Explosion Proof Flood Lights: Types, Ratings & Buying Guide
Yards, loading bays, tank farms and offshore decks all need strong, wide-area illumination — but in a hazardous area, a standard floodlight is a genuine ignition risk. Explosion proof flood lights deliver that same wide-area output while containing any internal spark or excess heat, in line with the same ATEX/IECEx standards covered in our ATEX lighting guide.
What Are Explosion Proof Flood Lights?
Explosion proof (ATEX/IECEx) flood lights are wide-beam LED fixtures certified for use in areas where flammable gases, vapours or combustible dust may be present. They use sealed, heavy-duty housings — typically die-cast aluminium or stainless steel — to keep any internal ignition source safely contained.
Where They’re Used
- Process units, tank farms and loading/unloading areas
- Offshore platforms, marine decks and helideck support areas
- Yard and perimeter lighting for refineries and petrochemical sites
- Crane and gantry areas — see our ATEX crane lighting range for fixtures purpose-built for boom and cab mounting
Fixed vs Portable ATEX Floodlights
Fixed floodlights are permanently mounted for ongoing area or process lighting. Portable ATEX floodlights are battery or mains-powered units used for temporary work, maintenance shutdowns, or confined-space tasks where permanent fixtures aren’t practical. Match the choice to whether the lighting need is permanent or task-based.
What to Check Before You Buy
- Lumen output and beam angle — wide flood vs narrow/asymmetric distribution depending on the area shape.
- Zone rating — confirm Zone 1/2 (gas) or Zone 21/22 (dust) certification matches your site classification.
- IP rating — IP66/67 for outdoor, marine or washdown exposure.
- Temperature class — the fixture’s maximum surface temperature must stay below the ignition point of gases present.
- Mounting type — pole, wall, bracket or crane-mount depending on the application.
Explosion Proof Flood Lights FAQs
How are explosion proof flood lights different from standard floodlights?
They use certified, sealed housings and controlled surface temperatures to prevent internal sparks or heat from igniting surrounding gases or dust — a standard floodlight has no such certification.
What IP rating do I need for an outdoor site?
IP66 or IP67 is standard for outdoor, offshore or washdown environments, protecting against dust ingress and heavy water exposure.
Can one floodlight cover both Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas?
Yes — a Zone 1-rated fixture also meets Zone 2 requirements, but not the reverse.
Do you supply portable explosion proof floodlights for maintenance work?
Yes, alongside our fixed range. Contact Daly Middle East with your application details and we’ll recommend suitable options.
What certification should I ask for?
ATEX and/or IECEx, matched to your zone and gas/dust group — see our ATEX lighting guide for a full breakdown of zones and certification.
Browse our explosion proof flood light range or see the full explosion-proof lighting supplier page.