When specifying heat fixtures, a project manager needs at least the following information: the maximum ambient temperature, the presence of infrared radiation, the required IP and IK class, the hazard classification of the space, and the available power supply. Without these basic data, it is impossible to select a fixture that functions reliably and is safe to use.
This applies especially to environments such as steel mills, foundries, the glass industry, and other processes where extreme heat, radiation, or aggressive substances play a role. The more specific the project information, the better a lighting specialist can advise on a suitable solution. The sections below address the most frequently asked questions around this topic.
Which environmental factors determine the choice of heat-saving fixtures?
The choice of a heat fixture is determined by a combination of thermal, mechanical and chemical environmental factors. The most important are the maximum ambient temperature, the presence of infrared radiation, humidity, dust, vibrations, and the presence of corrosive or explosive substances. Each of these factors places different requirements on the housing, optics, and electronics of a fixture.
In practice, it rarely comes down to just one factor. A steel factory combines extreme heat with intense infrared radiation, dust and mechanical shocks. A recycling company, on the other hand, has to deal with dust, moisture and sometimes chemical fumes. A project manager is well advised to not only record the peak temperature, but also to describe how long that temperature persists and whether there are any thermal cycles (alternating heating and cooling).
In addition, the mounting height plays a role. The higher the luminaire hangs, the less direct heat there is, but it also makes maintenance more difficult. This influences the choice of a robust housing and a long lifespan without frequent replacement.
What do the IP and IK codes mean for heat lamps?
The IP code (Ingress Protection) indicates the degree of protection an luminaire is provided against dust and moisture. The IK code describes the mechanical impact resistance. For heat-powered luminaires, both codes are particularly relevant, as high temperatures weaken the materials and can compromise the seal if the luminaire is not specifically designed for those conditions.
An IP65 fixture is completely dustproof and protected against water jets. IP66 And it IP67 offers higher protection against powerful water jets or short-term immersion. In steel plants or foundries where cooling water or steam is present, a high IP rating is not a luxury but a requirement. You can find more background information about what these codes exactly mean on the page about IP and IK classes.
The IK code runs from IK00 to IK10. IK10 It IK08 means resistance to an impact of five joules, which is equivalent to twenty joules. In environments with heavy machinery, cranes or transport movements, a high IK class is necessary to prevent fixtures from being damaged in the event of an unexpected impact or fall.
What should the ambient temperature be for LED luminaires?
Standard LED fixtures are designed for ambient temperatures of approximately 40 to 50 degrees Celsius. Above this temperature, the lifespan of the LED driver and the light source rapidly decreases. Specially designed High temperature LED lighting can function reliably at temperatures of up to 80, 100, or even 120 degrees Celsius, depending on the design.
The critical component is the driver, not the LED itself. Drivers contain capacitors and other electronic components that are sensitive to heat. In fixtures designed for extreme conditions, the driver is thermally separated from the heat source, or placed outside the fixture in a cooler location.
For climate chambers and cold storage, the opposite applies: the fixture must also remain functional in extreme cold. Specialized fixtures for cold environments operate reliably from -45°C; in applications where the temperature varies greatly, the specified range of the fixture must cover both the lowest and highest temperatures.
What is the difference between direct heat and infrared radiation in lighting?
Direct heat is the heat that an luminaire absorbs through conduction or convection from the surroundings, for example warm air in a production hall. Infrared radiation is electromagnetic radiation emitted by glowing material, such as liquid steel or a hot oven. Infrared radiation heats an luminaire much faster and more intensely than convection alone, and requires specific shielding or reflective surfaces.
A luminaire that is certified for an ambient temperature of 80°C can still fail in a steel factory if the infrared load is not taken into account. The radiant heat can locally make the enclosure much hotter than the air temperature indicates. This is a common mistake when specifying lighting for metallurgical processes.
