Are lampholders for portable lighting in Class III locations allowed to be switched?

In a Class III hazardous location, which pertains to areas where flammable fibers or flyings are present, the use of lampholders for portable lighting must adhere to stringent safety regulations to minimize fire and explosion risks. In these environments, lampholders are typically required to be unswitched to ensure that the lighting fixtures do not unintentionally switch on or off, which could lead to the ignition of combustible materials present in the area.

This regulation is in place because switching devices can create sparks or arcs when toggled, introducing an ignition source that may be hazardous in a Class III environment. Therefore, the requirement for lampholders to be unswitched serves as a critical safety measure to avoid any potential ignition sources in areas where flammable materials are present.