Zone lighting is a specialized system designed to provide safe lighting in risky environments where explosive and flammable gases, vapors or dusts are present. These systems are widely used especially in industrial plants, oil refineries, chemical plants and mining industry. You can review our content to get detailed information about these very important lighting systems. In this way, you can have an idea about zone lighting. We wish you all pleasant reading and good days.
Zone lighting is a lighting method that provides lighting by targeting a specific area or zone. This lighting method is often used in large spaces to highlight areas with different functions or to provide more lighting in certain areas. For example, in a factory environment, production lines, storage areas and walkways may need different lighting levels. In this case, zone lighting is used to adjust the appropriate light level for each area. Similarly, in offices, meeting rooms, work areas and rest corners can be illuminated with different light intensities. In this way, the system not only provides energy efficiency, but also increases visual comfort and improves the user experience.
Finally, zone lighting is often integrated with smart lighting systems, offering dynamic lighting control through motion sensors, timers or automation systems. In this way, both an aesthetic and functional lighting solution is created.
In zone lighting types, it is a great advantage to make the regional classification beforehand. Because the size of the region and the form of flammable materials will also affect the properties of this lighting. In this context, the features of zone lighting are as follows;
Vapor, fog, smoke, dust, flammable substances, gas, etc. Zone lighting types vary according to the size of the hazard caused by the mixture of substances with air. Zone classification differs according to gas, steam or dust and fibers.
In both classifications, the higher the number, the lower the risk.
It is classified as a zone where there are explosive gases or vapors in the environment for a long time or continuously. Especially fuel tanks or LPG, natural gas lines are designated as Zone 0.
It is the classification of areas where there is gas or vapor under normal operating conditions and where the risk of explosion is low. This classification can be seen in environments where leaks occur, repair and maintenance work is carried out, and where there is a fuel pump at the refueling station is classified as Zone 1.
The risk classification of the area for accidents or unexpected situations caused by explosive gases and vapors for a short period of time is Zone 2. This classification is determined as Zone 2 around the fuel station or natural gas line.
Excessive dust and fibers in the environment directly affect the classification. For this reason, the presence of fibers and dusts that will cause explosiveness and flammability in the specified area continuously or for a long time is called Zone 20.
Zone 21 is the degree of classification of areas where there is little explosive dust or fibers under normal operating conditions. This classification is useful for repair or maintenance work or where there is a risk of exposure due to leakage.
Zone 22 classification is made for potential accidents or spontaneous accidents where explosive fibers or dusts are present in the environment for a short period of time.
Areas where explosive and dust clouds may arise infrequently and for short periods of time from normal operating conditions. These areas include flour mills, textile industry and wood processing plants.
Finally, zone 24 is an area where explosive dust clouds occur very rarely. These areas are typically around silos and grain stores.
Ambient conditions, maintenance, saving feature, price and more play a big role in the choice of lighting. At this point, when looking at the advantages of zone lighting, all of them should be evaluated separately. These advantages are as follows;
Zone lighting used in special and risky areas offers a combination of security and saving in lighting. For this, considering the areas where zone lighting is used, it can be preferred in suitable places. These areas are as follows;
Zone lighting fixtures are effective safe lighting elements to ensure the safety of employees and eliminate social risk. It reduces the risk of explosion in underground mines and ensures hygiene and safety in the food industry. It is suitable for safe lighting in the chemical industry. You can use this zone lighting for permanent solutions in your business and facilities.
Since there are products used in explosive and flammable environments, the things to be considered when buying zone lighting should be taken into consideration. Otherwise, choosing the wrong product can lead to serious safety risks.
The maintenance requirements of zone lighting are of great importance to ensure the continuity of safety in explosive and flammable environments. Since such lighting systems are designed in accordance with international safety standards such as ATEX and IECEx, maintenance processes should also be carried out in accordance with these standards. For this purpose, first of all, a periodic control plan for lighting fixtures should be established and possible risks such as physical damage, overheating, sealing problems or loosening of connections should be reviewed at regular intervals. In addition, lighting units should be cleaned regularly and the integrity of sealing gaskets should be checked, as the accumulated dust, dirt and oil layer can reduce lighting efficiency and cause overheating. At the same time, cable connections, mounting screws and housing components should also be strictly checked as they can be affected by vibration, chemical vapors or external influences. Finally, personnel carrying out maintenance operations must work in accordance with the relevant safety procedures and standards for explosive atmospheres. Therefore, maintenance should only be carried out by authorized and trained technicians and each maintenance operation should be recorded in detail.
The installation and assembly of zone lighting is a delicate process that requires special safety precautions for explosive and flammable environments. Therefore, when installing such lighting systems, full compliance with international safety standards such as ATEX and IECEx must be ensured. For this purpose, the zone classification of the area to be used (Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 21, Zone 22) should be determined before installation and explosion-proof lighting equipment suitable for the area should be selected. Then, during installation, lighting fixtures must be mounted at safe distances. Then, the connection cables must be securely fixed with ex-proof cable glands and sealed connectors, and the grounding system and surge protection measures must be applied. Thus, the installation and assembly of zone lighting is realized safely.
There is almost no difference between zone lighting and exproof lighting. However, although Zone lighting and exproof lighting are partially similar, there are some differences between them. These differences are as follows;
If you also want to have suitable zone lighting products, you can contact Licalux’s team of experts in industrial lighting.
Exproof certified lighting can also be used in Zone 0 if its features are sufficient for Zone 0.
Zone lighting price differs according to the size of the hazard. For this reason, price options also vary according to the lighting class. In this context, as the durability and robustness increases in zone lighting, the price increases in the same direction. At the same time, the use of workmanship, durable and expensive materials also increases the price of zone lighting.
Manufactured from polycarbonate, glass and durable plastics to prevent burning due to arcing and sparking. Borosilicate tubes are made of glass and aluminum. Hanging apparatus are made of stainless steel.
Temperature changes of environments and environmental conditions differ according to zone classification. It is resistant to highly released temperatures, whether long-term or short-term. It provides resistance not only against pressures but also against temperature changes.
Led lighting has high protection and can be manufactured with low budget. In this context, since the lighting does not need to be constantly replaced and maintained, there is no need to allocate time and budget for lighting maintenance and repair in areas with risk factors.
Its durability, being economical and allowing long-term use is another aspect of led lighting preference.
It is durable and offers long-lasting solutions. The lifetime of zone lighting is closely related to product size, illumination degree and other features. Lighting life will also vary according to the product.
It reduces the risk of fire and explosion in explosive and flammable environments and prevents further growth in fire environments.
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