Understanding Pilot Lights in Hazardous Locations

Choosing the Right Explosion-proof Pilot Lights for Hazardous Areas

Pilot lights are essential visual indicators in industrial control systems, providing real-time status updates for machinery, electrical circuits and safety conditions. However, in hazardous areas- where explosive gases, mists, vapours or combustible dust are present – standard pilot lights are unsuitable. Instead, ATEX and IECEx-certified explosion-proof LED pilot lights are required to ensure compliance and safety.

How ATEX & IECEx Certifications Impact Pilot Lamps

ATEX and IECEx certifications ensures strict safety, design and operational requirements for pilot lamps used in hazardous areas. These include:

• Thread fit: ensures secure installation within enclosures to prevent flame transmission.
• Resistance to impact: protects against mechanical damage in industrial settings.
• Resistance to UV light: prevents degradation from long-term exposure to sunlight.
• Ability to withstand explosion pressure: maintains safety of flameproof enclosure.
• Electrical insulation properties: prevents leakage occurrence.
• Compatibility with rated environmental conditions: ensures continued safety in extreme temperatures, humidity and egress conditions.

Key Properties of JCE’s Explosion-proof Pilot Lights

Construction & Materials

JCE’s pilot lights are built using high-quality materials designed for durability in harsh environments.

• The housing is constructed from stainless steel 316, providing excellent corrosion resistance.
• The lens is made from Makrolon, which offers superior impact resistance and UV stability.
• Additionally, the terminations use tinned brass and zinc-plated steel to ensure long-term electrical reliability.

Hazardous Zone Classifications

JCE’s pilot lights are certified for use in explosive atmospheres, making them suitable for gas Zones 1 & 2 and dust Zones 21 & 22. They incorporate Ex db mb IIC Gb and Ex mb tb IIIC Db protection types and equipment groups, ensuring compliance.

Temperature Ratings

Designed to function in extreme conditions, these pilot lights can operate within a temperature range of -40°C to +60°C, making them ideal for a variety of industrial environments.

Ingress Protection

With an IP66 certification, JCE’s explosion-proof pilot lights offer excellent protection against dust and high-pressure water jets, ensuring reliability even in the harshest conditions.

Regulatory Compliance

JCE’s pilot lights meet the highest safety and compliance standards. They are certified under certificates TRAC12ATEX0033U and IECEx TRC 12.0014U and must be installed in accordance with the instructions.

Pilot Lights vs. Indicator Lights – what’s the difference?

While often used interchangeably, pilot lights and indicator lights serve different functions. The table below highlights key differences between the two:

Key Features of Explosion-proof LED Pilot Lights

Explosion-proof LED pilot lights incorporate several key safety features to ensure safe operation in hazardous locations. They include:

• Flameproof Ex db, encapsulation Ex mb & protection by enclosure Ex tb:  prevents ignition of external gases or dusts.
• Sealed Makrolon lens & nitrile O-ring: provides superior environmental protection.
• Robust stainless steel 316 construction: ensures durability in harsh industrial settings.
• IP66 ingress protection: withstands high-pressure water jets and dust exposure.
• Wide operating temperature range: functional from -40°C to +60°C.
• Multiple thread form options: available in M25, ¾” NPSM and ¾” BSPP for enclosure compatibility.
• Voltage options: available in 24V AC/DC,110V and 230V AC

Why choose JCE Group’s PL Series Explosion-proof Pilot Lights?

Unmatched Quality & Compliance

JCE Group specialises in Ex d explosion-proof pilot lights, offering high-performance solutions tailored for hazardous environments. These pilot lights are built to withstand extreme industrial conditions, ensuring long-term reliability and full compliance with ATEX Directive and IECEx Scheme.

Built for Harsh Conditions

Unlike standard indicator lights, JCE’s pilot lights are specifically designed for hazardous areas. This makes them ideal for environments where explosive gases, dust and extreme temperatures are present. Each unit features robust stainless steel 316 construction for superior resistance to corrosion and impact. LED cluster technology provides high visibility even in daylight conditions, while the 100,000-hour lifespan minimises maintenance and replacement costs. The multi-coloured range includes white, green, amber, red, blue and yellow, ensuring compatibility with industry standards.

Advanced Safety & Compliance Features

JCE’s pilot lights come with a range of advanced safety features. They are IP66-certified, offering complete protection against dust and water. Certified for Zones 1, 2, 21 & 22, they meet high standards for gas and dust hazardous areas. These pilot lights are also fully compatible with JCE’s EJB series enclosures, ensuring seamless integration into industrial hazardous area control systems.

Reliable Stock & Fast Lead Times

JCE Group recognises the importance of minimising downtime. To ensure availability, we maintain a large stock of pilot lights, ready for Ex Works delivery and collection. This allows us to offer quick turnaround times and efficient supply chain solutions.