Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Ex Proof Junction Box ...

Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Ex-Proof Junction Box for Your Business

Going about selecting and narrowing down the best ex-proof junction box for your business can be a tedious and complicated process and we are here to help. There are no tell-tale signs that can possibly indicate the quality of an explosion proof junction box just by visually looking at it and it can be confusing for new buyers such as yourself, to recognise the best ex-proof junction box immediately.

Fret not, we are here to make your life easier with the following guide.

Here are 8 guidelines to follow that will help you streamline your entire buying process and ensure you get the most bang for your buck.

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1. Understand Your Business Well

Firstly, having a clear understanding of your business will help you to narrow down and speed up your search. Determining which zone your business operates under will allow you to direct your search focus towards the appropriate ex-proof junction boxes. This makes your selection process easier as you do not have to consider ex-proof junction boxes that do not meet your zone requirements.

For example, if your business operates in zones 0 and 1, then you should most likely purchase ex proof junction boxes that are Ex ‘d’ certified. On the other hand, if your business mainly operates under zone 2 conditions, then junction boxes that are Ex ‘e’ certified would suffice. This will be further explained in detail below.

There are a total of 3 zones used to classify each type of hazardous area. Zone 0 is used to describe an area that is under the constant exposure of combustible gas. Zone 1 refers to an area that might get exposed to explosive gas under normal operations while zone 2 is classified as an area that is highly unlikely to contain any explosive gas. Therefore, understanding your business and its operations well can lead to an accelerated search process, saving valuable time and resources for both you and your company.

2. Ensure that the Ex-Proof Junction Box has the Appropriate Level of Protection

Ex ‘d’ junction boxes are also known as flameproof junction boxes. Ex ‘d’ or flameproof means that the junction box must be constructed according to the ‘flameproof’ standard. Flameproof junction boxes have the ability to contain any explosions from within its enclosure while any escaping sparks or flames will be cooled by the ‘flame path’, which mitigates any risk of causing the explosive gas atmosphere in the area to ignite further and cause any further damage.

On the other hand, Ex ‘e’ junction boxes are constructed according to the ‘increased safety’ standard. This means that Ex ‘e’ junction boxes are built to never produce any current flow, sparks or temperatures that have the potential to ignite the explosive atmosphere around the junction box. Thus, Ex ‘e’ junction boxes are considered explosion proof but are not certified as flameproof.

Ex ‘d’ junction boxes are usually constructed from die cast iron or steel and can operate in places that are exposed to high temperatures such as underground coal mines. Alternatively, Ex ‘e’ junction boxes are normally made from engineered plastic and generally more suited for surface applications and environments with lower surrounding temperatures.

Both Ex ‘d’ and Ex ‘e’ junction boxes can operate in zone 1 and 2 areas. However, only Ex ‘d’ junction boxes can withstand and contain internal explosions. Therefore, it is fair to say that Ex ‘d’ junction boxes offer a greater level of protection compared to Ex ‘e’ junction boxes.

We understand that customers can get confused regarding the different levels of protection that an ex-proof junction box may offer. Therefore, all of Supermec’s ex-proof junction boxes on our ecommerce platform are labelled clearly.  Customers using our ecommerce platform will be able to identify the level of protection for each ex-proof junction box that suits their needs quickly and easily.

3. Check that the Junction Box is Actually Certified as Ex- Proof

For a junction box to be certified as ex-proof, the junction box has to be accompanied with an ATEX or IECEX certificate. This certification shows that the junction box has undergone many rounds of stringent checks in order to finally be certified as explosion proof. A junction box without an ATEX or IECEX certificate can put your entire business in danger if an explosion were to occur in the workplace. Therefore, it is of extremely high priority for you to ensure that the junction box has been officially certified as explosion proof by the above mentioned certification bodies.

4. Plan Your Budget Beforehand

As Ex ‘d’ junction boxes offer greater protection, they are more expensive in general as compared to Ex ‘e’ junction boxes. This is because the materials used to construct Ex ‘d’ junction boxes often have to be die-casted, which can be a costly process. Therefore, if you are on a tighter budget, then perhaps buying Ex ‘e’ junction boxes would be a more feasible option for your business.

