Submersible pumps in Class I, Div 2 environment

[lakee911]

Hi all,

In regard to submersible pumps (which typically have an integral submersible motor), what are the requirements for a Class I, Div 2 environment?

Obviously TEFC doesn't apply here, but would explosion proof be overkill? If so, can one make the argument that because it is submerged, it wouldn't need to be explosion proof? I don't think NFPA 820 addresses this.

Would any temperature switches/elements/sensors be required?


Thanks,
Jason

 

[rbalex]

Is this a verticle pump arrangement with a long common shaft or is the pump motor submerged too?

 

[lakee911]

Whole assembly is submerged. The pump and its motor are underwater. The electrical cable goes down under the surface and the discharge piping goes up and out.

 

[rbalex]

I can't believe I missed your "integral submersible motor" statement :roll:
In any case, there is technically no electrical area classification around the motor itself and it only needs to be suitable for submersion.

Edit add: Other motor protection techniques may be necessary, but they are relevant only to the motor not electrical area classification.

 

[lakee911]

What about filling and draining? It won't always forever be submerged....has to be out/down for maintenance at some point, no?

 

[rbalex]

In Division 2 even open motors may be acceptable. See the last sentence of 501.125(B).