Lubrication pit

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hmspe

hmspe

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Location
Temple, TX
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PE
I just had a question come up on a job relative to the classification of a lubrication pit. The applicable NEC is 2002. The issue is, what is dispensing? Table 514.3(B)(1) says a lubrication pit without dispensing is unclassified if specific ventilation conditions are met. This is a typical quick-lube facility. In this case the plans reviewer stated essentially that they will have grease and oil dispensing equipment in the pit (no equipment is shown on the plans), so this would not be a "without dispensing" pit. He quoted the definition of dispensing from the Fire Code since the NEC doesn't define the term (or we both overlooked the definition). I've designed several lube shops in the past in other jurisdictions and the reviewers for the other projects had no problem with the pits being unclassified if the ventilation met the Table 514.3(B)(1) requirements.

I'd welcome any comments or clarifications on lube pits. I have no objection to a Class I Div. 2 classification since it will probably be safer, but it will cost my client money, and he won't like that.

Martin
 
The dispensing has to do with motor vechicle fuel and not with grease or oil. Article 514 does not even apply to a quick lube facility that does not dispense fuel. Look at 511.3(A)(4).
Don
 
don_resqcapt19 said:
The dispensing has to do with motor vechicle fuel and not with grease or oil. Article 514 does not even apply to a quick lube facility that does not dispense fuel. Look at 511.3(A)(4).
Don
Click to expand...

I wish it was that easy. You cited the 2005 NEC. This project is under the 2002, and that section doesn't exist in the 2002.


Martin
 
Thanks. I fully agree that this shouldn't be a classified area, but I couldn't convince the reviewer because of the "grayness" in the 2002. I can't find anything in the 2002 text that defines dispensing or limits dispensing as used in 511, and since I can't cite black and white code the reviewer is standing firm with his stand that pouring motor oil is dispensing. I can't hold up the building waiting for a clarification from NFPA so there's not much choice in what to do.

Martin
 
Martin,
The following is from the 2002 code. I don't see any "grayness". It is very clear from the scope of Article 514 that it doesn't apply to your application. There is even a FPN telling you to look at 511 for your installation.
514.1 Scope.
These occupancies shall include locations where gasoline or other volatile flammable liquids or liquefied flammable gases are transferred to the fuel tanks (including auxiliary fuel tanks) of self-propelled vehicles or approved containers.
FPN: Refer to Articles 510 and 511 with respect to electric wiring and equipment for other areas used as lubritoriums, service rooms, repair rooms, offices, salesrooms, compressor rooms, and similar locations.
Click to expand...
511.3(B)(3) Exception No. 2: Lubrication and service rooms without dispensing shall be classified in accordance with Table 514.3(B)(1).
Click to expand...
Don
 
don_resqcapt19 said:
Martin,
The following is from the 2002 code. I don't see any "grayness". It is very clear from the scope of Article 514 that it doesn't apply to your application. There is even a FPN telling you to look at 511 for your installation.

Don
Click to expand...

Don,

I must not have been clear with my post. Both the reviewer and I know this is a 511 installation. The only reason I mentioned 514 is that 511.3(B)(3) Exception #2 sends you to a table in 514 for classification of a "lube room without dispensing.

The issue is what "dispensing" means in the context of 511. "Dispensing" is not directly defined in the NEC. The reviewer says that pouring oil from a can into an engine is dispensing. The second paragraph of 2002 511.3(A) uses dispensing in relation to refilling windshield washer fluid, so I think it's very gray on what the intent of 2002 511.3(B)(3) Exception #2 is. If pouring any fluid that may emit flammable vapors = dispensing then a "lube room without dispensing" would could do grease but could not do an oil change. I'm not sure such a thing exists. My opinion is that dispensing = refueling for the context of 511.3(B)(3) Exception #2, but my opinion and $5 might get you a cup of coffee at Starbucks....

Martin
 
Martin,
The only place "dispensing" shows up is in 514. You apply the definition in 514.2 to the application of the word "dispensing" in Article 514. Under the 2002 code "dispensing" is providing fuel to a self-propelled vehicle. All use of that word in Article 514 is based on the wording in 514.2.
Don
 
Thanks. That's clearer, and I agree. I don't, however, think I'll be able to convince the reviewer.

Martin
 
hmspe said:
Thanks. That's clearer, and I agree. I don't, however, think I'll be able to convince the reviewer.

Martin
Click to expand...

Then go over their head.

I imagine the difference in wiring methods will result in much higher and unjust costs to the customer.
 
don_resqcapt19 said:
Martin,
The only place "dispensing" shows up is in 514. You apply the definition in 514.2 to the application of the word "dispensing" in Article 514. Under the 2002 code "dispensing" is providing fuel to a self-propelled vehicle. All use of that word in Article 514 is based on the wording in 514.2.
Don
Click to expand...

I would add that if you look at 514.3(B) you will see;
"Table 514.3(B)(1) shall be applied where Class I liquids are stored, handled, or dispensed ......"
I believe this also shows that the "dispensing" is in reference to Class I liquids which motor oils are not included.
 
if you are the design expert and the plans show a code compliant exhaust venilation system, I do not think it is his place to question that.
 
Follow up:

Based on what was posted here I wrote a letter to the Architect, which was forwarded to the AHJ. They are now accepting the lube pit as unclassified (with ventilation). Thanks to all who posted.

Martin
 
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