Using extension cords in a class 1 div 1 or 2 area

[MRalls]

Hello, I am with our companies safety dept. We manage, operate and maintain natural gas production facilities.

My questions involves the following:
One of our policies involves the use of electrical tools (grinders, drills, etc) in the class 1 div 1 & 2 area. We require our employees to plug into an explosion proof receptical. But then they plug the piece of equipment with a normal connection into an adapter and into the cord that is connected to the explosion proof connection. At this time we require them to tape the connection with electrical tape.

My questions:
Does this sound correct?
Which standard should I look up to verify the method required?
Any other comments would be of help

Thank.

 

[ibew441dc]

Hmmmmm????

I'm not sure which standard it would be , but It doesn't sound like a NEC problem.

If possible get a hold of your fire marshal.


ibew441dc

 

[realolman]

Do you have grinders that don't make any sparks? :smile:

 

[don_resqcapt19]

There is no reason for the tape. You need a hot work permit system. This would require that you test for combustible gas before any work that involves tools like grinders. The gas monitor needs to remain in place while the work goes on and set to alarm well below the LEL. When the monitor alarms, all hot work needs to stop.

 

[petersonra]

There is no reason for the tape. You need a hot work permit system. This would require that you test for combustible gas before any work that involves tools like grinders. The gas monitor needs to remain in place while the work goes on and set to alarm well below the LEL. When the monitor alarms, all hot work needs to stop.

The hot work permit would also specify just how the work was to be done in most cases, and what tools are to be used.

 

[MRalls]

Thanks for the input.

We do have a hot work permit system and require gas monitors during all hot work (grinders for example). The reason for asking the question is related to the tape. This location has been doing this practice for about 18 years. The question was asked, why do we need to tape the connection? One of the reasons given was. To prevent the cords from separating accidentally and possible causing a spark. With the connection being 50 to 100 feet away, a gas monitor would not be at that location. I think that it is a good best practice, but several people disagree here and we were looking for a standard or recommendation of some sort that might help with the discussion.

Thanks, Mark

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Mark,

To prevent the cords from separating accidentally and possible causing a spark. With the connection being 50 to 100 feet away, a gas monitor would not be at that location.

If there is a potential for an atmosphere above LEL at the location of the cord, it must be either covered by the hot work permit or be of a type suitable for use in classified areas.
Don

 

[tmyers@jatc26.org]

You might also want to check out the tools, most drills are air cooled motors and if you look into the vent while it operates you will see a bunch of sparks same goes for sawzalls and the like.
I agree that this sounds like an issue for the fire marshal. As electricians we build the room to code, what you do in that room is another question entirely

 

[cowboyjwc]

I was gonna say, pretty much, what tmyers said.

 

[petersonra]

Thanks for the input.

We do have a hot work permit system and require gas monitors during all hot work (grinders for example). The reason for asking the question is related to the tape. This location has been doing this practice for about 18 years. The question was asked, why do we need to tape the connection? One of the reasons given was. To prevent the cords from separating accidentally and possible causing a spark. With the connection being 50 to 100 feet away, a gas monitor would not be at that location. I think that it is a good best practice, but several people disagree here and we were looking for a standard or recommendation of some sort that might help with the discussion.

Thanks, Mark

IMO, if any part of a standard extension cord is in a classified area, it has to be covered by the hot work permit. If there is some chance of the cord unplugging and causing a spark that would create a hazard, you have not properly dealt with all the hazards you need to to get the hot work permit in the first place, or you have exceeded the scope of the hot work permit.

 

[captnconduit]

I think a better answer here would be to use battery powered tools. 100' extension cords are just to long. If you don't have battery powered tools then install several receptacles closer to the work area. Equip these with special receptacles that cannot be removed while energized and use 50' max cords.