Informational Note: Text that is followed by a reference in brackets has been extracted from NFPA 497-2012, Recommended Practice for the Classification of Flammable Liquids, Gases, or Vapors and of Hazardous (Classified) Locations for Electrical Installations in Chemical Process Areas, and NFPA 499-2013, Recommended Practice for the Classification of Combustible Dusts and of Hazardous (Classified) Locations for Electrical Installation in Chemical Process Areas. Only editorial changes were made to the extracted text to make it consistent with this Code.
Articles 500 through 504 cover the requirements for electrical and electronic equipment and wiring for all voltages in Class I, Divisions 1 and 2; Class II, Divisions 1 and 2; and Class III, Divisions 1 and 2 locations where fire or explosion hazards may exist due to flammable gases, flammable liquid-produced vapors, combustible liquid-produced vapors, combustible dusts, or ignitible fibers/flyings.
Informational Note No. 1: The unique hazards associated with explosives, pyrotechnics, and blasting agents are not addressed in this article.
Informational Note No. 2: For the requirements for electrical and electronic equipment and wiring for all voltages in Zone 0, Zone 1, and Zone 2 hazardous (classified) locations where fire or explosion hazards may exist due to flammable gases or vapors or flammable liquids, refer to Article 505.
Informational Note No. 3: For the requirements for electrical and electronic equipment and wiring for all voltages in Zone 20, Zone 21, and Zone 22 hazardous (classified) locations where fire or explosion hazards may exist due to combustible dusts or ignitible fibers/flyings, refer to Article 506.
Important information relating to topics covered in Chapter 5 may be found in other publications.
Informational Note No. 1: Familiarity with the standards of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the American Petroleum Institute (API), and the International Society of Automation (ISA), as well as relevant industrial experience, may be of use in the classification of various locations, the determination of adequate ventilation, and the protection against static electricity and lightning hazards.
Informational Note No. 2: For further information on the classification of locations, see NFPA 30-2015, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code; NFPA 32-2011, Standard for Dry cleaning Plants; NFPA 33-2015, Standard for Spray Application Using Flammable or Combustible Materials; NFPA 34-2015, Standard for Dipping and Coating Processes Using Flammable or Combustible Liquids; NFPA 35-2011, Standard for the Manufacture of Organic Coatings; NFPA 36-2013, Standard for Solvent Extraction Plants; NFPA 45-2015, Standard on Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals; NFPA 55-2013, Compressed Gases and Cryogenic Fluids Code; NFPA 58-2014, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code; NFPA 59-2015, Utility LP-Gas Plant Code, NFPA 497-2012, Recommended Practice for the Classification of Flammable Liquids, Gases, or Vapors and of Hazardous (Classified) Locations for Electrical Installations in Chemical Process Areas; NFPA 499-2013, Recommended Practice for the Classification of Combustible Dusts and of Hazardous (Classified) Locations for Electrical Installations in Chemical Process Areas; NFPA 820-2012, Standard for Fire Protection in Wastewater Treatment and Collection Facilities, ANSI/API RP 500-2012, Recommended Practice for Classification of Locations of Electrical Installations at Petroleum Facilities Classified as Class I, Division 1 and Division 2; ISA-12.10-1988, Area Classification in Hazardous (Classified) Dust Locations.
Informational Note No. 3: For further information on protection against static electricity and lightning hazards in hazardous (classified) locations, see NFPA 77-2014, Recommended Practice on Static Electricity; NFPA 780-2014, Standard for the Installation of Lightning Protection Systems; and API RP 2003-2008, Protection Against Ignitions Arising Out of Static Lightning and Stray Currents.
Informational Note No. 4: For further information on ventilation, see NFPA 30-2015, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code; and ANSI/API RP 500-2012, Recommended Practice for Classification of Locations for Electrical Installations at Petroleum Facilities Classified as Class I, Division 1 and Division 2.
Informational Note No. 5: For further information on electrical systems for hazardous (classified) locations on offshore oil- and gas-producing platforms, see ANSI/API RP 14F-2013, Recommended Practice for Design and Installation of Electrical Systems for Fixed and Floating Offshore Petroleum Facilities for Unclassified and Class I, Division 1 and Division 2 Locations.
Informational Note No. 6: Portable or transportable equipment having self-contained power supplies, such as battery-operated equipment, could potentially become an ignition source in hazardous (classified) locations. See ANSI/ISA-12.12.03-2011, Standard for Portable Electronic Products Suitable for Use in Class I and II, Division 2, Class I Zone 2 and Class III, Division 1 and 2 Hazardous (Classified) Locations.
