Classifications
Class 3 LED Lighting
Rated for Ignitable Fibers & Flyings
What Class 3 Means
Fixtures are designed to prevent ignition from fiber or flying material accumulation on or near the fixture, rather than airborne explosive mixtures like Class 1 (gas) or Class 2 (dust) hazards. Class 3 environments involve materials like textile fibers, wood shavings ("flyings"), or similar loose combustible materials that pose an ignition risk primarily through accumulation and surface contact rather than suspension in the air.
Because the hazard mechanism differs from gas or dust classifications, Class 3 fixtures focus heavily on surface temperature limits and preventing fiber accumulation from contacting hot fixture components.
Class 3 vs. Class 1 and Class 2
Each Class addresses a distinct hazard type:
- Class 1 — flammable gases and vapors, suspended in air.
- Class 2 — combustible dust, suspended in air or accumulated.
- Class 3 — ignitable fibers and flyings, primarily an accumulation and surface-contact hazard rather than an airborne one.
Where Class 3 Is Needed
- Textile and fiber processing facilities — environments generating loose fiber material
- Woodworking and sawmill operations — facilities producing wood shavings and dust
- Facilities handling loose combustible fibers — any operation where fiber accumulation on equipment is routine
Specifying the Right Fixture
Confirm the specific fiber or flying material present at your facility and the fixture's rated surface temperature, since ignition risk in Class 3 environments is closely tied to how hot a fixture's exterior gets relative to the ignition point of the material likely to accumulate on it.