Appleton Rigmaster | The Hazardous Area LED Linear Light Fitting

Published 14 Jun 2019

Appleton Rigmaster The Hazardous Area LED Linear Light Fitting

- - Uploaded by Chris Dodds – Thorne & Derrick Sales / Marketing Manager

Appleton Rigmaster Hazardous Area LED Linear Light Fitting

Appleton ATX hazardous area lighting offers solutions for oil and gas facilities, land-based drilling rigs and other demanding industrial environments.

The Appleton Rigmaster LED linear light fitting combines a lightweight design with energy-efficient illumination. It helps simplify installation and maintenance in hazardous areas, particularly on drilling rigs where workers may need to carry equipment to elevated locations.

As part of the explosion-proof lighting range, the Rigmaster addresses common installation challenges. Its compact profile, durable construction and vibration-resistant design help support reliable lighting in demanding conditions.

Lightweight Design for Easier Installation

Drilling rig maintenance teams often need to carry lighting equipment up derricks and other elevated structures. The Appleton Rigmaster weighs approximately 10 lb, compared with similar fixtures that can weigh up to 30 lb.

Despite its lightweight construction, the fitting delivers 8,000 lumens of uniform illumination. An optional diffused lens also helps provide comfortable, low-glare lighting beneath canopies and inside analyser houses.

Reduce Energy Use with LED Lighting

The Rigmaster’s broad light distribution can reduce the number of fittings required in areas such as mud pits, shakers, cellars and derricks.

Its high-efficiency LED drivers consume less than half the energy of standard T8 fluorescent light fittings, according to the original product information. This can help reduce operating costs and ease the load on diesel generators commonly used to power drilling rigs.

Did You Know? Free Hazardous Area Lighting Design

Thorne & Derrick uses specialist software to provide a free hazardous area lighting design service.

Our team can help specify and supply suitable ATEX lighting and IECEx-certified lighting products for explosive atmospheres and hazardous area locations.

Appleton Rigmaster Features and Benefits

The Rigmaster combines practical installation features with a durable design for demanding drilling rig environments.

- - Lightweight, low-profile construction: Makes handling and installation easier, including in confined spaces.
  - Accessible wiring compartment: A hinged wire box cover with captive screws simplifies installation and maintenance.
  - Secondary retention points: Five safety cable retention points help secure the fitting to its mounting structure.
  - Flexible mounting: Mounting brackets accommodate multiple bolt patterns for retrofit projects.
  - Wiring options: Wirenuts and screw-type terminal blocks provide installation flexibility.
  - Consistent aiming: A notched position-locking mechanism helps maintain the selected light direction.
  - Thermal management: Supports reliable operation across the specified operating temperature range.
  - Through-wiring: Two 3/4-inch NPT hubs on each side support through-wiring. The original product information specifies one 3/4-inch NPT close-up plug.
  - Replaceable components: The LED driver and lens can be replaced in the field.
  - Long LED service life: A stated LED life of more than 60,000 hours can help reduce maintenance requirements.

Appleton Rigmaster LED linear light fitting

Installation Flexibility and Long-Term Performance

The Appleton Rigmaster supports both new drilling rig installations and retrofit projects. Its mounting options and accessible wiring compartment help installers work efficiently, while captive hardware helps prevent loose screws from falling during maintenance.

The fitting operates across a stated temperature range of -40°C to +65°C. NPT hubs at each end support through-wiring, helping installers plan suitable electrical connections for the application.

Safety Retention for High-Vibration Environments

Drilling rigs experience continuous vibration, so installers must secure lighting fittings to reduce the risk of a fixture falling from an elevated structure.

The Rigmaster incorporates a safety cable arrangement that loops through the fitting and around the mounting structure. Five cast-in safety cable retention points provide additional options for securing the light.

The yoke bracket helps maintain its position under vibration, while captive hardware reduces the risk of screws working loose and falling out.

Corrosion Resistance and Environmental Protection

The Rigmaster uses a gasketed, copper-free aluminium housing and a polycarbonate lens designed to resist thermal shock and impact. These features support use in demanding industrial environments.

The original product information lists the following environmental ratings:

- - NEMA Type 3R, Type 4 and Type 4X
  - IP66 protection against dust ingress and powerful water jets
  - Class I, Division 2 hazardous location certification

Always confirm the applicable certification, temperature range and protection ratings against the manufacturer’s current datasheet before specifying the fitting for a project.