a
- ABS Type ApprovedCertification from the American Bureau of Shipping verifying that a product meets marine and offshore safety standards, ensuring suitability for use on ships, rigs, and other marine environments
- Adjustable Yoke MountU-shaped bracket that allows the fixture to be tilted and aimed, commonly used for flood lights
- AEx / ATEX Markings
Code that identifies the protection method, gas group, temperature rating, and equipment protection level of a hazardous location fixture
AEx: U.S. adoption of IECEx standards (per NEC/UL)
db: Type of protection (flameproof enclosure)
IIB+H2: Gas group (ethylene and hydrogen atmospheres)
T4: Temperature class (max surface temperature 135°C)
Gb: Equipment protection level (high, suitable for Zone 1 gas areas) - Area LightsBroad-beam fixtures designed to illuminate large outdoor or industrial spaces providing reliable performance in hazardous and general-purpose applications
- ATEX CertificationEuropean directive for equipment used in explosive atmospheres, ensuring compliance with safety standards for hazardous locations
b
- Battery BackupIntegrated battery that powers emergency lighting during power outages, typically providing 90 minutes of illumination to meet code requirements
- Beam AngleSpread of light distribution from a luminaire, measured in degrees. Wider angles provide more general illumination, while narrow beams focus light for task or spot lighting
- Bracket MountAdjustable mounting system allowing directional control of a fixture
- Build America, Buy America Act (BABA)Federal requirement that infrastructure products, including lighting, are manufactured in the United States
- Buy American Act (BAA)Federal requirement that government-funded projects use products substantially manufactured in the United States
c
- CandelaMeasurement of luminous intensity in a specific direction, used in photometric files to describe how light is distributed from a fixture
- Cast Aluminum HousingDurable fixture body material designed to resist corrosion and mechanical stress. Commonly used in hazardous and industrial lighting for strength and lighter weight compared to steel
- CCTMeasurement in Kelvins describing the color appearance of light, such as 3500K warm or 5000K daylight. Lower CCTs create warmer light for comfort, higher CCTs provide cooler, daylight-quality light for precision work
- Ceiling MountFixture attached flush to the ceiling surface, often used in enclosed or confined spaces
- Central Inverter System CompatibleFixture design that allows emergency power to be supplied from a building’s centralized inverter system rather than individual battery packs
- Chain MountSuspension system using chains to hang fixtures, often for linear luminaires in industrial settings
- Class I, Division 1 (C1D1)Hazardous location classification where flammable gases, vapors, or liquids are continuously present
- Class I, Division 2 (C1D2)Hazardous location classification where flammable gases, vapors, or liquids are not normally present but may exist under abnormal conditions
- Class II, Division 1 (C2D1)Hazardous location classification where combustible dust is regularly present
- Class II, Division 2 (C2D2)Hazardous location classification where combustible dust is not normally present but may exist under abnormal conditions
- Class III (C3)Hazardous location classification where easily ignitable fibers or flyings are present under normal conditions
- Cold Start PerformanceAbility of LED fixtures to operate reliably in sub-zero environments, ensuring dependable lighting in cold storage, outdoor, and winter conditions
- Conduit HubConnection fitting that allows secure attachment of electrical conduit to a fixture, maintaining enclosure integrity and rating
- Corrosion ResistantAbility of fixture materials to withstand exposure to chemicals, salt, or moisture without degrading. Essential for marine, wastewater, and chemical processing facilities
- Corrosive AtmospheresHarsh environments where chemical, salt, or acidic exposure can damage fixtures unless they are built with resistant materials or coatings
- CRIMeasurement of how accurately a light source reveals colors compared to natural light, with higher values providing truer color appearance. Important in environments where color recognition is critical for safety or quality control
- CSA CertificationCanadian Standards Association approval confirming a product meets electrical and mechanical safety standards
d
- Damp LocationUL designation for fixtures suitable for indoor areas subject to moisture and condensation but not direct water exposure, such as food processing spaces or covered outdoor areas
- Diffused LensLens that softens and distributes light evenly to reduce glare and improve visibility in task areas
