Installing Batteries in a C1D1 area

[Solarcraft_I&E]

Hello,

I have a customer in the oil and gas industry who wants to install 24VDC battery backup in a C1D1 location. Normally we would locate the batteries and associated charging equipment outside of the hazardous area, but in this situation it would be cost prohibitive to do so. The nearest non-hazardous area we could use is over 800 ft. away and owned by a different company. The NEC is unclear about locating batteries in C1D1 areas. I would be using a SLA or Gel maintenance free battery in a vented enclosure, all charging equipment and over-current protection would be inside a C1D1 explosion proof enclosure with the proper seals and fittings between the powered equipment and the enclosures. Any thoughts you have would be appreciated.

:?

-Eric

 

[rbalex]

It's basically a no-no. The general statement is in Section 500.8(B)(1). You won't find any inexpensive solution.

You can however install the system in a purged/pressurized enclosure per NFPA 496. Be sure it is a "Type X" system.

It's interesting to note that the least stringent Article (Class III - Art 503) is the only Article that addresses the situation directly and it's still pretty harsh. See Section 503.160.

 

[AKElectrician]

It's basically a no-no. The general statement is in Section 500.8(B)(1). You won't find any inexpensive solution.

You can however install the system in a purged/pressurized enclosure per NFPA 496. Be sure it is a "Type X" system.

It's interesting to note that the least stringent Article (Class III - Art 503) is the only Article that addresses the situation directly and it's still pretty harsh. See Section 503.160.

X2- Id ask to build a room and pressurize it.

 

[Barbqranch]

how about the roof?