Fluorescent lamps specifically designed for infrared radiation load, such as the Orca HT and Barracuda HT from Philips JEL Products, feature special shielding and housings that reflect or dissipate the radiation energy. This is a fundamentally different design from an luminaire that simply has a higher temperature rating on paper.
What technical data should a project manager provide for a correct specification?
For a correct specification of heat fixtures, an lighting specialist needs concrete technical input. Without this information, it is impossible to make a well-founded product selection or to formulate a reliable lighting design.
Provide at least the following information:
- Maximum and average ambient temperature at the installation location
- Presence and intensity of infrared radiation (type of process, distance from heat source)
- Required IP class based on dust, moisture or water exposure
- Required IK class based on mechanical load
- Presence of explosive hazard (ATEX zone) or aggressive chemicals
- Available power supply voltage and type of connection
- Mounting height and desired light direction or beam angle
- Lighting level in lux required (in accordance with safety requirements or work procedures)
- Maintenance strategy: how often can it be carried out, and by whom?
The more complete this overview is, the more precise the advice. A project manager who also indicates whether there are 24/7 operations or planned outages helps the specialist to take installation periods and the desired lifespan of the luminaire into account.
Which standards and certifications are relevant for heat equipment in the heavy industry?
In heavy industry, two certifications are particularly relevant: ATEX and IP/IK classifications. ATEX is mandatory in zones where there is a risk of explosion due to flammable gases, vapours or dust. A luminaire without a valid ATEX certification may not be used legally in those zones. Outside of explosion-hazardous zones, the IP and IK classifications are the most important technical requirements.
In addition, suppliers of industrial lighting solutions that are serious about quality generally operate under an ISO9001-certified quality management system. This gives a project manager confidence in the consistency of the production process and the traceability of components.
For project managers working in sectors such as offshore, ports or the chemical industry, sector-specific requirements sometimes also apply. It is advisable to check with the client or the safety officer which standards apply before completing the specification.
Practical example: Farm Frites
Farm Frites faced LED lighting that failed repeatedly in the drying tunnels and production ovens due to the high thermal stress and the intensive cleaning routine. Furthermore, for the frieting tunnels, the solution had to work in a temperature range of -40 °C to +70 °C during the cleaning processes. The lighting design, the engineering of a custom-made fixture, and the design of the installation were provided by JEL Products Verzorgd Licht. The result is the Snapper HT-SS: a stainless steel fixture Snapper HT with borosilicate glass, a HACCP-compliant design, and a protection rating of IP69K. There are 78 fixtures supplied, with 35 W per fixture.
A proper specification began here with the data that describe the environment: the temperature during production, the temperature range during cleaning, the method of cleaning, and the requirements for food safety. Each of these data dictated a different part of the design, from the borosilicate glass to the degree of protection. If one of these data is missing, a luminaire is chosen for only part of the reality. The luminaires previously installed were not designed for the combination of high temperatures and the intensive cleaning routine.
Read more about the Farm Frites project
How to JEL Products help specify heat fixtures
As a specialist in industrial lighting for extreme conditions, project JEL Products managers support from the earliest stage of a project. That means not only providing a luminaire, but also collaborating on the entire technical context.
Specifically, JEL Products offers the following support:
- Technical intake interview: A specialist discusses the environmental factors, process conditions, and safety requirements to determine the appropriate product class.
- Lighting Design: Based on the supplied data, a light calculation is made that shows whether the desired lighting levels are achieved.
- Product selection: From the range of DCbright and DarkLicht, of which JEL Products exclusive distributor is, a suitable solution is selected, including luminaires such as the Orca HT and Barracuda HT for high temperatures and infrared load.
- Engineering and installation: JEL Products can handle the entire process, from foundation and light poles to installation and commissioning.
- Documentation and certification: As an ISO9001 and VCA** certified organization, JEL Products we provide the necessary technical documentation for project files and inspections.
Do you have a project where lighting needs to be specified in a heat-intensive environment? Then please contact us via the JEL Products Contact Page for a no-obligation technical discussion.