Safety mat is a Class 1 Div 2 group D

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bpayne

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Can a safety mat be used in a Class 1 Div 2 group D area with the aid of an intrinsic barrier? From my understanding a simple device does not have to be rated for the area if an intrinsic barrier is utilized in the safe zone. First question, Is this correct and second would a safety mat be considered a simple device?
 
A safety mat is designed to be used to protect personnel from machinery, detecting their presence when they step on the mat, using pressure sensitive contact inside the mat.
 
moved to the hazardous area forum, please make any comments here

Safety mat is a Class 1 Div 2 group D

Can a safety mat be used in a Class 1 Div 2 group D area with the aid of an intrinsic barrier? From my understanding a simple device does not have to be rated for the area if an intrinsic barrier is utilized in the safe zone. First question, Is this correct and second would a safety mat be...
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Sorry for the late reply. We are in the midst of preparing for hurricane Hillary.

Simple apparatus is a defined term in Art 100. What you have described for your safety mat is not simple apparatus. Depending on an available control drawing it might be an Associated Nonincendive Field Wiring Apparatus. This does not mean it cannot be used in Division 2, but it does mean you need to be much more careful about what the switching system is.
 
In this case, the mats are inconsequential. Barriers are the actual focus. Too many believe a barrier is a panacea, permitting the use of wiring methods permitted for unclassified locations. [Section 501.10(B)(3) or 504.20] But it only does when there is a proper control drawing in place. [Section 501.10(B)(3) or 504.10(A)]

Even with a control drawing there are specific rules that still apply to both nonincendive (NI) or intrinsically safe (IS) wiring, especially grounding, bonding and boundary sealing. "Signal noise" is also a major (non - NEC) issue.

Both systems are primarily intended for the benefit of instrumentation/control system installations that are generally low power to start with. That is the reason for the references to ANSI/ISA RP 12.06.01 in various NI / IS Informational Notes.
 
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