LED Explosion-Proof High Bay Fixtures for Hazardous Location Facilities
Explosion-Proof High Bay Lighting Overview
Explosion proof high bay lighting refers to LED luminaires engineered for overhead illumination in hazardous industrial environments where flammable gases, vapors, or combustible dust may be present. These heavy-duty fixtures are designed with reinforced housings that contain internal ignition sources, preventing sparks or arcs from igniting surrounding atmospheres. Explosion-proof high bay lighting is engineered for hazardous industrial environments requiring elevated mounting heights and certified ignition protection.
Explosion proof high bay LED lighting is commonly specified for Class I Division 1 and Class I Division 2 workspaces, delivering reliable, uniform illumination from elevated mounting heights while meeting applicable safety standards such as UL844, ATEX, or IECEx.
High ceiling hazardous spaces are addressed within the larger hazardous area LED lighting family of solutions.
This guide explains when EX lighting is specified, key performance considerations, and how these fixtures are selected to meet hazardous location requirements and operational needs.
What Is Explosion Proof High Bay Lighting?
Explosion proof high bay lighting consists of robust LED fixtures engineered to withstand harsh industrial conditions and provide powerful, wide-area illumination from elevated mounting points typically 15 feet and above. Unlike standard high bays, explosion proof versions integrate reinforced enclosures and safety-engineered components that prevent internal ignition sources from escaping into explosive environments. These fixtures combine long LED life, energy efficiency, and controlled light distribution — essential for large process areas, tall production zones, and elevated walkways in classified locations.
For a complete technical overview of hazardous location classifications, certification standards, and fixture selection methodology, refer to our Explosion-Proof Lighting Standards & Selection Guide.
Where Explosion Proof High Bay Lighting Is Used
Explosion proof high bay lighting is ideal in industrial spaces that require high-output illumination from elevated mounting positions, including:
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Large manufacturing facilities with hazardous material exposure
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Chemical processing zones with flammable vapors
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Refineries and petrochemical plants
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Oil and gas production and storage facilities
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Warehouses handling combustible dust
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Heavy fabrication and machining environments
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Paint spray booths with overhead high clearance
High bay layouts often require careful spacing to avoid shadows and ensure even light coverage throughout the facility. Explosion proof LED high bays provide both the lumen output and reliability needed in these environments.
Hazard Classification Reference Table
| Classification System | Typical Hazard Type |
|---|---|
| Class I | Flammable gases and vapors |
| Class II | Combustible dust |
| Class III | Ignitable fibers |
Division vs Zone Framework
| Framework | Definition |
|---|---|
| Division | Likelihood of hazardous material presence during normal operation |
| Zone | Expected frequency and duration of hazardous conditions |
Thermal Management Considerations
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Heat sink design and surface area
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High ambient temperature ratings
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Driver thermal protection
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Impact on lumen maintenance
Technical Overview
✔ Certified for Class I Division 1 & 2 (where applicable)
✔ UL844 / ATEX / IECEx compliant models available
✔ Rated for hazardous gas and dust environments
✔ Engineered for high ambient temperature tolerance
✔ Suitable for indoor and outdoor classified zones.
Available Explosion-Proof High Bay Fixtures
Illuminate your facility with explosion proof high bay lighting engineered for safety and efficiency. Our blast-resistant high bay LED lights provide exceptional luminosity, energy efficiency, and robust resilience for the toughest industrial settings.
UFO C series
Brand:
High Bay Floodlight;
Up to 32,400 lumens
Surface and pendant installations; UL1598,UL844, Class 1 Division 1; Class 1 Div 2; 60/80/100/150/250W;
Prices start at $400.
D series
Brand:
High Bay Floodlight;
Up to 29,700 lumens;
Class 1 Div. 1; Class 1 Div. 2; 60/80/100/150W;
Prices start at $400.
I series
Brand:
Low Bay or High Bay; 2ft, 4ft; Class 1 Div 1; Class 1 Div 2;
up to 14,000 lumens;
40/50/60/80/100W;
Prices start at $600.
A series
Brand:
Wall Pack, High Bay Flood Light; Marine and Wet Locations; Class 1 Div 2 Class 2 Div 1; 60/80/100/ 150/200/250/300/400W;
Prices start at $385.
B Series
Brand
High bay or low bay;
Up to 56,000 lumens
ETL: UL1598 / UL1598A / UL844 / Class 1 Div 2; Class 2 Div 1; 40/60/80/100/150/200/250/
300/400W;
Prices start at $375.
CESP J series
Brand: CESP
UL844 /UL1598, UL1598A; Class 1 Div 2
Marine; UL8750; CSA;
20/30/40/60/80/100/120/150/180/200W;
Prices start at $300.
FAQs About LED Explosion Proof High Bay Lighting
1. Are explosion proof high bay LED fixtures suitable for Class I Division 1?
Yes — explosion proof high bay LED fixtures are available in Class I Division 1 configurations and are designed to meet NEC, UL844, ATEX, and IECEx requirements for environments with continuous flammable vapor exposure.
2. What mounting heights are appropriate for explosion proof high bay lighting?
Explosion proof high bay lighting is typically mounted at heights above 15 feet to evenly illuminate large industrial zones. The exact mounting height depends on room size, reflector design, and required light levels.
3. Can explosion proof high bays be used outdoors?
Certain explosion proof high bay models are rated for outdoor use with appropriate environmental protection (such as IP66), making them suitable for yards, tanks, and elevated exterior platforms — provided they meet all hazardous location classifications for those areas.
Specify Safe and Compliant High Bay Lighting
Selecting the correct explosion proof high bay lighting requires careful evaluation of area classification, mounting height, lumen requirements, and environmental conditions. Our lighting specialists support engineers and facility managers in specifying certified Class I Division 1 and Division 2 LED high bay fixtures that meet regulatory standards while delivering superior performance and energy efficiency.
Contact us to discuss your high bay lighting project and receive a tailored hazardous location solution.