Explosion-proof lights are an essential component in hazardous locations and are commonly used in industries such as oil and gas, chemical plants, and mining. They are designed to provide light in environments where the presence of flammable gases, vapors, and dust is likely to cause an explosion. These lights must meet rigorous safety standards to ensure they do not ignite the surrounding atmosphere.
How can GTG assist you with the tests on explosion-proof light?
(1) Electrical safety test
- Electrical insulation test: the electrical insulation test is a critical test conducted on explosion-proof lighting. It is performed to determine the electrical insulation resistance of the lighting fixture. The test measures the resistance of the insulation between the electrical components and the metallic components of the fixture. The insulation resistance should be high enough to prevent any electrical current leakage, which could result in an explosion.
- Dielectric strength test: the dielectric strength test is also known as the high voltage test. It is conducted to determine the electrical strength of the insulation material used in the explosion-proof lighting fixture. The test applies a high voltage to the insulation material to determine its ability to withstand electrical stress. The dielectric strength test is essential to ensure that the insulation material can withstand the voltage requirements of the hazardous location.
- Grounding test: the grounding test is conducted to determine the effectiveness of the grounding system of the explosion-proof lighting fixture. The test measures the resistance between the grounding system of the fixture and the ground. The grounding system should have a low resistance to ensure that any electrical faults are quickly discharged to the ground to prevent an explosion.
- Short circuit test: the short circuit test is conducted to determine the ability of the explosion-proof lighting fixture to withstand a short circuit without causing an explosion. The test measures the fixture’s ability to withstand the heat generated by a short circuit and prevent any flammable substances from igniting.
(2) Photometric test
- Luminous intensity: luminous intensity is a measure of the amount of light emitted by a source in a particular direction. It is measured in candelas (cd). The photometric test for luminous intensity involves measuring the light output of the explosion-proof light in all directions. This test ensures that the light output is consistent and meets the minimum safety requirements.
- Color temperature: color temperature is a measure of the color of light emitted by a source. It is measured in Kelvin (K). The photometric test for color temperature involves measuring the color of the light emitted by the explosion-proof light. This test ensures that the light emitted is consistent and meets the minimum safety requirements.
- Illuminance: illuminance is a measure of the amount of light that falls on a surface. It is measured in lux (lx). The photometric test for illuminance involves measuring the amount of light that falls on a surface at a particular distance from the explosion-proof light. This test ensures that the light emitted is sufficient to provide adequate illumination in hazardous locations.
- Beam angle: the beam angle is a measure of the spread of light emitted by a source. It is measured in degrees. The photometric test for beam angle involves measuring the spread of light emitted by the explosion-proof light in all directions. This test ensures that the light emitted is directed towards the areas that require illumination.
- Glare rating: glare rating is a measure of the amount of discomfort caused by a light source. The photometric test for glare rating involves measuring the amount of glare emitted by the explosion-proof light. This test ensures that the light emitted is not too bright or causes discomfort to the people working in the hazardous location.
(3) Photobiological safety test
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) sets the standards for photobiological safety test. These standards are based on the potential harm that light can cause to the skin and eyes.
- UV radiation test: explosion-proof lights are tested for their UV radiation emissions. The test ensures that the light does not emit UV radiation that is harmful to human skin or eyes.
- IR radiation test: IR radiation test measures the amount of heat that the explosion-proof light emits. The test ensures that the light does not emit excessive heat that can cause skin burns or eye damage.
- Blue light hazard test: Blue light hazard test measures the amount of blue light that the explosion-proof light emits. Blue light is known to cause damage to the retina, and the test ensures that the light does not emit harmful levels of blue light.
- Flicker test: flicker test measures the amount of flicker that the explosion-proof light emits. Flicker can cause headaches and eye strain, and the test ensures that the light does not emit flicker at a harmful level.
- Thermal test: thermal test measures the temperature of the explosion-proof light during operation. The test ensures that the light does not get too hot and cause skin burns or ignite any flammable materials.
