Commercial LED Lighting Podcast

In this Commercial LED technical discussion, Peter Kohlert, PE, a Michigan Licensed Professional Engineer with more than 40 years of engineering experience in industrial facilities, hazardous-location lighting, and photometric design, explains explosion proof lighting and the technical considerations involved in selecting fixtures for hazardous locations.

The discussion covers how hazardous locations are classified, including Class I, Class II, and Class III environments; Division 1 and Division 2 applications; and Groups A-G. Peter explains how the presence of flammable gases and vapors, combustible dusts, and ignitable fibers affects hazardous-location classifications and lighting requirements.

The discussion also examines UL, ETL, FM, and CSA safety marks and certifications, along with UL 844 and other standards used for hazardous-location luminaires. Peter explains how fixture nameplates, specification sheets, Certificates of Compliance (CoCs), and other certification documentation can be used to verify whether a fixture is appropriate for a particular application.

Additional topics include:

Commercial LED Lights represents seven explosion proof lighting manufacturers with more than 180 fixtures and mounting accessories. Our team combines technical product guidance with in-house photometric lighting design to help contractors, facility managers, engineers, and industrial customers properly specify lighting for hazardous-location applications.

Learn more about explosion proof lighting:

Learn more about Peter Kohlert, PE:

Need help selecting or designing a hazardous-location lighting system?

In this episode, we break down pole loading charts and EPA (Effective Projected Area) ratings and how they impact proper light pole selection. Building on real-world project experience, we walk through how lighting design, fixture size, mounting hardware, and total load all factor into choosing the right pole. We also cover how wind speed, exposure categories, and site conditions especially in coastal and high-wind regions affect allowable EPA and structural requirements. From understanding how to calculate total load to reading manufacturer pole charts, this episode will help contractors, facility managers, and engineers avoid common mistakes and ensure safe, code-compliant installations.

In this episode, we take a deeper dive into LED sports lighting and stadium light technology. Building on our earlier sports lighting discussion, we explore when true stadium lights are actually required, the most common applications, and where these fixtures are used outside of sports environments. We also break down the differences between optic types such as degree lenses and 3H3V (BUG) distributions, the pros and cons of internal vs external drivers, and how DMX control systems power advanced RGBW stadium lighting effects. Whether you're lighting a school field, an industrial yard, or a full stadium, this episode will help you understand the key design decisions behind modern sports lighting systems.

In this episode, we’re diving into the essential role of light poles in commercial lighting applications. From parking lots to streets and sports facilities, we’ll explore how the right pole design enhances safety, durability, and lighting performance. Learn about different materials like steel, aluminum, and wood poles, as well as critical considerations such as wind load ratings, height, and installation methods. Discover how modern light poles support advanced LED fixtures for optimal illumination across a range of applications.

In this episode, we’re shining a light on the latest innovations in LED stadium lighting and arena lighting. We’ll discuss how advanced LED systems are enhancing sports venues, from football stadiums to tennis courts, by providing superior visibility, reducing energy consumption, and creating an immersive experience for fans. Learn how LED technology is changing the game with improved brightness, durability, and efficiency—making it the ideal choice for large-scale lighting in modern sports facilities.

This episode discusses how our LED lighting engineers provide expert photometric lighting plans for commercial and industrial applications. This includes lighting plans for parking lots, warehouses, and sporting applications.

This episode discusses LED explosion proof lighting and how it’s used for a variety of applications including power plants, paint warehouses, oil rigs, grain storage, and more. The episode also discusses differences between class 1 division 1, class 1 division 2, class 2 division 1, etc. These classifications differ depending on the type of hazardous area.

This episode discusses a new modern industrial safety technology known as an LED Sign Projector. This projector uses cutting-edge LED technology to protect workers, reduce accidents, and ensure compliance. This projector casts highly visible LED warning signs such as stop signs, caution signs, and custom signs with virtually any other desired label. These labels are placed around areas such as overhead crane loads, forklift aisleways, or other areas where workers may be at risk of injury.

In this episode, Commercial LED Lights breaks down the different styles of LED high bay lights and which ones you should choose based on your facility and individual lighting needs.

In this episode, Commercial LED Lights breaks down the different styles of LED Flood Lights and which ones you should choose based on your individual outdoor lighting needs