In recent years, explosion-proof LED lighting has become the de-facto luminaire in hazardous work environments due to its high efficiency, long lifespan, and low power consumption. However, for workplaces where vibrations are ever-present, such as construction sites and drilling rigs, it is essential for these explosion-proof light fittings to be vibration-resistant to reduce the risk of the equipment being damaged and failing mid-operation.

Learn More: Benefits Of Explosion-Proof LED Lighting

Are explosion-proof LED lights sensitive to vibration?

That brings us to the crucial question, “Is your explosion-proof LED lighting impervious to vibration?”. Fortunately, LEDs are generally shock and vibration-resistant due to their solid stage packet and non-filament designs. Moreover, they are sealed with epoxy to encapsulate and safeguard the electronic elements.

Because there are no filaments and moving parts present within the equipment, the LED light fixture can illuminate perfectly under shock and vibration. With that said, consistent and intense vibration can still damage LED lights over time, as not all LED light fixtures are built to resist powerful vibrations.

How much vibration can your explosion-proof LED lights withstand?

With that in mind, it is worth understanding how much vibration your explosion-proof LED lighting can withstand. The answer depends on various factors, primarily the vibration's frequency, the light fixture’s distance from the vibration source, the quality of the LED light, and whether the vibration is intermittent or continuous.

For example, studies have shown that consistent and powerful vibration within close proximity of the light source can induce the potential failures of LED lights. During the experiment, it was observed that the intensity of the luminaire decreased by 25% when exposed to a 15Hz vibration 34.74 inches away. 

The same experiment yielded no significant effects on the light intensity when the vibration was shifted 39.74 inches away from the luminaire. Therefore, we can conclude that long distance mitigates the vibration impact, allowing the LED light to continue performing at peak capacity under intense vibration.

However, it is vital to note that vibration can have other effects on LED lights. For instance, the glass casing can crack, or a connection may come loose under intense vibration. Therefore, we recommend selecting explosion-proof LED lighting corresponding to relevant standards and regulations to reduce such risks in workplaces where high-intensity vibrations are frequent occurrences.

What are the vibration-resistant standards of explosion-proof LED lights?

Here are the three standards used to judge the vibration resistance of explosion-proof LED lighting:

2. IEC 60598-1

IEC 60598-1 is an international standard detailing the requirements for the design, construction, and testing of electrical luminaires. The regulation states that light fixtures must be functional under the stress of vibration, with street lights and floodlights, in particular, emphasized under this standard. Moreover, the regulation requires the connection between each part of the luminaire to remain steadfast when exposed to vibration during normal operations.

2. IEC 60068-2-6

IEC 60068-2-6 is a testing standard that examines the performance of luminaires under sinusoidal vibration only, with the LED light expected to function perfectly within the testing frequency range for an extended duration. The test report will indicate the tested frequency and performance of the luminaire.

3. ANSI C136.31

ANSI C136.31 is an American national standard specifying the minimum capacity to withstand vibration for roadway and area luminaires. 3G Test acceleration rating is also part of the ANSI standards. A luminaire that passes the 3G test can usually withstand the worst-case vibrations. 

If you seek vibration-resistant, explosion-proof light fittings for your workplace, look no further than Supermec! Our products undergo rigorous testing and comply with stringent regulations to ensure they excel and function as intended in various hazardous work environments. Visit our website today to browse our comprehensive catalogue.