EE Rated Fork Truck in Division 1 Area with Gas Detection System (Inadequate Ventilation)

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scrub12

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Location
Cleveland, OH
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Electrical Engineer
Is an EE-rated fork truck suitable for a Class I, Division 2 area permitted to be used in a Division 1 area that has a gas detection system? The gas detection system would meet the requirements in article 500.7(K)(2). The division 1 area that the fork truck is used in is classified as division 1 due to inadequate ventilation. As far as I can tell, this is allowed per NEC.

However, NFPA 505 doesn't have an exception. Does this mean it overrides NEC?

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scrub12 said:
Is an EE-rated fork truck suitable for a Class I, Division 2 area permitted to be used in a Division 1 area that has a gas detection system? The gas detection system would meet the requirements in article 500.7(K)(2). The division 1 area that the fork truck is used in is classified as division 1 due to inadequate ventilation. As far as I can tell, this is allowed per NEC.

However, NFPA 505 doesn't have an exception. Does this mean it overrides NEC?

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Not exactly.

I must admit I have a somewhat hostile view toward flammable gas detection systems as a protection technique. I prefer passive protection techniques.

A careful reading of Section 500.7(K)(2) would indicate that gas detection only permits a Division 2 installation but doesn't actulally change the locations true classification; i.e., it is still a Division 1 location. NOTE: Other members of CMP 14 disagree with me.

That said, in my opinion, Section 500.7(K)(2) doesn't adequately address the response necessary if gas 40% LEL is detected in an inadequately ventilated location.
 
I don't see that NEC applies to the fork truck at all, though I still understand the concerns and the fact there is potential hazards still being introduced by something electrical in nature.
 
See Sections 500.1, 501.1, and 501.135.

Unlike the bulk of the NEC, Hazardous Location rules apply to portable and self-contained equipment as well as fixed installations. This brings NFPA 505, Section 4.3 into play.
 
rbalex said:
See Sections 500.1, 501.1, and 501.135.

Unlike the bulk of the NEC, Hazardous Location rules apply to portable and self-contained equipment as well as fixed installations. This brings NFPA 505, Section 4.3 into play.
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I'm not seeing anything that would override 90.2, which basically tells us in a more indirect way that NEC wouldn't cover the fork truck. Fork truck charging equipment likely yes, at least the branch circuit supplying it would be covered. True there are still things that need to be addressed but I don't see NEC as being a source for any AHJ to require anything directly related to the fork truck other than charging equipment.

Some other NFPA publication about has to cover this, even though much of the content may be similar to NEC 500 articles regarding electrical components of this equipment.
 
ALL - THANK YOU FOR THE INPUT!

In NFPA 505 there is an informative section, see excerpt below. I guess my argument is that having the gas detection system would be a special condition permitted per NEC, as referenced in my initial post. I think I am going to try and get technical clarification from NFPA as well as approval from local AHJ.

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kwired said:
I'm not seeing anything that would override 90.2, which basically tells us in a more indirect way that NEC wouldn't cover the fork truck. Fork truck charging equipment likely yes, at least the branch circuit supplying it would be covered. True there are still things that need to be addressed but I don't see NEC as being a source for any AHJ to require anything directly related to the fork truck other than charging equipment.

Some other NFPA publication about has to cover this, even though much of the content may be similar to NEC 500 articles regarding electrical components of this equipment.
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90.3 Code Arrangement:

This Code is divided into the introduction and nine chapters, as shown in Figure 90.3. Chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4 apply generally. Chapters 5, 6, and 7 apply to special occupancies, special equipment, or other special conditions and may supplement or modify the requirements in Chapters 1 through 7.
 
scrub12 said:
ALL - THANK YOU FOR THE INPUT!

In NFPA 505 there is an informative section, see excerpt below. I guess my argument is that having the gas detection system would be a special condition permitted per NEC, as referenced in my initial post. I think I am going to try and get technical clarification from NFPA as well as approval from local AHJ.

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You can certainly try. You will find it to be extremely difficult.
 
rbalex said:
90.3 Code Arrangement:

This Code is divided into the introduction and nine chapters, as shown in Figure 90.3. Chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4 apply generally. Chapters 5, 6, and 7 apply to special occupancies, special equipment, or other special conditions and may supplement or modify the requirements in Chapters 1 through 7.
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90.3 is not in chapter 1 through 7
 
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