Hazardous Location Lighting

A hazardous location light is an LED fixture rated and sealed to operate safely where flammable gases, vapors, or combustible dust are present, like refineries, chemical plants, fuel stations, grain handling, and paint booths. It carries a specific Class, Division, and Group rating under the NEC and comes as round or linear high bay fixtures. Each uses an enclosed housing that contains internal sparks. Lumera Electric carries UL-listed hazardous location LED high bays for classified industrial areas.

What makes a light fixture rated for hazardous locations?

The rating certifies the fixture won't ignite the atmosphere around it. A hazardous location fixture is sealed and marked for a Class, Division, and Group, so it's safe where specific gases, vapors, or dust exist. Its housing contains any internal spark or heat so it can't reach the surrounding air. A standard fixture, even a sealed one, is not legal in a classified area without this listing.

What do Class, Division, and Group mean?

Together they define the exact hazard the fixture is approved for. Class sets the material — Class I for gases and vapors, Class II for dust, Class III for fibers. Division sets the likelihood — Division 1 where the hazard is present in normal operation, Division 2 where it's occasional. Group narrows the specific substance, such as Group D for propane or Group G for grain dust. Match all three to the area's classification.

Where are hazardous location lights required?

They're required anywhere the air can ignite. Common classified areas include refineries, chemical plants, and fuel-dispensing stations for flammable vapors, plus grain elevators, flour mills, and woodworking shops for combustible dust. Paint spray booths and battery-charging rooms also qualify. A facility's engineer or the AHJ assigns the Class and Division — match the fixture to that documented classification.

What types of hazardous location high bays are available?

Fixture shape follows the space, within the rating. A round hazardous-location high bay lights open classified floors and processing areas with a wide pattern. A linear hazardous-location high bay covers aisles and racking in the same rated environment. Both use a sealed, impact-resistant housing built to the listed Class and Division. Confirm mounting hardware suits the fixture weight and the area.

How do I choose the right hazardous location fixture?

Start from the area classification, not the fixture. First, get the documented Class, Division, and Group for the space from the facility engineer or AHJ. Then match a fixture whose listing meets or exceeds all three — a Division 1 fixture works in Division 2, but not the reverse. Finally, size the wattage and lumens to the ceiling height. Never substitute a lower rating to cut cost.

Need standard industrial fixtures instead? Light high ceilings with LED High Bay Lights, cover utility runs with LED Strip Lights, and seal out moisture with Vapor Tight Fixtures.