500.4(a)?

[factoryrat]

500.4 General.
(A)Documentation. All areas designated as hazardous (classified) locations shall be properly documented. This documentation shall be available to those authorized to design, install, inspect, maintain, or operate electrical equipment at the location.

I have learned (from this forum) the documentation is required. And I know it has been talked about before but I still have questions.

What kind of documentation are we talking about? Is it a simple plot plan? Is it some, long winded, written legal document? Does someone have to sign their name to it? Should it or does it have to be posted near the area so electricians and maintenance people can view it when they need information about the area?

 

[rbalex]

Neither the NEC nor NFPA 497 specifies what documentation is required, but the NEC does specify that whatever documentation is created must “…be available to those authorized to design, install, inspect, maintain, or operate electrical equipment at the location.” This does not require the documentation to be on-site – but it is a good idea.

API RP500, Appendix E does establish a form and content for the documentation:

…as a minimum, for all areas that are classified: (1) the Class, (2) the Division, and (3) the gas or gas group(s). It may also be desirable also to include the maximum permissible operating temperature or temperature range for electrical equipment in the area.

The customary means of documenting this information is with an area classification drawing, a plan view drawing of the location depicting: a) the major process or other equipment and components that may be the release source of flammable gases or vapors, or flammable liquids to the atmosphere; b) the boundaries of the various area classifications; and c) other information (i.e., information on ventilation) necessary to properly classify a location. Elevations or sections are desirable where different classifications apply at different elevations.

Edit Add: Some AHJ's may specifiy more information and/or specifiy where the documentation is held and/or professional sealing requirements.

 

[831]

Neither the NEC nor NFPA 497 specifies what documentation is required, but the NEC does specify that whatever documentation is created must ??be available to those authorized to design, install, inspect, maintain, or operate electrical equipment at the location.? This does not require the documentation to be on-site ? but it is a good idea.

API RP500, Appendix E does establish a form and content for the documentation:



Edit Add: Some AHJ's may specifiy more information and/or specifiy where the documentation is held and/or professional sealing requirements.

Let's suppose for a moment we lived in a perfect world...

Who would be the person to create the documentation noted above? The statement ??be available to those authorized to design, install, inspect, maintain, or operate electrical equipment at the location.? certainly implies that it isn't the designer or installer's job. Who's is it???

 

[rbalex]

Let's suppose for a moment we lived in a perfect world...

Who would be the person to create the documentation noted above? The statement ??be available to those authorized to design, install, inspect, maintain, or operate electrical equipment at the location.? certainly implies that it isn't the designer or installer's job. Who's is it???

Legally, the owner/operator of the facility is always responsible for providing the documentation. They may hire someone to do it for them, but they are responsible to make sure it's done.

If the owner/operator is not the same entity, the OWNER is still responsible to make sure it is done.