What certifications must high-temperature lighting have?

For high-temperature lighting, multiple certifications are relevant, but there is no single universally required certification that applies to every situation. Which certifications are necessary depends on the environment: the presence of an explosion hazard, the degree of exposure to dust and moisture, and the specific temperature range in which the fixture must operate. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about certifications for high-temperature fixtures.

Which standards apply specifically to high-temperature luminaires?

High-temperature luminaires must demonstrably function safely and reliably in conditions where standard lighting fails. The most relevant standards focus on electrical safety, thermal behavior, and mechanical robustness. Examples include IEC 60598 as a basis for lighting fixtures and additional standards for specific applications such as explosive hazards or corrosive environments.

What many buyers and engineers do not immediately realize: not all luminaires sold as “high temperature” are actually certified for extreme conditions. There is a big difference between a luminaire that file is against higher temperatures and a fixture that also supports them Demonstrably tested Yes. Certification makes that distinction visible and controllable.

Additional requirements apply for environments such as steel mills, foundries or industrial furnaces, particularly regarding infrared radiation, thermal shocks and continuous heat loads. A luminaire used in such environments must not only survive the heat but also perform stably over extended periods of time without degrading the optics, the housing or the electronics.

What does the IP classification mean in extreme temperatures?

The IP rating (Ingress Protection) indicates the degree of protection an luminaire is provided against dust and moisture. In extreme temperatures, the IP classification is particularly critical, as materials can expand and contract, seals can age and condensation poses a greater risk. A high IP rating such as IP66 or IP67 is therefore not a luxury in high-temperature applications, but a basic requirement.

What many people don’t know: an IP rating is tested under standard conditions. In environments with extreme heat or rapid temperature changes, the practical protection may be lower than the certified value suggests, if the luminaire is not specifically designed for those conditions. Material choices, packaging types, and construction details determine whether an IP66 luminaire will still remain reliably sealed at 100°C.

More background information on how IP ratings are built and what they mean in practice can be found on the page about IP and IK rating.

Is ATEX certification mandatory for high-temperature lighting?

ATEX certification is mandatory when lighting is used in an environment where there is an explosion hazard due to gases, vapours or dust. High temperature in itself does not make ATEX mandatory. However, the combination of heat and an explosive atmosphere does make ATEX absolutely necessary, and that is a situation that occurs more frequently in practice than expected.

ATEX certification requires that a luminaire is classified in a zone (0, 1, 2 for gases; 20, 21, 22 for dust) and that the maximum surface temperature of the luminaire remains below a certain limit. Exactly this last point makes ATEX complex in high-temperature applications: a luminaire that gets itself warm due to the ambient temperature must not exceed the ATEX temperature class.

In addition to ATEX, there is also IECEx certification, the international counterpart of the European ATEX system. For projects outside the EU, for example in Australian mines or the Middle East, IECEx is often required. Both systems set similar requirements, but are not automatically interchangeable.

How is the temperature resistance of a luminaire tested and certified?

Manufacturers test temperature resistance by exposing luminaires to conditioned environments with controlled temperatures for specified periods of time. This not only tests whether the luminaire survives, but also whether light output, electrical performance, and mechanical integrity remain intact. Only when all criteria are met can a temperature class be communicated.

In practice, this is tested via climate chambers and thermal cycling tests. An luminaire that is certified for a range of -45°C to +120°C has been shown to reliably continue functioning at both extremes and during rapid changes between them. This is fundamentally different from a luminaire whose manufacturer simply states that it is “suitable for high temperatures”.

For environments with intense infrared radiation, such as around high-temperature furnaces or melting furnaces, additional testing criteria apply. Infrared radiation affects the fixture differently than convective heat, and a fixture must be specifically validated for that exposure mode. For more context, see the page on High-temperature lighting.

Which certifications are particularly relevant for steel mills and foundries?

In steel mills and foundries, particularly strict requirements apply. In addition to the usual electrical safety certification, there are specific requirements regarding thermal loads from radiant heat, splashes of liquid metal, and the presence of metal dust. Fixtures in these environments must withstand conditions that extend well beyond the range of standard industrial lighting.

High IP rating (IP65 or higher): Protects against metal particles and splashes of water
Temperature certification up to a minimum of +80°C or higher: depending on the position in the factory
Enclosure made of stainless steel or heat-resistant aluminum: prevents deformation with prolonged exposure
Protection against infrared radiation: specific coating or shielding of the optics
IK rating for mechanical impact resistance: relevant for vibrations from heavy machinery and conveyor belts

For applications in the heavy industry, it is wise not only to consider what the luminaire can handle, but also how long it will last without maintenance. In environments that operate 24/7, long maintenance intervals and proven reliability are at least as important as initial certification.

How do you check if a supplier has the correct certifications?

A reliable supplier can provide the corresponding certificates for each product, including test reports from independent testing institutes. Always request the original documents and check that the certification applies to the exact model you want to use, not to a similar model or an older version.

Check the following points when evaluating a supplier:

Request a complete certificate register per product, including expiration dates
Check whether the certifying authority is accredited (think of TÜV, DEKRA or similar organizations)
Verify that the certification applies to the specific environmental conditions of your project
Ask for test reports for temperature resistance, not just a product sticker
Check that the supplier itself is ISO 9001 certified as an indication of quality assurance

A supplier that hesitates on these questions, or that cannot provide certificates immediately, is a risk signal. Especially in applications in the heavy industry or in ATEX zones, documentation is not just a formality, but a legal and safety requirement.

Practical example: Farm Frites

Farm Frites faced LED lighting that failed repeatedly in the drying tunnels and production ovens due to high thermal stress and an intensive cleaning routine. Additionally, the temperature range for the frieting tunnels was -40 °C to +70 °C during the cleaning processes. JEL designed a special version of the stainless steel Snapper HT that complies with food safety guidelines: a stainless steel housing with borosilicate glass, an HACCP-compliant design, and IP69K protection rating. The light design was tested in accordance with EN 12464-1. 78 Snapper HT SS luminaires were supplied, which provide 200 to 500 lux in the oven.

Standards and classifications answer a different part of the question here. EN 12464-1 concerns light in the workplace, IP69K concerns resistance to cleaning under high pressure and high temperatures, and the HACCP requirements concern food safety. None of these characteristics in themselves say whether a luminaire can withstand the thermal load of a dry tunnel. For that, the specification must be placed alongside the actual temperature variation, including the changes during cleaning.

How JEL Products helps with high-temperature lighting certifications

JEL Products supports technical decision-makers in selecting the right certified lighting for extreme conditions. That starts with a thorough analysis of the environment and ends when the luminaires are demonstrably performing under the specific conditions of the project.

Advice on which certifications are mandatory or recommended for your specific environment
Delivery of luminaires with a verifiable temperature specification, including full documentation
Lighting for the areas outside the ATEX zones, with referral to a certified Ex manufacturer for the zones themselves
Valves tested for temperatures from -45°C, and with the HT line up to +120°C, including climatic chambers and high temperature industrial environments
ISO 9001 and VCA** certified company process as the basis for reliable quality assurance
Guidance throughout the entire process: from initial advice to installation and commissioning

Do you want to know which certifications apply to your situation, or do you want a second opinion on the lighting solution you are considering now? Contact us immediately contact JEL Products for a no-obligation consultation with a specialist.

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What certifications does high-temperature lighting need to have?