Heater in Diesel Fuel storage area

[pnunley]

It is my understanding that Diesel fuel storage area falls under Class 1 Division 2. I have to purchase and install unit heaters in the ceiling. I am looking at 501.135(B)(1). If I use item 1 then I can use a 5KW unit heater which has a maximum temperature of 163 degrees Celsius through a high limit. According to what I read Diesel has an autoignition temperature of 256 degrees Celsius x 80% = 205 deg. C.

Since the heater max temp is less than 80% of the autoignition temp then I can use a regular unit heater and not a Class 1 Div 1 heater. Correct?

Note: I am replacing two existing and adding two so I wanted to make sure the original installation was correct as well.

Thank you

 

[ron]

I don't consider diesel to be hazardous.

 

[petersonra]

I don't consider diesel to be hazardous.

I don't think there are any codes that would require such a location to be classified at all, given the information presented in the OP.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

I agree, in general diesel does not require the area to be classified.

 

[gadfly56]

Diesel has a fairly low vapor pressure and is rather difficult to ignite. Take a small pan of diesel sometime and amuse yourself dropping lit matches into it. Even with an inch or two of free board to confine the fumes, you're not likely to have any success.