Flammable Storage & Fuel Dispenser

[tomstollmeyer]

I have an installation, at a fire station, where a building, classified as "flammable storage", is located within 20' of an above ground fuel dispensing tank & unit.

As per the drawings a weather proof light switch is shown to be mounted at +48" outside of the entrance door to the flammable storage. (within 20' of the fuel dispenser). Additionally the routing of the conduit for the light switch is shown surface mounted on the inside of this building, using eys seal offs and Class1, Division 2 rated fittings and conduit.

Additionally, there is also a light pole with a 24" above ground concrete pole base, also located within the 20' perimeter of the fuel dispenser.

Question 1: Does the light switch mounted on the flammable storage building installed at +48" need to be Class 1, Division 1? Or is the weather proof switch allowed?

Question 2: Does the conduit routed inside the building for the light switch need to be Class 1, Division 2? Would this also apply to the light fixture installed on the ceiling (approx 8').

Question 3: The light pole has a splice located in the light pole which is about 36" above finish grade. Is this allowed?

I have written several RFI's, to the state, regarding all of the above. Only to get a response to install as per drawings. I have reviewed Art 500 and I am unable to come up with definative answers. I have always been under the assumption that nothing is allowed within the 20' perimeter of fuel dispensing, unless it complies with Class 1, Division 1 standards.

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

Tom
If you take a look at Table 514.3(B)(1), go down to the second level down, Dispensing Device
Then see Outdoor - it states it is Class 1, Group D Division 2

Also
Go to
Figure 514.3

You will see that there is also a height at certain locationsthat helps you to discern what classification is necessary.

 

[tomstollmeyer]

Pierre,
Thanks for the quick response. So based on Table 514.3(B)(1) the weather proof switch is allowed as long as it is above 18". This would also pertain to the light pole.
As for the inside of the flammable storage based on 514.3(A) the inside of the flammable storage will be used only for storage, not handling of flammable items. Based on this the inside does not need to be classified. Is this the correct interpretation?
Tom

 

[hardworkingstiff]

I'd install it per the drawings.

 

[rbalex]

Depending on the amount, manner of storage and delivery, ?handled? or not, you may also need to include Article 515 in your review. It probably won?t affect you but you should check anyway. Toward the end of Table 515.3 there is a separate line item for inside storage of Class I liquids.

I generally say Articles 511-516 are adequate for determining electrical area classification within their scope because they extract the relevant criteria from other NFPA documents. This is one of the few exceptions, because all relevant material from NFPA 30, like size of containers, total stored volumes, etc., isn?t included in Article 515. Within context, container isn?t even defined.

In addition, one subtle remnant from past Code cycles is still in Art 515.7: the reference to wiring ­above Class I locations still refers to Art 511.7.