VL-EX8191 Explosion-Proof Emergency Sign Light for Hazardous Locations
The VL-EX8191 Explosion-Proof Emergency Sign Light is a certified exit sign and emergency directional luminaire engineered for Class I Division 1/2 and ATEX/IECEx Zone 1/2 environments. Designed to satisfy NEC Article 700 (Emergency Systems) and NFPA 101 Life Safety Code exit sign requirements, this unit provides illuminated egress signage in oil refineries, chemical plants, offshore platforms, and other industrial facilities where standard non-hazardous-area exit signs would create ignition risk. The sealed low-copper aluminum housing with LED illuminated acrylic face maintains visibility for a minimum of 90 minutes during power failure, ensuring compliance with fire marshal and insurance requirements for emergency egress systems in hazardous classified areas.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | VL-EX8191 |
| LED Power | 5W (normal) / 5W (emergency) |
| Battery Backup | Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH), 90 minutes minimum |
| Sign Face | Red/green legend on translucent acrylic; customizable arrow direction |
| Input Voltage | 120/277V AC, 50/60Hz |
| Operating Temperature | -20°C to +55°C (-4°F to +131°F) |
| Enclosure Rating | IP65 |
| Housing Material | Low-copper aluminum alloy |
| Mounting | Wall surface or ceiling pendant; conduit entry M20 |
| Sign Dimensions | 355 × 200 mm (face panel) |
| Self-Test | Automatic 30-day functional test, annual 90-min duration test |
| Net Weight | 2.8 kg |
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 |
| Emergency Standard | NFPA 101 Life Safety Code; IEC 60598-2-22 |
| Exit Sign Standard | UL 924 (Emergency Lighting and Power Equipment) |
| Enclosure | IP65 (IEC 60529) |
Emergency Egress Signage Requirements in Hazardous Areas
NFPA 101 Section 7.10 requires illuminated exit signs whenever the exit or exit access is not apparent to a building occupant. In hazardous classified areas, the exit sign itself must comply with the hazardous area classification — a standard UL 924 exit sign creates an ignition risk in Class I Div 1 environments because its internal circuitry is not explosion-proof. The VL-EX8191 satisfies both UL 924 exit sign requirements and NEC Article 501 explosion-protection requirements simultaneously, making it the compliant choice for evacuation route marking in petroleum, chemical, and mining facilities.
Application Environments
- Oil Refineries: Exit sign for stairwells and doorways in Class I Div 1 process buildings
- Offshore Platforms: Muster station exit marking in Zone 1 accommodation modules
- Chemical Plants: Evacuation corridor exit signs in classified reactor buildings
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Solvent area exit marking in Class I Div 2 suites
- Mining Operations: Emergency exit signs in underground Class I Div 1 headframes
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a standard UL 924 exit sign in a Class I Division 1 area?
- No. Standard UL 924 exit signs are not rated for hazardous classified locations. Their internal wiring and components can create arcing that ignites flammable vapors. NEC Article 501.130 requires all luminaires in Class I Division 1 areas to be listed for Class I Division 1 use. Only fixtures like the VL-EX8191, which carries both UL 924 and explosion-proof certifications, are code-compliant.
- How are arrow directions configured on the VL-EX8191?
- The VL-EX8191 ships with a universal face panel that supports left-arrow, right-arrow, down-arrow, and no-arrow configurations. Direction indicators are set by repositioning the included arrow inserts inside the acrylic face — no additional parts required. Custom legend text (e.g., SORTIE for French bilingual, SALIDA for Spanish bilingual) is available on request.
- What is the test documentation for OSHA compliance?
- The VL-EX8191 logs automatic test results via an internal diagnostic LED. For facilities requiring written documentation (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.303 and NFPA 110 Chapter 8), a manual test record must be maintained. The 30-day functional test confirms battery health; the annual 90-minute test confirms full backup duration. Results should be recorded in the facility’s electrical preventive maintenance log.
- Is the VL-EX8191 rated for low-temperature Arctic or cold-climate environments?
- The VL-EX8191 is rated to -20°C (-4°F) operating minimum. For Arctic applications below -20°C, consider the VL-EX8236B-ELB emergency light with LiFePO4 chemistry rated to -40°C, which is better suited for extreme cold-temperature battery performance. NiMH batteries lose capacity rapidly below -20°C and are not recommended for continuous Arctic deployments.
Certifications & Standards: NFPA 70 — National Electrical Code (NEC) · IECEx International Certification System · EU ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU
Explosion for Hazardous Locations
This explosion-proof explosion is engineered for hazardous locations where standard equipment cannot operate safely. Certified for Class I Division 1 and Division 2 environments, it meets ATEX, IECEx, and UL/cUL standards for oil & gas, chemical, mining, and offshore installations.
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