Hazardous Area

Classification
NFPA 497
API 500 & 505
 WHAT IS A HAZARDOUS OR CLASSIFIED
LOCATION?

Hazardous Area
Classification It is a locations where the possibility of fire or explosion
might occur due to the presence of an explosive
atmosphere.
 WHAT IS AREA CLASSIFICATION?
It is a method of analyzing and classifying the hazardous
environment to allow the proper selection of the proper
electrical apparatus to be installed.
Hazardous Area
Classification WHY IS IT NEEDED?
To allow for the proper selection of electrical equipment
thus ensuring that they dont become a source of
ignition.
 BASIC PRINCIPLES OF EXPLOSION
PROTECTION

Hazardous Area
Classification
 Procedure for classifying locations

Hazardous Area 1. Determining the need for classification

Classification 2. Gathering Information
3. Selecting the appropriate classification diagram
4. Determining the extent of the classified location.
 CLASSIFYING THE HAZARDOUS LOCATION

The decision to classify an area as hazardous is based on

the possibility that an ignitable mixture may occur.
Hazardous Area Having decided that an area should be classified, the
Classification next step is to determine which classification
methodology should be utilized:

Class, Division.

Class, Zone.
 HAZARDS CLASS

Class I locations are those in which flammable vapors

Hazardous Area and gases may be present.
Classification
Class II locations are those in which combustible dust
may be found.
 Class I

In a Class I hazardous (classified) location, the

combustible material present is a flammable gas or
vapor.
Classification of
Hazards
Class I is further subdivided into either:
Division 1 or Division 2;
Zone 0, Zone 1, or Zone 2
 Class I, Division 1

Is a location where flammable gases and vapors :

1. Exist under normal operating conditions

Classification of 2. May exist frequently because of repair or maintenance
Hazards operations
3. Might be released due to a breakdown or faulty operation
of equipment or processes might and might also cause
simultaneous failure of electrical equipment in such a way
as to directly cause the electrical equipment to become a
source of ignition.
 Class I, Division 2

Is a location where flammable gases and vapors :

Classification of
Hazards 1. Exist in case of abnormal operation
2. Are normally prevented from forming ignitable mixtures
by positive mechanical ventilation and which might
become hazardous through failure or abnormal operation
of the ventilating equipment
3. Is adjacent to a Class I, Division 1 location
 Class I, Zone 0

Classification of Is a location where flammable gases and vapors :

Hazards
1. Are present continuously
2. Are present for long periods of time
 Class I, Zone 1

Is a location where flammable gases and vapors :

1. Are likely to exist under normal operating conditions;

Classification of 2. May exist frequently because of repair or maintenance
operations
Hazards 3. Might be released due to a breakdown or faulty operation
of equipment or processes might and might also cause
simultaneous failure of electrical equipment directly
causing it to become a source of ignition.
4. Is adjacent to a Class I, Zone 0 location
 Class I, Zone 2

Is a location where flammable gases and vapors :

1. Where ignitable concentrations of flammable gases or

vapors are not likely to occur in normal operation and, if
Classification of they do occur, will exist only for a short period
Hazards 2. Are confined within closed containers of closed systems
from which they can escape only as a result of accidental
rupture or breakdown
3. Are normally prevented from forming ignitable mixtures
by positive mechanical ventilation and which might
become hazardous through failure or abnormal operation
of the ventilating equipment
4. Is adjacent to a Class I, Zone 1 location