comment on article

[hardworkingstiff]

This article: http://www.ehow.com/list_7699748_electrical-area-classifications-diesel-fuel.html


is quoted and used in an argument to require sealoffs and explosion proof wiring in a submerged pump sump (instead of PVC and flex). The submerged pump feeds a day tank for a generator. No gasoline or any other classified liquid is in the area.

I've always been under the impression this installation was not classified, but the article says:

The NEC divides flammable materials into three types, or classes. Class I includes the presence of flammable gases or vapors, which covers diesel fuel. When diesel fuel vapor is in the air, the potential exists for ignition from any electrical source

Has the code left me behind? Is this now (sump) a classified area?

 

[cadpoint]

Did you read the authors bio? First he?s an Economist, from NC State no less (Go Pack), he didn?t even list any NFPA publication but talked all about NFPA Codes.

The closest listed article that was listed was from a manufacturer that builds gas and air monitoring equipment. This only presented a very broad aspect or even just what reflects an over-view to what your trying to under stand.

Point is that as a Economist they are for-hire, is it a case where they have some vested interest in presenting an opinion for the one paying the bill?

Yes I did go over to NFPA and read some stuff, your question of your install didn?t just jump out, I think you can search back in this forum for your answer.

Since you deal with Docks and Tanks a lot, I can?t believe you don?t have a copy of NFPA 30.

Over all I find the article no better than a average wikipedia article.

 

[rbalex]

There are several mistakes and just plain erroneous statements if this article is to be considered even marginally authoritative. The following are a few examples:

? ?Diesel fuel represents one flammable gas in the classification system.?
[Diesel is a ?Class II combustible liquid? not a ?flammable gas.? See NFPA 497 for definitions]

? ?Division I is considered normal use and Division II abnormal use?
[Using Roman (?I? and ?II?) rather than Arabic numerals(?1? and ?2?) for Divisions.]

? Diesel fuel falls into Division I, where flammable gas or vapors are likely to occur under normal operating circumstances,?
[By saying diesel is automatically Division 1 he is essentially saying there is no basis for Division 2 in any circumstance]

? ?Class I types are further broken down to four codes; A, B, C and D.?
[Using the term code for Group]
​

Basically, the article is wrong unless diesel is being used or handled at or above its flashpoint; and, in absense of some other flammable material, it would not generally be used as the basis for area classification.

 

[hardworkingstiff]

Did you read the authors bio? First he?s an Economist, from NC State no less (Go Pack), he didn?t even list any NFPA publication but talked all about NFPA Codes.

The closest listed article that was listed was from a manufacturer that builds gas and air monitoring equipment. This only presented a very broad aspect or even just what reflects an over-view to what your trying to under stand.

Point is that as a Economist they are for-hire, is it a case where they have some vested interest in presenting an opinion for the one paying the bill?

You nailed it. A friend in Raleigh is involved in a dispute in VA. He called me about it and sent me an email that had this stuff in it. I just wanted to know how others would react.

Yes I did go over to NFPA and read some stuff, your question of your install didn?t just jump out, I think you can search back in this forum for your answer.

You mean about that type of install being a "hack" job? I didn't do this one, lol.

Since you deal with Docks and Tanks a lot, I can?t believe you don?t have a copy of NFPA 30.

I do, but I'm not sure what you are suggesting.

Over all I find the article no better than a average wikipedia article.

I think there is a push to look at diesel a little harder. I'm not sure why, and I don't think there are code references to turn a diesel area into a classified area if you don't have high ambient temperatures. I just was wondering if I'm too old school and have missed a change. I have never had an AHJ enforce a diesel area (not being influenced by a gasoline area) as a Class I area.

 

[dbuckley]

ehow.com is a "content farm".

Don't believe a thing you read on it.

Read about Content farms on wikipedia, see some comment on their continuing viability, given that they are an unintended consequence of the way google works, and read whats its like to be a content farm writer.