What type of lighting is best for aircraft hangars?

LED high bay fixtures with 90+ CRI are ideal for aircraft hangars, providing uniform, high-lumen illumination that supports detailed visual inspection while reducing energy costs by 60% compared to traditional HPS or metal halide.

Do aircraft hangars need explosion-proof lighting?

Areas where fuel vapors may be present (fueling zones, fuel storage areas) require explosion-proof lighting. LEDEX offers both standard industrial and explosion-proof configurations to cover all areas of an aviation facility.

How much can hangars save with LED lighting?

Aircraft hangars typically see 60%+ energy savings when switching from HPS or metal halide to LEDEX LEDs, plus elimination of expensive aerial lift or scaffolding costs for high-bay relamping.

High Bay LED Lighting for Aircraft Hangars & Aviation Facilities

Powerful, uniform illumination for aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul

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Energy savings vs HPS

0K+

Hour lifespan

CRI for inspection accuracy

High Bay LED Lighting for Aircraft Hangars & Aviation Facilities

Aircraft hangars require exceptional lighting - high mounting heights demand powerful, precisely aimed fixtures, while maintenance and inspection work requires superior color rendering and zero shadow zones. LEDEX industrial LED high bay fixtures deliver uniform, high-lumen illumination across large hangar spaces, with CRI values that support detailed visual inspection of aircraft surfaces and components.

For hangars classified as hazardous locations (fuel vapor exposure), our explosion-proof fixtures provide certified safety while delivering 60% energy savings over traditional metal halide and HPS high bays. With 100,000+ hour lifespans, LEDEX fixtures virtually eliminate the need for expensive high-bay relamping using aerial lifts or scaffolding.

Aviation facilities contain specific hazardous area classifications. Aircraft fueling zones, fuel storage areas, and fuel truck loading positions where jet fuel vapors may be present during normal fueling operations are classified as Class I Division 1 (C1D1), requiring fully explosion-proof lighting. Areas within hangars adjacent to fueling operations, fuel pipe runs, and ventilated fuel pump rooms where vapors may only be present during abnormal conditions are classified as Class I Division 2 (C1D2). The main hangar floor itself, while not typically classified, may require Class I Division 2 lighting if aircraft with fuel-filled tanks are serviced with open fuel systems. LEDEX offers both industrial-grade high bay LED fixtures for general hangar illumination and Class I Division 1 and Class I Division 2 explosion-proof fixtures for classified fueling and fuel storage areas.

LEDEX aircraft hangar fixtures are tested to 5G vibration standards, ensuring reliable performance in environments where aircraft engine run-ups, ground power units, and large hangar door operations create significant structural vibration. Our 5G vibration-rated LED high bays maintain consistent light output and housing integrity throughout the vibration-heavy operational cycle of active aviation maintenance facilities.

Application Areas

Aircraft Maintenance Hangars

MRO hangars requiring high-CRI, uniform lighting for detailed aircraft inspection. Per NEC Article 513, the area from floor level to 18 inches above is classified as Class I Division 2 (C1D2) due to heavier-than-air fuel vapors. Hangar floor drains and trench areas may be classified as Class I Division 1 (C1D1) hazardous locations.

MRO Facilities

Maintenance, repair, and overhaul centers with precision work and inspection requirements. Fuel cell repair areas and paint stripping zones within MRO facilities require Class I Division 1 (C1D1) explosion-proof lighting. General maintenance bays follow NEC Article 513 Class I Division 2 (C1D2) classifications for the floor-level zone.

Fueling Areas

Fuel storage and dispensing areas requiring Class I Division 1 (C1D1) explosion-proof classified lighting. Aircraft fueling aprons, hydrant fueling pits, and fuel truck loading areas are classified as Class I Division 1 hazardous locations where flammable jet fuel and aviation gasoline vapors are present during normal operations. Adjacent areas are classified as Class I Division 2 (C1D2).

Flight Line

Outdoor aircraft parking and servicing areas needing weather-resistant flood lighting. Aircraft parking ramps and fueling areas on the flight line require Class I Division 2 (C1D2) rated LED flood lights. Hot refueling zones are classified as Class I Division 1 (C1D1) hazardous locations per NEC Article 513 and NFPA 409.