Environments where flammable gas, vapors, combustible dusts or fibers are present increase the risk of explosion. Equipment manufacturers are responsible for designing and obtaining certification for equipment to meet safety standards in these high-risk areas.
Multiple systems exist for safety standards around the world. All systems cover Gas, Dust, and Fibers but each is classified slightly different and there is some overlap. Europe has standards set by IECEx/ATEX but many countries throughout the world participate in the IECEx scheme. North America and Canada are covered by NEC and CEC standards.
Testing Laboratories
Most countries require equipment intended for use in hazardous locations be certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. Below are several common examples of testing laboratories and standards.
ETL - United States and Canada
The ETL Listed Mark is proof of product compliance (electrical, gas and other safety standards) to North American safety standards, including UL, ANSI, CSA, ASTM and NFPA standards.
ATEX Directive - International
The European based ATEX directive defines the equipment and work environment that is allowed to function in an explosive atmosphere. The regulations apply to all equipment intended for use in explosive atmospheres, either electrical or mechanical, including protective systems.
CE – European Union
CE mark is required by the European Community for products that will be sold or put into service. The product fulfills all essential safety and environmental requirements for the product’s intended use, as they are defined in the European Directives, primarily ISO Standards.
IECEx - International
The IECEx is the International Electrotechnical Commission system for the certification to standards for electrical equipment for explosive atmospheres.
MSHA - United States
Mine Safety and Health Administration requires that portable battery-operated lighting be designed and tested to not pose an explosion hazard in mining operations.
The quality of your lighting equipment is vital in potentially explosive environments. You must ensure your lighting is manufactured by a reputable company with documented experience in creating intrinsically safe products. The ideal situation would be to purchase all of your IS lighting products from a single manufacturer rather than mixing and matching products from several companies. A single source manufacturer ensures consistent quality and safety across the entire product line. Because of the knowledge, time, and expense required to engineer and produce IS products, a very limited number of companies can achieve this.
Nightstick, a global manufacturer of intrinsically safe, professional, portable LED lighting products that exceed industry standards in performance, quality, and user safety, has over fifty IS products to meet your needs. From pocket-sized penlights to wide-area floodlights, for use above ground or below ground, Nightstick has you covered. You can focus on completing your job with confidence, knowing your equipment was designed and rated for the highest safety levels when your Life Depends on Light, choose Nightstick!
Find the certification level you require with our Light Finder tool at:
nightstick.com
