{"id":37557,"date":"2026-10-31T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-31T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jelproducts.nl\/?p=37557"},"modified":"2026-07-09T21:45:50","modified_gmt":"2026-07-09T20:45:50","slug":"what-information-does-a-project-manager-need-when-specifying-heat-fixtures","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/jelproducts.nl\/en\/blog\/welke-informatie-heeft-een-projectleider-nodig-bij-het-specificeren-van-hitte-armaturen\/","title":{"rendered":"What information does a project manager need when specifying heat fixtures?"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Which environmental factors determine the choice of heat-saving fixtures?<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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).<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

What do the IP and IK codes mean for heat lamps?<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

What should the ambient temperature be for LED luminaires?<\/h2>\n

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<\/a> can function reliably at temperatures of up to 80, 100, or even 120 degrees Celsius, depending on the design.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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\u00b0C; in applications where the temperature varies greatly, the specified range of the fixture must cover both the lowest and highest temperatures.<\/p>\n

What is the difference between direct heat and infrared radiation in lighting?<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

A luminaire that is certified for an ambient temperature of 80\u00b0C 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

What technical data should a project manager provide for a correct specification?<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Provide at least the following information:<\/p>\n