Planning your budget in advance also allows you to be in a better position to make bulk purchases, which may often lead to a small discount from the manufacturer/supplier.

5. Check where the parts of the Ex-Proof Junction Box have been imported from

You would be surprised at how the raw materials can affect the quality of the finished product. Research has shown that product parts made in Europe are of a higher quality than parts that come from China. Therefore, the end product made from parts of higher quality would definitely be of higher performance standards as well.

As such, you should take into consideration the source of the materials used to build the junction box. If the components that are used to construct the junction box come from Europe, you can trust that the manufacturer prioritises quality and safety of its junction boxes. Supermec imports all our product parts from Europe while the assembly of the junction boxes is carried out in Singapore, where our headquarters is located.

6. Avoid Any Legal Issues with the Law

You could get into trouble with the law should you purchase a junction box that doesn’t come with the necessary certifications and should always ensure that the product that you are using has been certified for proper use within your area of operations.

7. Get in Touch with the Sales Team

Contacting the sales team or production team of the manufacturer directly is a fast and efficient way for you to clarify your doubts. By speaking directly to the employees, you will be able to judge their expertise and knowledge in junction boxes for yourself. Doing this makes it easier to sieve out manufacturers and suppliers with an inexperienced or unprofessional sales team.

Just reach out to us at sales@supermec.com and our professional and customer focused sales team would be able to address your concerns immediately.

8. Do a Background Check on the Manufacturer or Supplier

Lastly, it might be a good idea to conduct a quick background check or audit on the company that you are buying the ex-proof junction box from to ensure you are buying a well-established and good quality product.

Here are some things to look out for during the check:

• What certifications does the company possess?

As mentioned above, ATEX/IECEx certificates are required for all ex-proof products. Therefore, you should check that the company has the necessary certifications shown on their website or alongside their different product listings.

• How many years has the company been in the industry?

Companies that have been in the industry for a longer period tend to have more experience. Therefore, they are also more likely to provide better quality ex-proof junction boxes thanks to their accumulated knowledge on the industry norms and standards over time.

• Clientele/partner list of the company

When a company has an extensive clientele base, it is a sign of its professionalism and competence. It is advisable to engage a company that has worked with a large network of clients and partners as it shows that its services and products have been approved and used by other companies before.

• Awards won by the company

Lastly, awards are the most obvious signs of how established a company is. Therefore, a company that has won various awards/accolades would most likely meet your business needs as compared to a company that has not won any awards. You can view the various awards that Supermec has won from our press releases.

Summary

Ultimately, the responsibility of buying the best ex-proof junction box for your business lies with you to do the necessary research before reaching a final decision. However, it is always a plus point when the manufacturer simplifies the buying process by making information easily accessible for you.

As the leading manufacturer of explosion proof junction boxes in Singapore, Supermec wants to help our customers save time and money by making the buying process as simple as possible. We hope that after reading this guide, you will learn what to look out for in buying the best explosion proof junction box for your business.

Contact our friendly sales team at sales@supermec.com or you can drop us a call at +65 68619522 to find out more about our explosion proof solutions. Alternatively, you can visit our ecommerce platform where you can browse through the complete range of explosion proof products for various hazardous areas at your own time.

Explosion-proof lighting is a critical element in hazardous work environments where potentially explosive gases or materials are present. This article will provide a comprehensive understanding of explosion proof lighting, its benefits, applications, and the need for such lighting solutions in various industries.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Understanding Explosion Proof Lighting

3. Why Choose Explosion Proof Lighting

4. Components of Explosion Proof Lighting

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5. Advantages of LED Explosion Proof Lighting

6. Explosion Proof Lighting Certifications

7. Common Misconceptions about Explosion Proof Lights

8. Applications of Explosion Proof Lighting

9. Choosing the Right Explosion Proof Lighting

10. Conclusion

Introduction

With the rise and continued growth of industries such as oil and gas, mining, and chemical processing, the need for safe and effective lighting in hazardous environments has become increasingly important. Explosion-proof lighting is specifically designed to meet the demands of these challenging environments, providing a secure and efficient lighting solution that reduces the risk of accidents caused by ignition of flammable substances.

