High intensity discharge (HID) lighting equipment, commonly used in commercial or industrial settings where high levels of light over large areas are required, can be a fire risk if manufacturers’ maintenance instructions are not followed.
Many types of HID lamps, such as metal halide and high pressure sodium found in high bay lights, exhibit a phenomenon known as 'cycling' at the end of their usable life. When this happens, the colour of the lamp changes dramatically and there is a significant loss of brightness. Other warning signs include the lamp taking some time to light, not working at all or periodically switching on and off as the ignition process cycles.
As HID lighting equipment ages, the lamps and other components, such as ignitors and capacitors, can overheat. In one case reported to the Electrical Safety Office, hot particles from a failed HID light escaped the light’s enclosure and fell to the ground creating a fire hazard.
Manufacturers state that the components of the lighting equipment have a limited life and may need to be replaced at the same time as any failed lamps. It is important to check and comply with the manufacturer's instructions for HID lighting equipment to ensure its continued safety.
For more information about electrical safety visit www.electricalsafety.qld.gov.auor call the Electrical Safety Infoline on 1300 650 662.