Locations shall be classified depending on the properties of the flammable gas, flammable liquid-produced vapor, combustible liquid-produced vapors, combustible dusts, or fibers/flyings that could be present, and the likelihood that a flammable or combustible concentration or quantity is present. Each room, section, or area shall be considered individually in determining its classification. Where pyrophoric materials are the only materials used or handled, these locations are outside the scope of this article.
Informational Note No. 1: Through the exercise of ingenuity in the layout of electrical installations for hazardous (classified) locations, it is frequently possible to locate much of the equipment in a reduced level of classification or in an unclassified location and, thus, to reduce the amount of special equipment required.
Refrigerant machinery rooms that contain ammonia refrigeration systems and are equipped with adequate mechanical ventilation that operates continuously or is initiated by a detection system at a concentration not exceeding 150 ppm shall be permitted to be classified as "unclassified" locations.
Informational Note No. 2: For further information regarding classification and ventilation of areas involving closed-circuit ammonia refrigeration systems, see ANSI/ASHRAE 15-2013, Safety Standard for Refrigeration Systems, and ANSI/IIAR 2-2014, Standard for Safe Design of Closed-Circuit Ammonia Refrigeration Systems.
Class I locations are those in which flammable gases, flammable liquid-produced vapors, or combustible liquid-produced vapors are or may be present in the air in quantities sufficient to produce explosive or ignitible mixtures. Class I locations shall include those specified in 500.5(B)(1) and (B)(2).
A Class I, Division 1 location is a location:
- In which ignitible concentrations of flammable gases, flammable liquid-produced vapors, or combustible liquid-produced vapors can exist under normal operating conditions, or
- In which ignitible concentrations of such flammable gases, flammable liquid-produced vapors, or combustible liquids above their flash points may exist frequently because of repair or maintenance operations or because of leakage, or
- In which breakdown or faulty operation of equipment or processes might release ignitible concentrations of flammable gases, flammable liquid-produced vapors, or combustible liquid-produced vapors and might also cause simultaneous failure of electrical equipment in such a way as to directly cause the electrical equipment to become a source of ignition
Informational Note No. 1: This classification usually includes the following locations:
- Where volatile flammable liquids or liquefied flammable gases are transferred from one container to another
- Interiors of spray booths and areas in the vicinity of spraying and painting operations where volatile flammable solvents are used
- Locations containing open tanks or vats of volatile flammable liquids
- Drying rooms or compartments for the evaporation of flammable solvents
- Locations containing fat- and oil-extraction equipment using volatile flammable solvents
- Portions of cleaning and dyeing plants where flammable liquids are used
- Gas generator rooms and other portions of gas manufacturing plants where flammable gas may escape
- Inadequately ventilated pump rooms for flammable gas or for volatile flammable liquids
- The interiors of refrigerators and freezers in which volatile flammable materials are stored in open, lightly stoppered, or easily ruptured containers
- All other locations where ignitible concentrations of flammable vapors or gases are likely to occur in the course of normal operations
Informational Note No. 2: In some Division 1 locations, ignitible concentrations of flammable gases or vapors may be present continuously or for long periods of time. Examples include the following:
- The inside of inadequately vented enclosures containing instruments normally venting flammable gases or vapors to the interior of the enclosure
- The inside of vented tanks containing volatile flammable liquids
- The area between the inner and outer roof sections of a floating roof tank containing volatile flammable fluids
- Inadequately ventilated areas within spraying or coating operations using volatile flammable fluids
- The interior of an exhaust duct that is used to vent ignitible concentrations of gases or vapors
Experience has demonstrated the prudence of avoiding the installation of instrumentation or other electrical equipment in these particular areas altogether or where it cannot be avoided because it is essential to the process and other locations are not feasible [see 500.5(A), Informational Note] using electrical equipment or instrumentation approved for the specific application or consisting of intrinsically safe systems as described in Article 504.
A Class I, Division 2 location is a location:
- In which volatile flammable gases, flammable liquid-produced vapors, or combustible liquid-produced vapors are handled, processed, or used, but in which the liquids, vapors, or gases will normally be confined within closed containers or closed systems from which they can escape only in case of accidental rupture or breakdown of such containers or systems or in case of abnormal operation of equipment, or
- In which ignitible concentrations of flammable gases, flammable liquid-produced vapors, or combustible liquid-produced vapors are normally prevented by positive mechanical ventilation and which might become hazardous through failure or abnormal operation of the ventilating equipment, or
- That is adjacent to a Class I, Division 1 location, and to which ignitible concentrations of flammable gases, flammable liquid-produced vapors, or combustible liquid-produced vapors above their flash points might occasionally be communicated unless such communication is prevented by adequate positive-pressure ventilation from a source of clean air and effective safeguards against ventilation failure are provided.
