I have an automation application in a Class II, Div 2 area that is using a motor that meets the conditions of Class II, Div 2 per 502.125 (B) but it has 2plugs, 1 for power and 1 for the encoder cable. I have reviewed the construction drawings of the plug and it's mating female receptacle. The contact sleaves in the female receptacle are recessed in the plastic housing. Does this meet the 502.145 (B) requirement? Some suppliers say yes, and others say no.
Motor Plugs & Receptacles for Class II, Div 2 area
- Thread starter birdie
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- Mission Viejo, CA
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- Professional Electrical Engineer
Without actually seeing them, the best I can say is they probably do meet 502.145(B); but I would have preferred to read they also had something like a "twist to close" or "lock-in" feature. It is not an absolute necessity though, in this case.
Do the plug/receptacles have their own application marks; i.e., do they have any Class, Division or Group identification?
Do the plug/receptacles have their own application marks; i.e., do they have any Class, Division or Group identification?
No, unfortunately they do not carry any class markings other than IP67 when fully seated and secured. These connections should not be opened or closed when the area is in a Class II, Div 2 operating environement. I have read a few articles referring to differences in maintenance situations, and one of the earlier posts references a Turck LokFast Guard for use in a Class I, Div 2 environment. I am just a bit unclear the connection is within compliance.
- Location
- Mission Viejo, CA
- Occupation
- Professional Electrical Engineer
You've answered your own question. If "These connections should not be opened or closed when the area is in a Class II, Div 2 operating environement [sic]," then a Turck LokFast Guard won't change the situation.
This particular issue isn't one I envisioned during my 1990-1993 opposition to Zones since Class II wasn't even under consideration; but it is an example of a subtle, yet significant, difference between classic ?Division? and (IEC not Art 505) ?Zone? concepts.
This particular issue isn't one I envisioned during my 1990-1993 opposition to Zones since Class II wasn't even under consideration; but it is an example of a subtle, yet significant, difference between classic ?Division? and (IEC not Art 505) ?Zone? concepts.
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