This paper aims to explain the operational and Technical merits of using intelligent lighting control within explosion proof areas designated Zone 1, 21, Zone 2, 22 under ATEX and IECEx certification.

We are all aware of the need for more energy efficient systems, cost efficient products and carbon reduced solutions. These requirements are increasing on a day-to-day basis and we believe that using intelligent control options will help toward meeting these daily requests. Our solution to this was to look at the possibility of adapting intelligent lighting controls for explosion proof applications, we therefore decided on the following.

Making the best use of up-to-date wireless control systems mounted within conventional standard and emergency explosion proof lighting fixtures which have been recertified to the ATEX and IECEx standards.

The equipment has been designed to ensure that the required illumination is delivered and controlled at the appropriate location and that no centralised control device is required, we ensure that with the components used each lighting fixture becomes its own intelligent controlled device without the need for any onsite additional wiring.

The main driving point was how to overcome the ongoing lighting problems faced by the site maintenance teams when confronted with extended downtimes, notification of intermittent lighting failures, and their locations, general lighting maintenance problems and ongoing difficulties with emergency lighting procedures as required by the current standards. Our research indicated that all these points could be substantially reduced when using intelligent controls.

Steve Williams

Steve Williams is a Director and Consultant at Hazlite with over thirty five years’ experience within the explosion proof lighting markets, past experience has included covering major lighting projects overseas and heading up a small R&D departing tasked with the successful development of an advanced range of UK manufactured LED Explosion proof fixtures.