In industrial environments where flammable gases, vapors, dust, or fibers may be present, emergency lighting isn’t just a convenience — it’s a critical safety requirement. This need becomes even more demanding in low-temperature conditions, where standard emergency lighting systems often fail to deliver reliable performance. Why Low Temperature Performance Matters Most explosion proof lighting with integrated emergency batteries are designed to function within a typical ambient temperature range of 0 °C to 40 °C. However, many hazardous locations — such as outd oor facilities in cold climates, refrigerated warehouses, LNG processing, arctic research installations, or high-altitude plants — routinely operate well below freezing. In these conditions: Battery performance degrades, reducing runtime and reliability. Electronic components can fail, leading to lamp outages when power is interrupted. Standard specified lighting may not meet regulatory or safety expectations during emergency situations. Without emergency illumination that’s engineered for cold extremes, workers can be left in darkness during critical moments — increasing risk of injury, delays in evacuation, and non-compliance with safety standards. Challenges of Emergency Lighting at Low Temperatures Operating emergency lighting in cold environments presents two key challenges: Battery Chemistry Limitations Standard sealed lead-acid or lithium battery packs lose capacity and discharge efficiency as temperatures fall. At sub-zero temperatures, many batteries won’t hold a charge or may shut down prematurely. Component Reliability LEDs and driver electronics are sensitive to thermal stress. Components not rated for low temperatures can fail or behave unpredictably, especially during the stress of a power failure. For facilities where the ambient temperature is below 0 °C, it’s essential to choose lighting engineered with a wider operating range — including batteries and electronics tested for cold-start performance and sustained operation. GRINSAFE Solutions for Low Temperature Emergency Lighting GRINSAFE is a leader in explosion-proof and hazardous location lighting, offering several product lines that deliver reliable emergency performance in extremely low temperatures. Explosion Proof Emergency Battery Back-up Light SCOUT GHSL UL924, UL844 ClassI Division 1. Emergency 15W , >2,420lm. Cold weather -20°C options. LED Hazardous Location Emergency Back-up Highbay Light GHRL 90-minute minimum run time at 2,400 lumens in emergency mode. Cold weather -20°C options. LED Linear Light Emergency Battery Back-up ARROW GHLV Low profile design, 90 minutes run-time emergency battery back up, 170lm/W. Cold weather -20°C options. Emergency Light & Exit Sign Combo UL C1D2 AURA GHE Hazardous locations combo exit sign. Fully adjustable lamp heads. Cold weather -20°C emergency options. Hazardous Location Emergency Exit Sign AURA GHE UL Class I Division 2. Replaceable EXIT legend. Low profile design. Cold weather -35°C emergency options. Selecting the Right Low Temperature Emergency Lighting When choosing emergency lighting for hazardous, cold-temperature locations, consider: Ambient temperature range: Ensure the light and battery are rated for your coldest expected conditions. Emergency runtime: Confirm battery capacity and expected duration under low temperature stress. Certifications: Look for explosion-proof and hazardous location approvals applicable to your facility. Maintenance accessibility: Systems designed for cold environments often include remote or automated testing capability. From cold storage and outdoor plants to LNG and arctic environments, GRINSAFE helps ensure visibility when power fails — even in extreme cold.
