Installation of Electrical Devices in Hazardous Areas

LIMITATIONS ON INSTALLATION OF ELECTRICAL DEVICES IN HAZARDOUS AREAS 

In Division 1 areas, transformers must be installed in approved vaults if they contain a flammable liquid. If they do not contain a flammable liquid, they must either be installed in vaults or be approved explosion-proof. In Division 2 areas, standard transformers are acceptable, but 

In Division 1 areas, meters, instruments, relays, and similar equipment containing high-temperature or arcing devices must be installed in approved explosion-proof or purged enclosures. Unless such devices are specifically labeled as suitable for Class I, Division 1 areas, it is best to assume they are not suitable. 

Arcing contacts in Division 2 areas must be installed in explosion-proof enclosures, be immersed in oil, be hermetically sealed, or be non-incendive. High-temperature devices must be installed in explosion-proof enclosures. Fuses must be enclosed in explosion-proof enclosures unless the fuses are preceded by an explosion-proof, hermetically sealed, or oil-immersed switch and the fuses are used for overcurrent protection of instrument circuits not subject to overloading in normal use. 

In Division 1 areas, motors and generators must be either explosion-proof or approv ed for the classification by meeting specific requirements for a special ventilation system, inert gas-filled construction, or a special submerged unit. Although explosion-proof motors are expensive, they normally are available. Explosion-proof generators normally are not available. 

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