Understanding Explosion Proof Lighting

Contrary to what the term might suggest, explosion-proof lighting is not designed to withstand an explosion but rather to prevent one from occurring. These lighting fixtures are constructed to contain potential sparks or flames within their housing, preventing the ignition of flammable gases or materials present in the surrounding atmosphere.

Why Choose Explosion Proof Lighting

Explosion-proof lighting significantly lowers the risk of explosions and potential costly explosions by preventing the ignition of flammable gases or vapors. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) mandates that all lighting equipment used in hazardous locations must be explosion-proof. With their robust design, explosion proof lights minimize the chances of ignitions, thereby enhancing the safety of employees working in these environments.

Components of Explosion-Proof Lighting

An explosion proof lighting fixture typically comprises a thick casing made from sturdy materials like steel or aluminum. Inside, the components such as the bulb, wiring, and switches are securely enclosed, preventing potential sparks or flames from escaping the housing.

Advantages of LED Explosion-Proof Lighting

LED explosion proof lights offer numerous advantages over traditional lighting fixtures. They consume approximately 90% less energy, have a lifespan of up to 100,000 hours, and emit less heat, reducing the chances of sparking flammable substances. Additionally, LED lights are eco-friendly as they do not contain harmful substances like mercury or lead.

Explosion-Proof Lighting Certifications

Explosion-proof lighting must meet specific certifications to ensure safety in hazardous areas. Certifications like ATEX (for European Union) and IECEx (accepted globally) verify that the lighting equipment meets the stringent safety standards required for operation in hazardous locations.

Common Misconceptions about Explosion-Proof Lights

There are several misconceptions about explosion proof lights. For instance, many people assume that these lights are designed to be airtight and block all gases or vapors. However, many explosion proof lights permit gases into the light itself. Their construction aims to contain any explosion caused by these gases within the light, preventing harm to the worker or the work area.

Applications of Explosion-Proof Lighting

Explosion-proof lighting is essential in various industries where hazardous substances are present, including oil and gas refineries, chemical plants, mining sites, and pharmaceutical factories. They’re also used in areas where flammable dust, fibers, or flying debris are present, such as textile mills, woodworking plants, and grain processing facilities.

Choosing the Right Explosion-Proof Lighting

Selecting the right explosion proof lighting for your needs involves understanding the specific requirements of your work environment. This includes knowing the class, division, and group of the hazardous area you’re working in. These classifications, provided by regulatory bodies like the NFPA, help determine the right type of explosion proof light for your needs.

1. Class I: This class is related to hazardous locations where flammable gases, vapors, or liquids are present, such as petroleum refineries, fuel storage areas, or chemical plants. Class I explosion-proof lighting fixtures are designed to withstand and prevent the ignition of these substances.

2. Class II: This class pertains to hazardous locations where combustible dust particles, such as coal dust or grain dust, are present. Examples of such environments include grain processing facilities, coal mines, or pharmaceutical manufacturing plants.

3.Class II explosion-proof lighting fixtures are designed to prevent the ignition of these combustible dust particles. 3. Class III: This class is specific to hazardous locations where ignitable fibers or flyings are present. These environments typically include textile mills, cotton processing facilities, or woodworking shops. Class III explosion-proof lighting fixtures are designed to prevent the ignition of these fibers or flyings.

In addition to these classes, explosion-proof lighting fixtures are further categorized into divisions based on the likelihood and duration of the hazardous substance being present. The divisions are as follows:

- Division 1: Indicates that hazardous substances are present or expected to be present during normal operations.

- Division 2: Indicates that hazardous substances are not normally present during normal operations but may be present due to accidental leakage or unusual operating conditions.

Conclusion

Explosion-proof lighting plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of workers and facilities in hazardous environments. By understanding what explosion proof lighting is, its benefits, and applications, businesses can make informed decisions about the right lighting solutions for their needs. Proper lighting not only enhances safety but also boosts productivity, making it a worthy investment for any industry operating in hazardous conditions

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