(4) EMC test
EMC test ensures that electronic devices meet the necessary safety standards and do not interfere with other equipment, thus preventing costly malfunctions or failures. It also enhances the device’s reliability and safety, which is crucial in hazardous environments.
- Radiated emissions test: this test measures the amount of radio frequency (RF) energy emitted by the explosion-proof light. The light is placed in an anechoic chamber, and its emissions are measured using a spectrum analyzer. The measurements are compared against the limits set by regulatory bodies to ensure the light does not interfere with other devices.
- Conducted emissions test: this test measures the amount of electrical noise or interference generated by the explosion-proof light and transmitted through its power supply. The light is connected to a test setup that measures the electrical noise generated through its power cord.
- Electrostatic discharge (ESD) test: this test checks the explosion-proof light’s ability to withstand electrostatic discharges, which can cause a spark or create a fire. The light is subjected to a series of ESD events of varying voltage levels to evaluate its resilience.
- Electrical fast transient/burst test: this test evaluates the explosion-proof light’s ability to withstand sudden voltage spikes or bursts. The light is subjected to a series of high-voltage pulses to simulate the voltage spikes that can occur in real-world conditions.
- Surge immunity test: this test evaluates the explosion-proof light’s ability to withstand sudden voltage surges caused by lightning strikes, power surges, or other electrical disturbances. The light is subjected to a series of high-energy pulses to evaluate its resilience.
- Conducted immunity test: this test checks the explosion-proof light’s ability to withstand electrical noise or interference generated by other electrical devices in the area. The light is subjected to a series of conducted interference events to evaluate its resilience.
- Magnetic field immunity test: this test evaluates the explosion-proof light’s ability to withstand magnetic fields that can cause interference or damage to electrical devices. The light is subjected to a series of magnetic fields of varying strengths to evaluate its resilience.
- Voltage dips and interruptions test: this test evaluates the explosion-proof light’s ability to withstand voltage dips and interruptions caused by power fluctuations or other electrical disturbances. The light is subjected to a series of voltage dips and interruptions to evaluate its resilience.
(5) Mechanical tests
- Impact test: the impact test involves dropping the explosion-proof light from a certain height onto a hard surface to simulate the impact it might experience in the field. This test is crucial in determining the resistance of the light to shock and vibration. Typically, the light is dropped from a height of one meter, and the test is repeated several times from different angles to ensure maximum coverage.
- Tensile test: the tensile test is used to determine the strength of the materials used in the construction of the explosion-proof light. It involves applying a controlled force to the light until it breaks. This test is useful in ensuring that critical components of the light such as cables and wires can withstand the tension they may experience during installation and use.
- Compression test: the compression test is used to determine the resistance of the explosion-proof light to crushing forces. In this test, a controlled force is applied to the light from all sides until it deforms or collapses. This test is essential in ensuring that the light can withstand the weight of any equipment or debris that may fall on it during use.
- Vibration test: the vibration test involves subjecting the explosion-proof light to a constant vibration of varying frequencies and intensities. This test is useful in determining the resistance of the light to mechanical stress caused by vibrations that may occur during transportation or use in the field.
(6) Environmental test
- Water resistance test: the water resistance test is carried out to determine the ability of the explosion-proof light to withstand exposure to water or other liquids. The light is submerged in water for a specific period while being powered on to simulate conditions in the field. This test is essential in ensuring that the light can withstand exposure to rain, snow, and other liquids that may be present in the environment.
- Temperature test: the temperature test involves exposing the explosion-proof light to extreme temperatures to determine its resistance to thermal stress. The light is subjected to high and low temperatures for a specified period while being powered on to simulate conditions in the field. This test is essential in ensuring that the light can withstand the extreme temperatures that may be present in the environment.
- Corrosion test: the corrosion test is carried out to determine the resistance of the explosion-proof light to corrosion caused by exposure to chemicals or other corrosive substances. In this test, the light is exposed to a specific chemical solution for a specified period to simulate conditions in the field. This test is essential in ensuring that the light can withstand exposure to chemicals that may be present in the environment.
