Metal Halide Lamps

You are trying to install electrical equipment close to, or possibly within, a potentially explosive atmosphere.

In many parts of the world it is covered by standards.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_Equipment_in_Hazardous_Areas

If you are talking about a common gas station, for automobiles, every gas station in the USA is using 325, 360, or 400 watt metal halide surface mount HID light fixtures.

If you are talking about a distillery plant, then I'm sure they must be explosion proof fixtures.

Donald

I shouldn't be giving free advice. Grumble.

Heat is not a problem. In general:

1. Fittings are outside the hazardous zone.

2. UV emission can be a problem as it degrades hoses & labels etc. Fittings should have UV filters (glass).

3. Glare is an issue as forecourts are near roads (surprise!)

4. Lux level is important as people need to see displays and put nozzles in safely.

5. Colour rendering is vital (ever put petrol in a diesel car?). Also CCTV needs to be able to identify car colours correctly.

6. Energy efficiency is vital - running costs are high. Consider dimmable fluorescent instead of metal halide, costs permitting. Dimmable metal halide also available but problematic.

7. Ongoing maintenance is a major cost. Fluorescent can help in this regard as several lamps are in each fitting; if one blows you don't necessarily have to replace it immediately.

Unfortunately competition results in companies over-illuminating their forecourts.

Have a look at http://www.motortradelighting.co.uk/applications.htm