Battery Locker Lighting Requirements:
(a) Internal Light Fitting:
Battery lockers, especially those used for storing large or multiple batteries, should have an internal light fitting that meets the following requirements:
- Low Voltage: The light fitting should operate on a low voltage, typically 12V DC or 24V DC, to minimize the risk of electrical shock in a potentially damp or corrosive environment. High voltage AC lighting poses a greater risk if there’s any contact with water or electrolyte spills.
- Explosion-Proof Design: The light fitting should be explosion-proof or intrinsically safe. Batteries can emit hydrogen gas during charging, which is highly flammable. An explosion-proof design ensures the light fixture cannot ignite any flammable gas build-up within the locker. This might involve features like sealed enclosures and spark-resistant components.
- Durable Construction: The light fitting should be constructed from corrosion-resistant materials to withstand the potentially harsh environment within a battery locker. Battery terminals and electrolyte can generate corrosive fumes or spills, so the light fitting needs to be resistant to such conditions.
(b) Necessity of Requirements:
These requirements are crucial for safety and functionality within a battery locker:
- Low Voltage: Utilizing low voltage minimizes the severity of electrical shock if there’s any accidental contact with the light fitting, especially in a potentially damp environment around batteries.
- Explosion-Proof Design: Prevents the light source from igniting any hydrogen gas build-up within the locker, significantly reducing the risk of explosions and fire hazards.
- Durable Construction: Ensures the light fitting remains functional and doesn’t deteriorate due to corrosion from battery fumes or potential electrolyte spills. A non-corrosive construction also minimizes the risk of component failures that could create sparks or ignite flammable gases.
By adhering to these requirements, battery locker lighting provides safe and reliable illumination for inspecting and handling batteries within the locker, while minimizing the risk of electrical shock, explosions, and fire hazards.