- Dust resistance test: the dust resistance test involves subjecting the explosion-proof light to a controlled amount of dust to determine its resistance to dust and other particles that may be present in the environment. This test is essential in ensuring that the light can withstand exposure to dust and other particles that may accumulate on the surface of the light and affect its performance.
- Resistance to shock test: the resistance to shock test involves subjecting the explosion-proof light to a series of shocks of varying intensities to determine its resistance to mechanical stress caused by sudden impacts. This test is essential in ensuring that the light can withstand sudden impacts that may occur during transportation or use in the field.
- Flame resistance test: the flame resistance test involves subjecting the explosion-proof light to a controlled flame to determine its resistance to fire. This test is essential in ensuring that the light can withstand exposure to fire and prevent the spread of flames in hazardous environments.
How can GTG assist you with the certifications or markings for explosion-proof light?
(1) IEC & IECEx marking
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a global standards organization that develops and publishes international standards for all electrical, electronic, and related technologies. The IEC marking on explosion-proof lights signifies that the equipment meets the international standards for safety while the IECEx marking signifies that the equipment has been tested and certified to be safe for use in hazardous environments.
(2) UL marking
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is a safety certification organization based in the United States that tests and certifies products for safety. The UL marking on explosion-proof lights indicates that the equipment has been tested and certified to meet the safety standards of the United States.
(3) CSA marking
The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) is a standards organization that develops and publishes standards for all industries, including electrical and electronic equipment. The CSA marking on explosion-proof lights signifies that the equipment has been tested and certified to meet the safety standards of Canada.
(4) CE marking
The CE marking is a symbol that indicates that a product complies with the essential requirements of European Union safety, health, and environmental protection legislation. The CE marking on explosion-proof lights signifies that the equipment meets the safety requirements of the European Union.
(5) CCC marking
China Compulsory Certification (CCC) is a mandatory certification system in China that verifies the safety and quality of products sold in the country. The CCC marking on explosion-proof lights signifies that the equipment meets the safety requirements of China.
(6) GOST marking
GOST is a set of technical regulations that governs the safety of products sold in Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan. The GOST marking on explosion-proof lights signifies that the equipment meets the safety standards of these countries.
(7) FM marking
Factory Mutual (FM) is a global insurance company that specializes in industrial and commercial property insurance. The FM marking on explosion-proof lights indicates that the equipment has been tested and certified to meet the safety standards of FM.
(8) IP rating
The Ingress Protection (IP) rating is a standard that indicates the degree of protection provided by electrical enclosures against solids and liquids. The IP marking on explosion-proof lights indicates the level of protection provided by the equipment against dust and water.
(9) NEC marking
The National Electrical Code (NEC) is a standard that regulates the installation of electrical equipment in the United States. The NEC marking on explosion-proof lights signifies that the equipment meets the safety standards of the United States.
(10) NEMA marking
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) is a United States-based standards organization that develops and publishes standards for electrical equipment. The NEMA marking on explosion-proof lights signifies that the equipment meets the safety standards of the United States.
Why the biggest brands trust GTG Group?
GTG Group (Global Testing Group) is a certification company that offers testing and certification services to different industries. Our expertise in explosion-proof light testing and certification has made us a trusted name in the industry.
(1) Independent and impartial testing
GTG Group is a third-party testing company, which means we are not affiliated with any specific manufacturer. This impartiality can provide camera manufacturers and consumers with confidence in the accuracy and reliability of the testing process, and ensure that the camera meets the required standards.
(2) Confidentiality and security
GTG Group understands the importance of confidentiality and security when it comes to testing and certification. We ensure that our clients’ data and information are kept confidential and secure at all times. This ensures that our clients’ intellectual property and trade secrets are protected.
Contact GTG Group today for explosion-proof light testing and certification to avoid any legal issues that may arise from using a faulty explosion-proof light.
