What Does
Lower Explosive Limit Mean?
The lower explosive limit (LEL) is the lowest concentration of gas, fumes, or vapors required to produce fire in the presence of an ignition source like flame or heat. In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides guideline limits for the presence of explosive and flammable liquids in the air as well as the for the safe storage of these materials to prevent fire and explosion.
The lower explosive limit is also known as the lower flammable limit (LFL).
Safeopedia Explains Lower Explosive Limit
When the vapors of a flammable or combustible liquid are mixed with air in the right proportion, it can lead to explosion or combustion if heat or some form of ignition are applied. Generally, there is a minimum concentration of gas below which a flammable or combustible gas will not ignite and an upper concentration above which the air will be "too rich" to ignite. These boundary lines are known as the upper and lower explosive limits.