To select hazardous-area lighting, match the exact luminaire’s certification, equipment protection level, gas or dust group, temperature limits and installation conditions to the approved area classification.
The zone number is a starting point. It does not, by itself, establish that a particular light is suitable.
For contractors, consultants and procurement teams in Saudi Arabia and the GCC, a clear selection process helps connect the project specification to the equipment being quoted.
Hazardous area classification identifies locations where explosive atmospheres may occur and where equipment needs appropriate protection against becoming an ignition source.
The classification considers the likelihood and persistence of an explosive atmosphere. Gas, vapour and mist hazards use Zones 0, 1 and 2. Combustible dust-cloud hazards use Zones 20, 21 and 22.
Obtain the approved classification drawings and supporting information from the responsible project team. A supplier should use those requirements to assess the proposed equipment.
For an introduction to lighting types and protection terminology, read our Explosion-Proof Lighting Guide.
The key distinction is the type of explosive atmosphere and how likely it is to occur.
| Zone | Atmosphere | General meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | Gas, vapour or mist | An explosive atmosphere is likely to occur occasionally during normal operation |
| Zone 2 | Gas, vapour or mist | An explosive atmosphere is unlikely during normal operation and, if it occurs, persists only briefly |
| Zone 21 | Combustible dust cloud | An explosive atmosphere is likely to occur occasionally during normal operation |
| Zone 22 | Combustible dust cloud | An explosive atmosphere is unlikely during normal operation and, if it occurs, persists only briefly |
These are classification definitions. They do not prescribe a universal lighting wattage, mounting height or fixture format.
Zones 0 and 20 address more persistent explosive atmospheres. Do not assume that equipment selected for Zones 1 or 21 is suitable for those locations.
Equipment Protection Level, or EPL, identifies the protection level assigned to equipment under the relevant assessment.
The usual zone-to-EPL relationship is:
| Installation zone | Normally applicable EPL options* |
|---|---|
| Zone 1 | Ga or Gb |
| Zone 2 | Ga, Gb or Gc |
| Zone 21 | Da or Db |
| Zone 22 | Da, Db or Dc |
Subject to the applicable selection rules, risk assessment, equipment documentation and project requirements. Meeting the EPL requirement does not resolve the other selection checks.
For example, equipment carrying only a Gc protection level should not be accepted for Zone 1 simply because it is described as “explosion-proof.”
Some luminaires have documented protection for both gas and dust applications. Others do not.
Check the separate markings and supporting documents for each hazard. Gas suitability does not automatically establish dust suitability.
If both hazards are relevant, ask the responsible engineer to confirm the full selection requirements. The assessment must also consider temperature limits and any restrictions associated with the intended installation.
A useful technical review covers the complete offered model.
Confirm that the equipment group covers the substances identified in the project documentation.
Do not select a fixture using the zone number while leaving the gas or dust group unspecified.
Check the relevant temperature classification or maximum surface temperature against the project’s hazardous-substance assessment.
Also confirm the permitted ambient-temperature range. Surface-temperature limits and ambient-temperature limits describe different requirements.
Request the complete Ex marking and relevant certificate schedule.
The documentation should identify the protection techniques, equipment protection level and any specific conditions affecting selection or use. IECEx guidance treats these as distinct elements of the equipment marking and certificate.
Give suppliers the actual site conditions, including relevant heat, sunlight, dust, water and corrosive exposure.
For Saudi and GCC projects, “suitable for local weather” is less useful than defined operating conditions and a documented response.
Choose the lighting format around the task, then verify the hazardous-area suitability of the exact model.
| Fixture format | Lighting-design considerations |
|---|---|
| Floodlight | Area coverage, aiming, beam distribution and glare |
| High bay | Mounting height, spacing, obstructions and maintenance access |
| Linear light | Walkway or equipment layout, distribution and mounting arrangement |
Alrouf lists the Ex-Proof Flood Light A-Series, B-Series Highbay and Ex-Proof Linear Light.
Review the product information and ask the team to confirm the model, configuration and documentation appropriate to your specification.
Send enough information for the supplier to assess both equipment suitability and lighting performance.
| Enquiry item | Information to provide |
|---|---|
| Area classification | Approved drawing, zone and relevant hazard information |
| Project specification | Required standards, documentation and approval process |
| Lighting task | Area dimensions, mounting height and required illumination |
| Electrical supply | Voltage and frequency |
| Environment | Ambient temperatures and relevant exposure conditions |
| Installation | Mounting, cable entries and accessory requirements |
| Commercial scope | Quantities, delivery location and required date |
For replacement work, include the existing fixture details and any restrictions affecting access, wiring or mounting.
Ask the supplier to identify assumptions, exclusions and departures from the specification before placing the order.
Request:
Where IECEx certification is proposed, check the certificate against the official IECEx online certification system. Confirm that it covers the offered equipment and configuration.
Equipment meeting Zone 1 protection requirements may also meet the protection-level requirement for Zone 2. However, confirm the complete marking, gas group, temperature limits, certificate conditions and installation requirements before approving it.
Equipment suitable only for Zone 2 should not be accepted for Zone 1. Review the exact model’s protection level and certification.
No. They refer to explosive atmospheres involving combustible dust clouds. Zones 1 and 2 address gas, vapour or mist atmospheres.
No. Wattage does not establish hazardous-area suitability. Select the required protection characteristics separately from the lighting performance.
The classification is a necessary input to final equipment selection. Obtain the approved requirements before accepting a fixture for the classified location.
Explore Alrouf’s hazardous-area lighting range and prepare your classification information, layout, quantities and installation conditions.
Contact Alrouf to confirm available configurations, supporting documents and quotation scope for your project.
