A major safety concern in all workplaces is the occurrence of fires and explosions. No other aspect of safety receives more attention in the form of codes and standards. Electrical equipment can and does cause fires and/or explosions in certain atmospheres. To minimize the risk of these fires or explosions, electrical/electronic equipment must be designed, tested and labeled as being acceptable for use in the areas in which it is installed.

Hazardous classified locations are areas where the possibility of fire or explosion hazards may exist under normal or abnormal conditions because of the presence of flammable, combustible or ignitable gases, vapors, liquids, dust, or fibers/flyings. These areas are classified solely for the purpose of ensuring the safe and proper specification and installation of electrical/electronic equipment.

Standards for electrical installations have been established and are governed by a variety of organizations throughout the world to ensure safe electrical systems in hazardous locations.

In the United States, the hazardous location classification system is defined by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70®, National Electric Code® (NEC). NFPA 70 NEC uses the familiar Class/Division system and has added an Americanized version of the International Electrochemical Commission’s (IEC) IEC Zone system which maintains the NEC wiring methods and protection techniques.

NFPA 70 NEC Articles 500 through 503 cover the requirements for electrical/electronic equipment and wiring for all voltages in Class I, Divisions 1 and 2; Class II, Divisions 1 and 2; and Class III, Divisions 1 and 2 locations.

NFPA 70 NEC Articles 505 and 506 cover the requirements for the Americanized Zone classification system as an alternative to the Class and Division classification system.

NFPA 70 NEC Classes, Divisions and Groups

NFPA 70 NEC establishes area classifications based on Classes, Divisions and Groups that when combined delineate the hazardous conditions of a specific area. This classification method provides a description of the hazardous material that may be present, and the probability that it is present, so that the appropriate equipment may be selected, and safe installation practices followed.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has adopted these hazardous classifications and all except “Groups” are defined in 29 Code of Federal Register (CFR) 1910.399. In 29 CFR 1910.307(c)(2)(ii), OSHA requires all equipment used in a hazardous location to be marked with the class, group and operating temperature or temperature range for which it is approved. Although OSHA does not provide a definition of group classifications in 29 CFR 1910.307 or 399 they do provide a note under 29 CFR 1910.307(c)(1) that states: “NFPA 70, the National Electrical Code, lists or defines hazardous gases, vapors, and dusts by “Groups” characterized by their ignitable or combustible properties.” To meet OSHA’s marking requirement, the marking must include the hazardous group the equipment is approved to operate in.

Class defines the type of explosive or ignitable substances which are present in the atmosphere. Division defines the likelihood of the hazardous material being present in an explosive or ignitable concentration. Class I flammable gases and vapors are grouped into one of four groups (Groups A, B, C or D) based on their physical properties and the ease in which they can be ignited. Class II combustible dusts are grouped into one of three (3) groups: E combustible metal dusts, F combustible carbonaceous dusts or G other combustible dusts.

NFPA 70 NEC Zone Classification System

The Zone Classification System is offered as an alternative to the Class and Division system. It is an Americanized version of the International Electrochemical Commission’s (IEC) Zone system which maintains the NEC wiring methods and protection techniques. Zone defines the general nature – if it is a gas or dust – and the probability of hazardous material being present in an ignitable concentration in the surrounding atmosphere. The Zones are based on how often the hazard is present rather than upon normal versus abnormal conditions.

Group defines the type of hazardous material and partly the location of the surrounding atmosphere .

Conclusion

Determining the Class, Division and Group or Zone and Group is critical to correctly applying the requirements for a given hazardous location. Comparisons between the two systems are not easily accomplished. Which system is preferred depends on the user’s preference, how the areas are classified, and the wiring system used. The Zone system has wider use in the chemical and petrochemical industries. Shown below is a summary of the applicable NEC Articles to reference to ensure the proper requirements are applied.

Commonly Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a piece of equipment approved for use in a Division 1 hazardous location in a Division 2 hazardous location?

A: Yes. If equipment has been approved for use in a Division 1 hazardous location, it can be used in a Division 2 hazardous location, providing it is in the same class and group.

Q: Can equipment approved for a Class I hazardous location be used in a Class II hazardous location?

A: No. Equipment approved for use in Class I hazardous locations cannot be used in Class II hazardous locations.

Q: Are Divisions and Zones equivalent to one another?

A: When comparing Divisions and Zones, Division 2 is equivalent to Zone 2, but Division 1 is equivalent to either Zone 0 or 1.

Sources
29 CFR 1910.307 – Hazardous (classified) Locations
29 CFR 1910.399 – Definitions Applicable to Subpart S
National Electric Code 2020 edition – National Fire Protection Association

 

The information contained in this article is intended for general information purposes only and is based on information available as of the initial date of publication. No representation is made that the information or references are complete or remain current. This article is not a substitute for review of current applicable government regulations, industry standards, or other standards specific to your business and/or activities and should not be construed as legal advice or opinion. Readers with specific questions should refer to the applicable standards or consult with an attorney.

Source: Grainger Know How – https://www.grainger.com/know-how