Non-incendive Component/equipment vs. Non-incendive Field Circuit

[pjbaker]

Looking through old posts, can't find anything that sorts this out for me:

As I read Art. 500 and Art 501.10(B), ISA12.12 and ISA12.6 I get this:

If a non-incendive component or non-incendive equipment is installed per 501.10(B) it is approved for C1D2 without additional limitations on the field ciruit (assuming that all components of the field circuit are rated for the environments in which they are installed). This is because the field wiring methods in 501.10(B) are considered normally non-arcing. There is also no control drawing required for this method as the wiring is spec'd in 501.10(B)

If non-incendive field wiring of non-incendive field circuit techniques are used, the wiring does not have to be per 501.10(B), but there must be other protections available from other components to be approved for C1D2. These components must have marked non-incendive field wiring terminals and must be wired per a control drawing.

We are in the process on selecting components for our electrical panel (which will be in unclassified space) and want to make sure that we are not overdesigning since all of our selected components for the C1D2 location are listed as non-incendive.

 

[rbalex]

Looking through old posts, can't find anything that sorts this out for me:

As I read Art. 500 and Art 501.10(B), ISA12.12 and ISA12.6 I get this:

If a non-incendive component or non-incendive equipment is installed per 501.10(B) it is approved for C1D2 without additional limitations on the field ciruit (assuming that all components of the field circuit are rated for the environments in which they are installed). This is because the field wiring methods in 501.10(B) are considered normally non-arcing. There is also no control drawing required for this method as the wiring is spec'd in 501.10(B)

If non-incendive field wiring of non-incendive field circuit techniques are used, the wiring does not have to be per 501.10(B), but there must be other protections available from other components to be approved for C1D2. These components must have marked non-incendive field wiring terminals and must be wired per a control drawing.

We are in the process on selecting components for our electrical panel (which will be in unclassified space) and want to make sure that we are not overdesigning since all of our selected components for the C1D2 location are listed as non-incendive.

I reread this a few times and I believe you have the right idea, but let me see if I understand you correctly.

• Nonincendive "items," installed as part of a Section 501.10(B)(1),(2) or (4) wiring method do not require a control drawing(s) - CORRECT
• Nonincendive field wiring systems per Section 501.10(B)(3) shall be installed in accordance with the control drawing(s) and may use any (Chapter 3) wiring method that is otherwise suitable for the location - GENERALLY CORRECT. (O​
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  ​
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  cassionally, boundary sealing issues may arise [501.15(B)(2)] and possibly bonding [501.130].) ​

 

[pjbaker]

I reread this a few times and I believe you have the right idea, but let me see if I understand you correctly.

• Nonincendive "items," installed as part of a Section 501.10(B)(1),(2) or (4) wiring method do not require a control drawing(s) - CORRECT
• Nonincendive field wiring systems per Section 501.10(B)(3) shall be installed in accordance with the control drawing(s) and may use any (Chapter 3) wiring method that is otherwise suitable for the location - GENERALLY CORRECT. (O​
  ​
  ​
  ​
  cassionally, boundary sealing issues may arise [501.15(B)(2)] and possibly bonding [501.130].) ​

You understand my thinking correctly (would have been easier without typos on my part). Thank you.

Now I have a bonus question: We are looking at a component that is listed as non-incendive (I even checked the UL report for the correct part number), but has a DB15 connector. I can not find a DB15 cable that appears to comply with the cable types in 501.10(B) (1). There are no notes on the manufacturer's listing (i.e. must be installed in an alternate enclosure with DB15 cable run in conduit) and they do not have a control drawing, as the component is listed non-incendive. Am I missing something? Is anyone aware of a DB15 cable that meets the requirements of 501.10(B) (1)?

Thanks -

P.J.

 

[redmax]

Usually a connector is not regarded as non-incendive, the energy in a circuit capable of producing an ignition is. If the connector has positive retention and requires the use of a tool to remove [C1D2] you should be ok. Removing the connector while circuit is active is where you may cause a spark to occur and an ignition.

 

[rbalex]

Usually a connector is not regarded as non-incendive, the energy in a circuit capable of producing an ignition is. If the connector has positive retention and requires the use of a tool to remove [C1D2] you should be ok. Removing the connector while circuit is active is where you may cause a spark to occur and an ignition.

While this is more or less the classic IEC concept; i.e. the connector must be Ex e (Increased Safety) - it doesn't apply to the NEC. From Section 501.10 (B)(3):

Nonincendive Field Wiring. Nonincendive field wiring shall be permitted using any of the wiring methods permitted for unclassified locations. Nonincendive field wiring systems shall be installed in accordance with the control drawing(s). Simple apparatus, not shown on the control drawing, shall be permitted in a nonincendive field wiring circuit, provided the simple apparatus does not interconnect the nonincendive field wiring circuit to any other circuit. [rbalex:underlines mine]

Under NEC definitions a connector is Simple Apparatus.

This is another example of the subtle, but significant, differences between Classic IEC and NEC "Zones."