Hazardous Locations Classifications Descriptions

The essence of Hazardous area classifications is to protect installations from a potential explosion. It helps to ensure the correct selection and installation of equipment to prevent an explosion and to ensure safety of life in a potentially hazardous environment. The methods used to classify an installation are generally are two main types of classification namely: - The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) philosophy referred to as Zoning - The North American installations classified by Classes, Divisions and Groups A summary of these classifications is provided in table 1 below

Another form of classification is the Auto-Ignition Rating summarized below in Table 2 below Auto Ignition Temperature (T) Rating European/IEC North Maximum Classification American Surface Classification Temperature T1 T1 450 T2 T2 300 T2A 280 T2B 260 T2C 230 T2D 215 T3 T3 200 T3A 180 T3B 165 T3C 160 T4 T4 135 T4A 120 T5 T5 100 T6 T6 85

Temperature

Table 2: Hazardous area classification based on Auto-ignition or T rating

CLASSIFICATION BY TYPE OF HAZARD Flammable material Gases, vapors, or liquids Benzene Butane Propane Combustible dusts Flour Starch Wood Plastic Fibers/materials producing combustible flyings Cotton Saw dust

Example(s) North American ANSI/NFPA/NEC Classification

Methane

Acetylene

Hydrogen

Ethylene

Metal -Dust

Carbon Charcoal

CLASS GROUP Divisions Div. 1

CLASS I

CLASS II

CLASS III

Div. 2 Group I Mining Zone 0-gases Zone 20-Dusts Zone 1-Gases Zone 21-Dusts Zone 2-Gases Zone 22- Dusts

GROUP European/IEC Grouping Zones

A B C D E F G Where ignitable concentration of gas, vapors or Where ignitable amount of dusts or flyings is present liquids is present within the atmosphere under within the atmosphere under normal conditions. normal conditions. Where ignitable amount of flammable material Where ignitable amount of dusts or flyings is present is present within the atmosphere under within the atmosphere under abnormal conditions. abnormal conditions. Group II Surface Industry C B A A hazardous atmosphere is highly likely to be present and may be present for long periods of time (>1000hrs/year) or even continuously A hazardous atmosphere is possible to be but unlikely to be present for long periods of time (>10<1000hrs/year). A hazardous atmosphere is not likely to be present in normal operation or infrequently and for short periods of time (<10 hrs/year)

Table 1: Summary of Hazardous area classification method