- Dimming ControlsOptions such as 0–10V dimming or DALI protocols that allow adjustable light levels for energy savings and task flexibility
- Distribution CurveGraphical representation of a luminaire’s light output pattern, showing how light is distributed in various directions
- DriverElectronic component that regulates power to LEDs, ensuring consistent performance, dimming capability, and protection against voltage fluctuations
- Dust-TightFixture rating indicating complete protection against dust intrusion, maintaining performance in dusty industrial or processing environments
e
- E-Series LightingRIG-A-LITE’s economical, energy-efficient LED line engineered for harsh and hazardous environments where cost savings and performance are equally important
- EfficacyMeasure of how efficiently a luminaire converts power into visible light. Higher efficacy means more light with less energy consumption, improving sustainability and lowering operating costs
- Emergency BallastBackup power system that keeps certain luminaires lit during loss of main power, often retrofitted into fluorescent or LED fixtures
- Emergency Exit SignsIlluminated signage with battery backup to ensure safe egress during power outages, meeting code requirements for hazardous and industrial facilities
- EX-Series LightingExplosion-proof LED fixtures with ATEX and IECEx certifications, providing international compliance and maximum safety in the most critical hazardous locations
- Explosion-Proof EnclosureHousing designed to contain any internal explosion caused by sparks or arcs, preventing ignition of surrounding gases, vapors, or dust
- Explosion Proof LightingFixtures designed for Class I, II, and III hazardous locations, containing internal sparks or arcs to prevent ignition in explosive atmospheres
f
- Factory Sealed FixtureLuminaire design where all necessary sealing is built in, eliminating the need for external conduit seals during installation.
- Fail-Safe DesignFeature ensuring lighting remains operational or defaults to “on” in critical safety environments if controls fail
- FlickerRapid variation in light output that can cause eye strain or safety issues. Quality industrial luminaires are designed to minimize flicker
- Flood LightsHigh-output luminaires delivering wide, powerful light distribution, ideal for outdoor property, loading docks, or hazardous environments requiring strong illumination
g
- Gaskets and SealsComponents that prevent water, dust, or vapor from entering a luminaire, maintaining integrity of IP and NEMA ratings
- Groups (Hazardous Locations)
NEC designations that define the specific type of gas, vapor, or dust present in a hazardous environment
Class I Groups
Group A: Acetylene
Group B: Hydrogen or gases of equivalent hazard
Group C: Ethylene, cyclopropane, and similar gases
Group D: Propane, gasoline, butane, alcohol, natural gas, acetone, benzene, and similar vaporsClass II Groups
Group E: Combustible metal dusts such as aluminum and magnesium
Group F: Carbonaceous dusts such as coal, carbon black, and coke with volatile content above 8%
Group G: Organic dusts such as grain, flour, starch, cocoa, wood, plastics, and chemicals h
- Hazardous Location (HazLoc)An environment defined by NEC or IEC standards as containing flammable gases, vapors, dusts, or fibers
- Hazardous Location Ambient RangeTemperature range over which a hazardous-rated fixture is certified to safely operate, such as –30°C to +55°C
- Hazardous-Rated LightingFixtures engineered for classified hazardous environments with explosive gases, vapors, or dust. Includes explosion-proof and heavy-duty options for maximum safety and compliance
- Heavy Duty Harsh-Rated LightingFixtures designed for extreme non-classified environments where durability is critical, built to withstand corrosion, water, chemicals, vibration, and impact in the toughest industrial conditions
- High Bay LightingLuminaires designed for tall ceiling spaces such as warehouses, hangars, or manufacturing plants, providing powerful downward light distribution
- High Temperature LightingFixtures built with advanced thermal management to operate reliably in elevated ambient conditions, including furnaces, steel plants, and hot process areas
- High Temperature RatedFixtures designed to operate safely in elevated ambient temperatures, commonly used in foundries, steel plants, or hot process areas
- Hose-Down RatedFixture designed to withstand high-pressure wash-down cleaning, critical for food and beverage processing facilities
i
- IEC 60079 Zones
International classification system for hazardous areas under IEC/ATEX standards
Zones (Gas Atmospheres):
Zone 0: Explosive gas or vapor continuously present or present for long periods
Zone 1: Explosive gas or vapor likely to occur in normal operation
