Marine Grade and Coastal Luminaires with
C4 | C5 Level Corrosion Protection by F-L Lighting.
In harsh environments like coastal regions, and industrial facilities, lighting fixtures face a constant threat – corrosion. This silent killer can lead to rust, oxidation, and premature failure, compromising the performance and longevity of lighting fixtures. To combat the destructive effects of corrosion, it’s crucial to understand and select the appropriate corrosion classes. Additionally, galvanic corrosion can occur when dissimilar metals are in contact with each other in the presence of an electrolyte.
Corrosion in coastal areas is a significant issue due to the presence of salt water and high humidity. Salt water accelerates the corrosion process, causing metal to deteriorate up to five times faster than in non-coastal environments. To combat corrosion, it’s essential to use corrosion-resistant materials.
F-L Lighting luminaires offer C4 and C5 level corrosion protection using top-quality aluminum with low copper content of 0.08% (aluminum alloy ENAB 44300), a meticulous surface protection, and extensive testing, ideal for marine and coastal applications. This sustainable approach extends the lifetime of the luminaires, reduces the need for replacements, and supports circular economy by allowing reusability of components. The process involves using a high quality and durable primer, applying ample layer of thickness coupled with a high quality and durable topcoat. During assembly of parts, galvanic corrosion between aluminum and stainless steel is avoided by using lubricant on screws and the use of screw coils to ensure an easy release.
Independent Corrosion Testing
The luminaires undergo the “Volvo Test,” tested according to European road conditions which correspond to different temperature ranges, rain and humidity, and salt contents, illustrating the corrosion quality for the luminaires for a 10-year exposure period. As part of the testing, each luminaire body is deeply scratched (from day 1 of the test) from the paint surface down to the aluminum mold, and the extent of the corrosion is measured around this scratch.
A test sample where the luminaire body has higher copper content than used by F-L Lighting, and lower quality standard of primer and topcoat. The corrosion under the topcoat is clearly visible by the bobbles around the scratch. Gradually, the paint will drop off.
Standard C4 quality by F-L Lighting. There are traces of the corrosion by a few single spots, after the 10 years mark of usage with a “scratch damage” from day 1. This represents a superior surface quality which would make the luminaire surface last for at least 25 years under normal road conditions.
Standard C5 quality by F-L Lighting. There are absolutely no traces of the corrosion after the 10 years mark of usage – even with a “scratch damage” inflicted on day 1 of the test. This represents an excellent and outstanding surface quality especially for rough costal applications, with heavy winds and high salt content.
Salt Spray Chamber Test
Besides the Volvo test, the luminaires undergo a severe harshness test with a salt spray chamber test. The test duration is 1,440 hours. After the exposure period, the test luminaires are removed from the chamber, cleaned, and visually inspected for signs of corrosion. The luminaires are verified for blistering, rusting, cracking and flaking.
Raw Anodized
C4 and C5 corrosion standards only apply to painted surfaces.
Anodizing is an electrolytic process that gives aluminum poles a protective oxide coating that creates a durable, corrosion-resistant surface. The Raw Anodized surfaces have no paint layer and may therefore not be classified in the same way. The anodization is a controlled accelerated oxidation of the raw aluminum luminaire body.
A NYX 330 luminaire head after completion of the Volvo test – comparable to the 10 years endurance test under road conditions. There is no blistering or flaking of the surface. The scratch turns slightly light grey, but the quality of the material remains completely intact.
A NYX 330 luminaire head after completion of the Volvo test – comparable to the 10 years endurance test under road conditions. There is no blistering or flaking of the surface. The scratch turns slightly light grey, but the quality of the material remains completely intact.
