Who classifies a CLass 1,2 divisions?

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MGE

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Got a question. What are the deciding factors in determining weather an area is Class1 Div 2 of unclassified? We are working in a facility that has alot of NG piping, flanges, solonoid valves with different PSI's etc and some areas are unclassified and others are Class 1 Div 2. I know the code sections 500, 501. Plans for different jobs that overlap each other show different requirements.
Thanks MGE
 
The owner/operator has the ultimate responsibility for proper electrical area classification of a facility.

The AHJ definitely has final approval and in my experience AHJ's and their agents do a solid job reviewing, inspecting and approving Classified location installations. However, with rare exception and unless it is specifically drawn from Articles 511 to 516, I haven't seen an AHJ adequately determine electrical area classification.

I prefer electrical area classification to be done by engineers, preferably PEs (though not necessarily electrical) or insurance agents trained in the process. The reason I prefer PEs or insurance agents is I believe it should be done by someone with a legal, and in the PE?s case personal, as well as financial liability.
 
rbalex said:
I prefer electrical area classification to be done by engineers, preferably PEs (though not necessarily electrical) or insurance agents trained in the process. The reason I prefer PEs or insurance agents is I believe it should be done by someone with a legal, and in the PE?s case personal, as well as financial liability.
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It seems to me that anyone who does not work for an entity that has given itself immunity that engages in the practice of classification as a part of their business will incur liability for doing it correctly, PE or not.
 
petersonra said:
It seems to me that anyone who does not work for an entity that has given itself immunity that engages in the practice of classification as a part of their business will incur liability for doing it correctly, PE or not.
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It does vary slightly from State-to‑State, but in general, as with any licensed profession, a non‑licensed individual can only be held liable for practicing without a license, but not negligence or breach of contract. Most States limit even that liability since the customer shouldn?t have hired a non-licensed entity in the first place. AHJ?s and their agents have no liability at all short of a criminal act such as taking a bribe, or falsifying documents. A licensed PE can be held personally liable for negligence (even criminal negligence) and sanctions can be dictated to prevent corporate indemnification. (Highly unusual, but possible) My current employer does indemnify me, when I?m "acting in good faith? for negligent acts; i.e., they will pay for my defense and any fines or breach of contract expense.
 
rbalex said:
The owner/operator has the ultimate responsibility for proper electrical area classification of a facility.

The AHJ definitely has final approval and in my experience AHJ's and their agents do a solid job reviewing, inspecting and approving Classified location installations. However, with rare exception and unless it is specifically drawn from Articles 511 to 516, I haven't seen an AHJ adequately determine electrical area classification.

I prefer electrical area classification to be done by engineers, preferably PEs (though not necessarily electrical) or insurance agents trained in the process. The reason I prefer PEs or insurance agents is I believe it should be done by someone with a legal, and in the PE?s case personal, as well as financial liability.
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Electrical Area Classification best be done utilizing the same methods that OSHA requires for PSM rated installations.

Process Safety Hazard Analysis is well suited method to determine the expeceted operational and failure modes. Participation by Operation Engineers, Process Engineers, Control Engineers, Safety Engineers and last, but not least Electrical Engineers in developing Area Classification documents is essential.
 
weressl said:
Electrical Area Classification best be done utilizing the same methods that OSHA requires for PSM rated installations.

Process Safety Hazard Analysis is well suited method to determine the expeceted operational and failure modes. Participation by Operation Engineers, Process Engineers, Control Engineers, Safety Engineers and last, but not least Electrical Engineers in developing Area Classification documents is essential.
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The determination of electrical area classification in industrial facilities is most certainly the responsibility of the owner and/or with the approval of the owner?s insurance company. This process is usually predicated on a "root cause" type approach by a "process" expert doing a failure analysis to determine the potential for leaks and their magnitude including the identification all sources of venting equipment, relief devices and other equipment, connections and fittings with the potential for leaks . In many cases owners of industrial facilities "classify large area's of their process structure including certain portions of the surrounding areas.

The two major "guidelines" for determining the classification associated with each of these identified sources are API RP500 and NFPA 497. NFPA 70 (NEC) dictates how electrical equipment must be designed and installed in these areas?s but does not identify how to actually classify these areas. Of the two, API RP500 is the document most utilized by owners of NG relaying and compression facilities.

In my experience, broad brush strokes are used to classify Division II areas because the equipment, guidelines and installation methods as detailed in the NEC are not overly difficult or expensive. Much more scrutiny and effort is given to properly identifying Division I areas and to keeping those areas?s to a minimum simply due to the increased cost of the equipment, installation and maintenance in those areas.

To make a long story short, download a copy of API RP500 as a guideline to the classification of your NG facility.

Ed
 
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