VL-EX8197D Explosion-Proof Double Linear LED Light for Hazardous Locations
The VL-EX8197D Explosion-Proof Double Linear LED Light is a dual-tube industrial luminaire providing high-output ceiling illumination for Class I Division 1/2 and ATEX/IECEx Zone 1/2 hazardous environments. With two parallel LED tubes in a single housing unit, the VL-EX8197D delivers 10,000–15,000 lumens from an 80W–120W draw — equivalent to replacing two 150W fluorescent hazardous-location fixtures while eliminating UV emission, mercury content, and the maintenance burden of fluorescent tube replacement. The rigid die-cast housing provides mounting points for both surface-ceiling and suspended installation, with sealed polycarbonate diffusers ensuring even light distribution across process aisles, machinery bays, and inspection workstations.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | VL-EX8197D (80W / 120W) |
| LED Efficacy | ≥125 lm/W |
| Luminous Flux | 10,000 lm (80W) / 15,000 lm (120W) |
| Input Voltage | 100–277V AC, 50/60Hz |
| Power Factor | ≥0.95 |
| Color Temperature | 4000K / 5000K |
| CRI | ≥80 Ra |
| Beam Angle | 120° (opal polycarbonate diffuser) |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +55°C |
| Enclosure Rating | IP66 |
| Lens Material | UV-stabilized impact-resistant polycarbonate |
| Housing Material | Die-cast aluminum, powder-coated |
| Overall Length | 1,200 mm |
| Overall Width | 280 mm (double-tube) |
| Mounting | Surface ceiling, pendant, or conduit entry ends |
| Rated Life | L80 ≥50,000 hours |
Certifications & Hazardous Area Ratings
| Standard | Classification |
|---|---|
| NEC (North America) | Class I Division 1 & 2, Groups C, D; Class II Division 1 & 2, Groups E, F, G; Class III |
| ATEX (Europe) | Ex II 2G Ex d IIB T4 Gb; Ex II 2D Ex tb IIIC T135°C Db |
| IECEx | Ex d IIB T4 Gb; Ex tb IIIC T135°C Db |
| UL/cUL | UL 844 Listed |
| Enclosure | IP66 (IEC 60529) |
| DLC | Listed |
LED vs. Fluorescent: Direct Replacement Value
| Factor | VL-EX8197D LED (120W) | 2 × 75W Fluorescent HazLoc |
|---|---|---|
| Power consumption | 120W | 150W (+ ballast losses ~20%) |
| Lumen output (maintained) | 12,000 lm @ 50,000h | ~9,600 lm @ 5,000h |
| Lamp replacement | None (50,000h LED life) | Every 12,000h (~1.4 yrs) |
| Mercury content | None | ~15 mg per tube × 2 |
| UV emission | Negligible | Present (polymer degradation) |
| Energy savings vs HID | ~60% | Baseline |
Application Environments
- Oil Refinery Process Buildings: Indoor process units and laboratory buildings classified Class I Div 1 Group D
- Chemical Plant Warehouses: Storage buildings with Class I Div 2 Groups C/D classification
- Offshore Accommodation: Wider process corridors and utility rooms requiring Zone 2 IIB rating
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Clean corridors and solvent areas requiring Class I Div 2 dual-tube lighting
- Paint Spray Buildings: Class I Div 1 high-lumen requirements for quality inspection
Frequently Asked Questions
- How does the VL-EX8197D differ from the VL-EX8197S?
- The VL-EX8197D is the double-tube version of the VL-EX8197S, providing approximately twice the lumen output (10,000–15,000 lm vs. 5,000–7,500 lm) in the same 1,200mm length. The D variant is 280mm wide versus 150mm for the S. Both share identical certifications, mounting hardware, and wiring configurations.
- Can the VL-EX8197D replace existing 2-lamp T5HO fluorescent fixtures in Class I Div 1 areas?
- Yes. The VL-EX8197D is a direct physical and electrical replacement for 2-lamp 54W T5HO or 4-lamp 32W T8 explosion-proof fluorescent fixtures with equivalent or greater lumen output. The mounting bolt pattern and conduit entry locations are compatible with most Class I Div 1 fluorescent fixture mounting templates.
- Is the VL-EX8197D rated for T4 temperature class?
- Yes. Both ATEX and IECEx certifications specify T4 surface temperature class (maximum surface temperature ≤135°C / 275°F), suitable for gas groups with auto-ignition temperatures above 135°C including propane (468°C), methane (537°C), and ethylene (425°C).
- What wire gauge is required for the VL-EX8197D?
- At 120V, a 120W load draws approximately 1.0A (or 0.5A at 277V). Minimum 14 AWG THWN-2 conductors are suitable for branch circuit wiring. For conduit runs exceeding 100 feet, upsizing to 12 AWG is recommended to limit voltage drop below 3%. Conduit seals per NEC 501.15 are mandatory in Class I Div 1 installations.