Ex Lighting Fixtures

Ex-proof lighting fixtures are designed for use in environments with explosion risk. These environments are generally petrochemical industry, oil and natural gas production facilities, mines, refineries, chemical laboratories and similar places. Lighting fixtures used in these environments are made of explosion-proof materials and have special design features.

Ex-proof lighting fixtures can be designed in different ways depending on the source of explosion risk and classification of the environment. Classification of the environment is a system that determines how widespread and concentrated explosive materials are. This system is defined by the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission).

Types of ex-proof lighting fixtures differ especially in terms of lighting sources and design features. Some examples:

• LED Ex-proof fixtures: LED lighting sources are popular due to their lower energy consumption and longer lifespan than other lighting sources. In addition, LED fixtures have a structure that is not affected by variables such as temperature and humidity.
• Halogen Ex-proof fixtures: Halogen lighting sources are preferred due to their high color quality and high light output. However, it has a higher energy consumption than other lighting sources.
• Ceiling-mounted Ex-proof luminaires: Ceiling-mounted luminaires are used to illuminate a large area. These fixtures are more popular in areas with low ceilings and often include fluorescent lights.
• Suspended type Ex-proof luminaires: Suspended type luminaires are used in areas with higher ceilings. These fixtures often contain floodlights and provide a larger illumination area.
• Emergency Ex-proof luminaires: Ex-proof luminaires used in emergency situations operate with an internal battery and can continue to operate even in situations such as a power outage.
• Classification of Ex Luminaires

Ex armatures are special armatures used in explosive environments. The classification of these fixtures is made according to their usage areas and the danger level of the explosive atmosphere.

Ex luminaires are classified according to explosion resistance classes defined by the IEC 60079-0 standard. According to this standard, Ex luminaires are classified as follows:

• Explosion Proof Class: Ex d This class covers luminaires with a closed structure that provides protection against explosion. These fixtures are used in areas where explosive gases and vapors are concentrated.
• Explosion Resistance Class: Ex e This class covers luminaires with open or closed structure with protection class IP54 and below. These fixtures are used in areas where explosive dusts are present.
• Explosion Proof Class: Ex n This class covers luminaires used in areas with low explosion risk. These fixtures are generally used in areas with low explosion risk, where explosive gases and vapors are not very concentrated.
• Explosion Resistance Class: Ex p This class is valid for pressure vessels and fixtures used in areas where explosive gases and vapors are concentrated.
• Explosion Resistance Class: Ex i This class covers luminaires that use limited amounts of energy and are used in explosive atmospheres. These fixtures are used in low-voltage devices.