal combustible fibers/flyings fall under Class II, Division 1, Group E.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enhances safety protocols for lighting installations in hazardous areas by categorizing seven groups according to the properties of the present substances.

• Class I: classified from A to D, focusing on gases. 
• Group A: Acetylene
• Group B: Hydrogen
• Group C: Ethylene
• Group D: Propane
• Class II: groups are identified from E to G, concentrating on various dust types. 
• Group E: Metal Dusts
• Group F: Carbonaceous Dusts
• Group G: Non-Conductive Dusts (these include plastic, wood, grain, flour, etc.)

To mitigate the risk of explosion, all equipment, including light fixtures, in these locations must be certified for use in the specific class, division, group, zone, or gas group where it will be installed. This includes markings for intrinsically safe equipment, indicating it's designed to prevent sparking and doesn't store sufficient energy to ignite a hazardous atmosphere.

UL Classified

UL, previously known as Underwriters Laboratories, is a leading authority on safety standards within the United States. They establish standards and testing methods that facilitate the classification and certification of products and components. The certification process is conducted by UL and other certifying entities that adopt UL's standards, such as Electrical Testing Labs (ETL) and CSA. Products that are Certified by UL or UL Listed have successfully undergone and passed all necessary tests for their intended installation and use. Look for UL 844 to ensure the light meets certifications.

UL Certified 

UL certification signifies that lighting products meet rigorous safety standards, ensuring they are safe from electrical, fire, and injury risks. This certification, maintained through continuous compliance and periodic inspections, is a trusted mark of quality for manufacturers and consumers. It assures manufacturers that their products are high quality and that their lighting choices aren’t likely to pose safety hazards.

UL Listed

The "UL Listed" mark signifies that various lighting products and accessories, whether components or entire units are designed for installation as is, without any alterations. This designation can apply to complete lighting fixtures or specific components such as ballast-compatible bulbs.

Conversely, the "UL Classified" mark is designated for products intended for retrofit applications. For instance, a bulb bearing this mark can be used to retrofit a UL-certified fixture. If installed properly, the fixture maintains its UL certification. Certain items, like tube lights, may have both "UL Listed" and "UL Classified" marks, indicating their versatility for multiple installation methods.