Why is explosion-proof light important for illumination in ships and offshore platforms
Explosion-proof lights are crucial for illumination on ships and offshore platforms due to the hazardous environments present in these locations. Ships and offshore platforms often handle flammable gases, vapors, and combustible dust, posing a significant risk of explosions if not properly managed. Explosion-proof lights are designed with robust construction and safety features to prevent the ignition of flammable substances, reducing the risk of explosions and ensuring safe illumination in potentially dangerous areas. Their importance lies in enhancing safety for personnel, preventing accidents, and minimizing the potential for damage to equipment and structures in these high-risk environments.
Overview
The causes of fire in ordinary marine lights
Ordinary marine lights typically consist of a light source, starter, ballast, and lamp holder. The ballast is composed of an iron core and coils. During operation, the ballast generates heat due to power consumption. If the ballast has poor-quality housing, rough manufacturing processes, inadequate heat dissipation conditions, is improperly matched with the light fixture, or if it operates for extended periods, its internal temperature gradually rises. This can lead to insulation breakdown in the coil, causing short circuits between windings and generating high temperatures, consequently leading to ignite dust accumulated on the ballast and surrounding combustible materials.
LED explosion-proof lights are becoming popular in ships and offshore platforms
Recent years, LED explosion-proof lights are widely used on ships and offshore work platforms. LED explosion-proof lights usually are yellow and with “Ex” mark, they can be used in hazardous locations where flammable gases and dust are present, preventing the internal generation of arcs, sparks, and high temperatures that could ignite surrounding flammable gases and dust. The protection class of LED explosion-proof lights are IP65 or so, so the lights are with good water proof, dust proof, and explosion-proof performance.
The application range of LED explosion-proof light includes:
Hazardous areas classified as Zone 1 and Zone 2.
Explosion groups IIA, IIB, and IIC for gas environments.
Explosion zones 20, 21, and 22 for dust environments.
Environments with temperature classes ranging from T1 to T6.
Industries like petroleum refining, storage, chemical, pharmaceutical, textile, printing, and dyeing, where explosion hazards are present.
Areas with high humidity, corrosion-resistant requirements, and the presence of non-conductive powders.
