Open deck (Ex hazardous area)

Explosive atmospheres can occur on marine vessels such as LNG, chemical tankers, car carriers, RoRo vessels, etc. Strict rules apply to mitigate these risks and electrical luminaires are a vital part of the risk management. The use of explosion-proof (Ex) luminaires is mandatory in these areas and their classifications are based on zones according to their hazard potential.

A wealth of expertise

Hazardous areas are explosive atmospheres created by gases, vapors and ignitable dusts or fibers. For hazardous areas, it is important that the lighting product is designed for use in the actual area, and that operation and maintenance are according to the specific requirements. Glamox has vast experience in providing open deck lighting for the most extreme Ex-conditions in marine and offshore applications.

In addition to all the features that open deck lighting for safe areas provide, open deck lighting for hazardous areas must be certified in accordance with specific project and regional requirements. Standards and certifications are not the same for all regions. To find out which products can be used in which regions please refer to the product specifications below.

Relevant standards for hazardous area products

IECEx  - 
International Electromechanical Commission System for certification to standards relating to equipment for use in explosive atmospheres. An IECEx Certificate of Conformity attests that a sample of the Ex product, described on the Certificate, confirms that the product has been independently tested and found to comply with the International Standards listed in the Certificate. It also attests that the manufacturing site has been audited and verifies that the manufacturer’s quality system meets IECEx requirements, specified in IECEx Operational Document OD 005.

ATEX –
 Regional European ATEX directives for equipment (Directive 2014/34/EU). The directive defines the essential health and safety requirements and conformity assessment
procedures, to be applied before products are placed on the EU market. It is aligned with the new legislative framework policy, and is applicable from 20 April 2016, replacing the previous Directive 94/9/EC.

Inmetro – 
Brazilian certification in accordance with Inmetro requirements. Equipment intended for use in Explosive Atmospheres requires mandatory third-party certification to confirm compliance with the relevant INMETRO administrative rule No. 179. Commonly referred to as ‘INMETRO certification’.

UL & CSA – Underwriters Laboratories and CSA group are both recognized standardization and certification organizations that test to the same standards and codes, Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) and National Electrical Code (NEC).

For North America, the classification system used is based upon the NEC 500 and 505. This system consists of Classes, Divisions, Groups and/or Zones and is designed to ensure
that equipment meets minimum standards, and to easily match equipment and operational procedures. Depending on certification, both CSA and UL listed products can be
used locally and internationally.