Zone 2: Explosive gas or vapor unlikely in normal operation, and if present, exists only for a short timeZones (Dust Atmospheres):
Zone 20: Combustible dust continuously or frequently present in sufficient quantity to form explosive mixtures
Zone 21: Combustible dust likely to occur in normal operation
Zone 22: Combustible dust unlikely in normal operation, and if present, persists only for a short time - IECEx CertificationInternational Electrotechnical Commission system certifying equipment for explosive atmospheres to a globally recognized standard
- IES FileStandardized photometric data file created by the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) that models light distribution for use in lighting design software
- IK Ratings
Classification under IEC 62262 defining resistance of an enclosure to mechanical impact, with IK07 resisting 2 joules, IK08 resisting 5 joules, IK09 resisting 10 joules, and IK10 resisting 20 joules
- Industrial Lighting FixturesDurable, high-performance luminaires engineered for demanding industrial environments like refineries, wastewater facilities, and heavy manufacturing
- Ingress ProtectionInternational rating system that classifies protection against dust and water. Common RIG-A-LITE ratings include IP65, IP66, and IP67 (see Certifications & Ratings for details)
- Intertek ETL ListedCertification mark showing a product has been tested by Intertek, a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory, and found to meet applicable North American safety standards, equivalent in compliance to UL or CSA listings
- IP Ratings
IEC 60529 classification showing protection against solids and liquids; the first digit measures solids (dust) resistance and the second digit measures liquids (water) resistance
IP65: Dust-tight, protected against low-pressure water jets from any direction
IP66: Dust-tight, protected against powerful water jets or heavy seas
IP67: Dust-tight, protected against temporary immersion in water up to 1 meter
IP68: Dust-tight, protected against continuous immersion beyond 1 meter, depth and duration specified by manufacturer j
- Junction BoxEnclosure that protects electrical wiring connections and serves as a mounting point for some fixtures
k
- KnockoutPre-scored opening in a fixture housing or junction box that can be removed to allow conduit entry. Knockouts provide flexibility in installation but may require sealing to maintain ratings
l
- Linear Light FixturesLong, narrow fixtures ideal for aisles, corridors, and task lighting in hazardous or industrial spaces, available in LED and explosion-proof models
- LM79IES (Illuminating Engineering Society) testing standard that measures the electrical and photometric performance of LED products, including lumen output, efficacy, and color characteristics
- LM80IES testing standard that measures the lumen maintenance (light output over time) of LED light sources, providing data on long-term performance and reliability
- Low Bay LightingLuminaires designed for lower ceiling applications, delivering efficient illumination for compact industrial spaces and work areas
- Lumen OutputTotal visible light emitted by a fixture, typically measured after photometric testing. Determines how much usable illumination reaches the work area
m
- Manual Test SwitchSmall, accessible button that allows maintenance staff to manually test emergency lighting operation to comply with safety codes
- Marine EnvironmentsAreas subject to saltwater, spray, and humidity, requiring specialized coatings or materials to prevent corrosion and maintain safety ratings
- Marine-Grade CoatingProtective finish formulated to resist corrosion in saltwater and offshore environments, extending fixture life in marine and coastal applications
n
- NEMA Ratings
National Electrical Manufacturers Association standards that classify enclosures by the level of protection they provide against environmental conditions such as dust, water, and corrosion
NEMA 3: Enclosure rating for protection against rain, sleet, snow, and windblown dust, suitable for outdoor use in standard weather conditions
NEMA 4: Enclosure rating for watertight and dust-tight protection against splashing or hose-directed water, falling dirt, and windblown dust, suitable for indoor or outdoor use
NEMA 4X: Enclosure rating with all the protections of NEMA 4 plus added corrosion resistance, making it ideal for marine, chemical processing, and wastewater environments
NEMA 12: Enclosure rating for indoor use, protecting against dust, dirt, fibers, dripping water, and non-corrosive liquids, commonly used in industrial and manufacturing facilities - NPT HubThreaded entry point built to National Pipe Thread (NPT) standards, allowing secure connection of conduit or fittings to the fixture while maintaining its rated protection
