Class 1 div2 location

[dwsmith]

Our wire and cable plant used in line printers where ink and acetone are used and are transferred between containers, usually 1 gallon and smaller. It's my understanding that this would be a class 1 div 2 location. Fumes do not normally exist except during liquid transfer, the liquid transfer happens several times per shift. My question is what are physical boundary's or where can I find the documentation. The footprint of the machine is about 2 feet by 3 feet by 3 feet in height.

Thank you in advance

Don

 

[rbalex]

Our wire and cable plant used in line printers where ink and acetone are used and are transferred between containers, usually 1 gallon and smaller. It's my understanding that this would be a class 1 div 2 location. Fumes do not normally exist except during liquid transfer, the liquid transfer happens several times per shift. My question is what are physical boundary's or where can I find the documentation. The footprint of the machine is about 2 feet by 3 feet by 3 feet in height.

Thank you in advance

Don

You should review your understanding against Sections 500.5(B)(1)(1) and (2). If flammable consentrations occur normally under any conditions or frequently under maintenance operations, it is a Division 1 location.

That said, available quantities do play a part in the analysis.

Article 516 and NFPA 34 offers some guidance. While both were originally for painting/coating operations, they have also been recognized as appropriate for printing applications.

While I personally would want to review the entire process to give a final evaluation, l would expect a 3' Division 1 radius from the fill points and an additional Division 2 radius 2' beyond that. The Division 2 envelope would also extend to grade. This is only a best guess; there could be Division 1/2 around the print heads as well. This assumes the location is well ventilated.