Explosion Proof Zone

[bobhudon]

I have a customer that has designated a 5' radius explosion proof zone around their filling equipment. The customer has not been able to explain how this zone was determined. My questions are as follows.

1.) Who is legally responsible for setting this zone, the customer or the company designing the electrical control system?

2.) I know it depends on the products being filled but exactly how is the explosion proof zone set?

 

[rbalex]

Re: Explosion Proof Zone

Except for certain specific applications listed in Articles 510 to 517 the NEC does not give direct guidance for deterimining Electrical Area Classifications. Section 500.5(B) FPNs contain references to external standards that help deterimine classifications in various applications. NFPA 497 & 499 and API RP500 & 505 are the most general.

The owner of a facility is always responsible for the safety of their property and thus the correct identification of electrical area classification. If the classification is per Art 505, "Zones" it must be determined by a qualified professional engineer.

[ July 28, 2004, 10:48 AM: Message edited by: rbalex ]

 

[bobhudon]

Re: Explosion Proof Zone

Thanks for the reply rbalex!