- NSF CertifiedCertification from the National Sanitation Foundation ensuring suitability for food and beverage processing environments
o
- Occupancy SensorControl device that switches lighting on or off based on detected motion, reducing energy usage in areas not continuously occupied
p
- Pendant MountFixture suspended from a ceiling using a stem, pipe, or chain, allowing clearance and directional placement
- Photocell ControlLight sensor that automatically switches lighting on at dusk and off at dawn, providing energy efficiency for outdoor and security lighting
- Polycarbonate LensImpact-resistant plastic lens used for protection and light diffusion. Lighter weight and shatter-resistant compared to glass, but must be checked for chemical compatibility
- Powder-Coat FinishProtective layer applied to fixture housings for durability and resistance to chipping, fading, and harsh environmental exposure
- Power FactorMeasure of how effectively a luminaire converts electrical power into usable output. High power factor reduces wasted energy and lowers electrical system strain in industrial facilities
r
- RoHS DirectiveRestriction of Hazardous Substances regulation limiting the use of harmful materials like lead or mercury in electrical and electronic equipment
s
- Self-Testing Emergency DriverEmergency driver with built-in diagnostics that automatically tests the battery and system performance at regular intervals
- Slipfitter MountAdjustable fitting that allows a fixture (often a flood or area light) to be mounted on a pole or tenon
- Smart ControlsIntegrated wireless or networked control systems that allow monitoring, scheduling, and remote management of luminaires across a facility
- Stainless Steel HardwareFasteners, brackets, and mounting components made of stainless steel to provide maximum corrosion resistance in harsh environments
- Surface MountFixture installed directly onto a flat surface such as a wall or ceiling
t
- T-CodeMaximum surface temperature rating of a fixture to prevent ignition of hazardous substances
- Tempered Glass LensHeat-treated glass lens providing superior thermal and impact resistance. Often used in explosion-proof fixtures for higher strength compared to standard glass
- THDMeasure of distortion in electrical current drawn by a luminaire. Lower THD reduces interference with other equipment on the electrical system
- Thermal ManagementFixture design elements, such as heat sinks or airflow channels, that regulate LED operating temperature, ensuring longevity and consistent performance
- Through-WiringWiring feature that allows multiple fixtures to be connected in series through internal wiring, simplifying installation in continuous runs
u
- UL 844Underwriters Laboratories safety standard for luminaires used in hazardous (classified) locations, including Class I (gases), Class II (dusts), and Class III (fibers)
- UL 924Standard for emergency lighting and exit signs, covering performance during power loss and battery backup operation
- UL 1598General safety standard for luminaires, covering construction, performance, and testing
- UL 1598 Wet LocationsUL designation for lighting fixtures designed to operate safely in areas subject to water exposure, such as outdoor environments, wash-down areas, or other wet conditions
- UL 1598A Marine Outside TypeUL designation for lighting fixtures approved for use on marine vessels and offshore platforms in exposed outdoor conditions such as salt spray, sunlight, and water exposure
- UL 8750Safety standard specifically for LED equipment in lighting products
v
- Vapor Tight
Fixture designed with a fully sealed housing and gasketed lens to prevent the entry of moisture, dust, and contaminants. Commonly used in wet or wash-down environments such as food processing, wastewater treatment, and other harsh industrial applications.
- Vibration ResistantFixtures designed and tested to withstand vibration from heavy machinery, mining operations, drilling, or other high-impact industrial processes without performance degradation
- Voltage RangeInput voltage a fixture can accept, often listed as universal (120–277V) or high voltage (347–480V), allowing flexibility across facilities and regions
w
- Wall MountFixture installed on a vertical surface to provide directional lighting for building exteriors, walkways, or process areas
- Wallpack LightingWall-mounted luminaires providing directional and security lighting for perimeters, walkways, and building exteriors in industrial or hazardous settings
- WattageAmount of power consumed by a luminaire. Key factor in energy usage, fixture selection, and compliance with efficiency standards
- Wet LocationUL designation for fixtures suitable for outdoor or moisture-prone environments with direct exposure to water, rain, or wash-down conditions
