A Closer Look at Vapor Proof and Vapor Tight Lights
Workplace fire explosions are detrimental to the equipment and machinery and can cost human life. One of the common causes of fire outbreaks is liquids or flammable gasses coming into contact with a heat source. Fortunately, you can minimize the risk of fire explosions by using proper lighting sources that meet the location’s safety standards.
For example, hazardous locations like manufacturing and processing industries require explosion-proof and vapor-proof light fixtures. Before discussing vapor-proof light fixtures, let’s define a hazardous location.
What is a hazardous location?
A hazardous location is any place with enough combustible materials in the air to cause an explosion. Flammable or combustible material may be gasses, dust, or fibers. Such areas require hazardous location lights to reduce the risk of an explosion.
The lighting used in hazardous locations is usually low-voltage and battery-powered, meaning it won’t heat up to the point of an explosion. Installing explosion-proof lighting is easy; you don’t need to empty a room when installed or replaced.
Explosion-proof lighting
Explosion-proof lighting fixtures have an outer covering of stainless steel or cast aluminum. They can withstand an internal explosion; they are designed to prevent damage to property or loss of lives. While explosion-proof lights can contain explosions within the light, that doesn’t mean they can withstand an external explosion.
The difference between vapor-proof and vapor-tight lights
Vapor-proof LED lights have an outer shell of fiberglass or polyurethane lined with a complete metal fixture. On the other hand, vapor-tight lights are replacements for CFL or incandescent lights. They are similar to vapor-proof lights in that they protect against wet conditions. The main difference between the vapor-proof light fixture and vapor-tight lights lies in where they are used; the terms vapor-proof and vapor-tight describe the same thing.
These lights are used in hazardous places or spaces continuously wet due to regular spraying. Vapor-proof and vapor-tight lights are mostly used in subways, walk-in freezers, and car washes.
Do vapor-proof and vapor-tight lights prevent explosions?
Sometimes, vapor-proof lights can be defined as explosion-proof, depending on whether they meet the location’s required safety standards. Not all vapor-proof lights are explosion-proof, and vice versa, which is also true. Additionally, neither vapor-proof nor vapor-tight lights will prevent a spark or a fire. If you are considering purchasing these lights, you must establish where they will be installed to ensure you order and install the right type of vapor light.
Types of vapor-tight fixtures
Vapor-tight lighting is a necessity for many businesses across various industries. However, they are different, and what works for one may not be appropriate for the other. Below are the different styles and functions of vapor-tight lighting.
Jelly jar
Jelly jar vapor-tight lights are designed for use in smaller areas. These lights look like mason jars, hence their name. They have a cage-type covering; you can mount them on ceilings or walls or hang them as pendants. Besides lighting up spaces, jelly jar vapor-tight lights are a great way to add style to an area due to their great aesthetics. These vapor-tight lights are used in marine settings, tunnels, freezers, coolers, commercial Laundromats, and food processing plants.
High bay
High bay vapor-tight lights are intended for use in larger spaces, mounted in ceilings at least 18 feet tall. These vapor-tight fixtures are great for hazardous areas where dust, liquids, or solids are present in the air. Examples of such spaces include airport hangers and warehouses.
Linear
Vapor-tight linear lights are available in different lengths, including 2ft, 4ft, and 8ft. You can mount these lights on ceilings, walls, or soffits. They are a great replacement for fluorescent tube lights. Perfect locations for this type of vapor-tight light include car washes, airports, stairwells, and parking garages.
The facility’s location and function must be considered when selecting the best vapor-tight, explosion-proof, and hazardous location lighting. The size of the space is also an important factor to consider. Jelly jar or linear vapor-tight lights suit small spaces, while high-bay style lighting is best for larger facilities.
