What light for an Explosion Proof Environment?

[think2x]

Ok guys,

My current job site is in a waste water treatment plant changing out light fixtures. Some of the buildings on site are Explosion Proof Environment. I know Surefire's Fire Rescue Series lists

MIL-STD-810 rated, which includes testing safe in most explosive atmospheres.

but I don't really want to buy ANOTHER light. (or do I :naughty🙂 I have a couple of HDS Clickies, a Zebralight H501w, an L1,C2,C3, G2 and some Malkoff items. What's your thoughts on any of these being safe to use here or should I look into a Fire Rescue light?

 

[mattheww50]

Explosion proof generally implies special construction so that all contacts are behind air tight seals. The problem is any contact is capable of generating a spark, so the local atmosphere, which may be explosive, must be kept out of any area where there is a possibility of a spark.

My advice: Look into a Fire Rescue light that IS rated as explosion proof.

 

[Flying Turtle]

I think my old UK 4AA LED was rated for explosive environs. They probably still make similar lights.

Geoff

 

[Ksailork]

I think my old UK 4AA LED was rated for explosive environs. They probably still make similar lights.

Geoff

Indeed, UK still makes two 4AA LED's that are rated for Class 1, Division 2 environments.

 

[TMedina]

Energizer also makes "explosion proof" lights - not glamorous, but it beats getting blown up. Spec sheet here.

-Trevor

 

[ericjohn]

I think the Pelican Sabre Lite Series is a decent choice for an explosion proof flashlight as a much more affordable alternative to a Sure Fire (I think it costs around $30).

Another good idea would be a Bright Star 2217, which is right around $10 if you are really on a tight budget.

Both flashlights are MSHA approved.

I know you said you don't want to buy another light, but at least these are cost affective, and can be had for next to nothing.

 

[tam17]

Peli has a product line of professional-use ATEX certified flashlights, so check out their website.

Cheers,

Tam

 

[ringzero]

Pelican, Streamlight, Brightstar, and Underwater Kinetics all make safety rated, drop test rated, plastic lights certified for use in explosive atmosphere environments.

Plastic bodied, safety rated lights from these manufacturers are generally excellent designs. Very, very tough lights, with long term durability and lifetime warranties.

Safety certified lights typically have internal catalyst pellets to control buildup of explosive hydrogen gas inside the case. Also one-way release valves to vent gas before an internal pressure buildup could damage the casing.

Most of the safety rated lights are reasonably priced for what they offer, but if price is a concern there are lower output LED models for less than 20 bucks, and incan models for less than 10 bucks.

Metal bodied lights when dropped onto or slammed against certain materials can produce sparks. Plastic bodied lights don't have this issue.

If I was spending time in an explosive atmosphere environment, then I'd much prefer to have a certified light from one of those specialist makers than a non-certified Surefire that "ought to be OK" or "might be OK," but YMMV.

.

 

[ganymede]

You can use a few Tritium Map Lights:

http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?204475-New-batch-of-48-Tritium-map-reading-lights.

No battery!

 

[drmaxx]

If you don't want to buy a new light and they do not have ex-proof emergency lights available, you always can go with chemical light sticks. Good enough for replacing light fixtures. And certainly cheaper then buying a new light for a temp assignment.
Probably not the answer I should give on a flashlight forum - *ducks and hides*

 

[jh333233]

Nitrolon is good enough for explosion proof
you might want to change it into LED to prevent the bulb being destroyed by the shock

 

[Meganoggin]

Used to be issued with the Pelican explosive atmostphere lights when I worked for an oil company. They were OK, but not bright by CPF standards - still better than getting blown up!

 

[TMedina]

Used to be issued with the Pelican explosive atmostphere lights when I worked for an oil company. They were OK, but not bright by CPF standards - still better than getting blown up!

Quoted for truth.

-Trevor

 

[Napalm]

According to the section here:

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb...d-Close-Calls-The-dangerous-side-of-batteries

the lithium based ones don't need any help from the environment.

Nap.

 

[Glock27]

Any light that doesn't flood when submerged in water will be incapable of causing an explosion. IF you need ATEX certification, you'll have to pay much more for inferior light output.
I suspect that a manufacturer would have to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to actually get certified.

G27

 

[think2x]

Pelican, Streamlight, Brightstar, and Underwater Kinetics all make safety rated, drop test rated, plastic lights certified for use in explosive atmosphere environments.

Plastic bodied, safety rated lights from these manufacturers are generally excellent designs. Very, very tough lights, with long term durability and lifetime warranties.

I've been checking into the Pelican, Streamlight and UK as well as Petzl. I may take this opportunity to get a headlamp with Hazardous Location approval since ATM my only headlamp is a Zebralight H501w. I may still wind up getting a handheld also.

Nitrolon is good enough for explosion proof
you might want to change it into LED to prevent the bulb being destroyed by the shock

On the flip side of what I typed above, the Surefire "Fire Rescue" lights look (to me) basically like a standard G2L with the addition of a Z59 tailcap (with the proper testing of course) From this point of view I don't see why my G2/M61LLHCRI wouldn't work safely.

Thanks for all the input guys, I'm still trying to decide so feel free to add.

 

[ringzero]

Any light that doesn't flood when submerged in water will be incapable of causing an explosion.

Not true. Explosive atmosphere seeping from the external environment into the casing of the light isn't the only way for an explosion to occur.

IF you need ATEX certification, you'll have to pay much more for inferior light output.

There are explosive atmosphere rated incan lights available for less than 10 bucks.

Explosive atmosphere rated LED lights available for less than 20 bucks.

So, the cost of a safety rated light shouldn't be an obstacle.

.

 

[ringzero]

I've been checking into the Pelican, Streamlight and UK as well as Petzl. I may take this opportunity to get a headlamp with Hazardous Location approval since ATM my only headlamp is a Zebralight H501w. I may still wind up getting a handheld also.

Headlamp would be a great way to go, because it frees up both hands for working.

Petzl has three models of headlamp in their Pixa series that all run on 2AA cells. Very rugged, waterproof, and certified for explosive atmosphere environments IIRC.

Streamlight makes at least one safety certified headlamp, which costs slightly less the Petzls IIRC.

.

 

[mega_lumens]

If I need certified fire/explosion proof lights, I would be confident with Streamlight. They may not be the sexiest or brightest lights on the market, but Streamlight has reputation for designing lights that serve these demanding applications.

 

[Norm]

Here's a google search that may help.
intrinsically safe led flashlight
Norm