Informational Note No. 1: This classification usually includes locations where volatile flammable liquids or flammable gases or vapors are used but that, in the judgment of the authority having jurisdiction, would become hazardous only in case of an accident or of some unusual operating condition. The quantity of flammable material that might escape in case of accident, the adequacy of ventilating equipment, the total area involved, and the record of the industry or business with respect to explosions or fires are all factors that merit consideration in determining the classification and extent of each location.
Informational Note No. 2: Piping without valves, checks, meters, and similar devices would not ordinarily introduce a hazardous condition even though used for flammable liquids or gases. Depending on factors such as the quantity and size of the containers and ventilation, locations used for the storage of flammable liquids or liquefied or compressed gases in sealed containers may be considered either hazardous (classified) or unclassified locations. See NFPA 30-2015, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, and NFPA 58-2014, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code.
Class II locations are those that are hazardous because of the presence of combustible dust. Class II locations shall include those specified in 500.5(C)(1) and (C)(2).
A Class II, Division 1 location is a location:
- In which combustible dust is in the air under normal operating conditions in quantities sufficient to produce explosive or ignitible mixtures, or
- Where mechanical failure or abnormal operation of machinery or equipment might cause such explosive or ignitible mixtures to be produced, and might also provide a source of ignition through simultaneous failure of electrical equipment, through operation of protection devices, or from other causes, or
- In which Group E combustible dusts may be present in quantities sufficient to be hazardous.
Informational Note: Dusts containing magnesium or aluminum are particularly hazardous, and the use of extreme precaution is necessary to avoid ignition and explosion.
A Class II, Division 2 location is a location:
- In which combustible dust due to abnormal operations may be present in the air in quantities sufficient to produce explosive or ignitible mixtures; or
- Where combustible dust accumulations are present but are normally insufficient to interfere with the normal operation of electrical equipment or other apparatus, but could as a result of infrequent malfunctioning of handling or processing equipment become suspended in the air; or
- In which combustible dust accumulations on, in, or in the vicinity of the electrical equipment could be sufficient to interfere with the safe dissipation of heat from electrical equipment, or could be ignitible by abnormal operation or failure of electrical equipment.
Informational Note No. 1: The quantity of combustible dust that may be present and the adequacy of dust removal systems are factors that merit consideration in determining the classification and may result in an unclassified area.
Informational Note No. 2: Where products such as seed are handled in a manner that produces low quantities of dust, the amount of dust deposited may not warrant classification.
Class III locations are those that are hazardous because of the presence of easily ignitible fibers or where materials producing combustible flyings are handled, manufactured, or used, but in which such fibers/flyings are not likely to be in suspension in the air in quantities sufficient to produce ignitible mixtures. Class III locations shall include those specified in 500.5(D)(1) and (D)(2).
A Class III, Division 1 location is a location in which easily ignitible fibers/flyings are handled, manufactured, or used.
Informational Note No. 1: Such locations usually include some parts of rayon, cotton, and other textile mills; combustible fibers/flyings manufacturing and processing plants; cotton gins and cotton-seed mills; flax-processing plants; clothing manufacturing plants; woodworking plants; and establishments and industries involving similar hazardous processes or conditions.
Informational Note No. 2: Easily ignitible fibers/flyings include rayon, cotton (including cotton linters and cotton waste), sisal or henequen, istle, jute, hemp, tow, cocoa fiber, oakum, baled waste kapok, Spanish moss, excelsior, and other materials of similar nature.
For purposes of testing, approval, and area classification, various air mixtures (not oxygen-enriched) shall be grouped in accordance with 500.6(A) and (B).
Exception: Equipment identified for a specific gas, vapor, dust, or fiber/flying.
Informational Note: This grouping is based on the characteristics of the materials. Facilities are available for testing and identifying equipment for use in the various atmospheric groups.
Class I groups shall be according to 500.6(A)(1) through (A)(4).
Informational Note No. 1: Informational Note Nos. 2 and 3 apply to 500.6(A).
Informational Note No. 2: The explosion characteristics of air mixtures of gases or vapors vary with the specific material involved. For Class I locations, Groups A, B, C, and D, the classification involves determinations of maximum explosion pressure and maximum safe clearance between parts of a clamped joint in an enclosure. It is necessary, therefore, that equipment be identified not only for class but also for the specific group of the gas or vapor that will be present.
Informational Note No. 3: Certain chemical atmospheres may have characteristics that require safeguards beyond those required for any of the Class I groups. Carbon disulfide is one of these chemicals because of its low autoignition temperature (90°C) and the small joint clearance permitted to arrest its flame.
Acetylene. [497:3.3.5.1.1]
Flammable gas, flammable liquid-produced vapor, or combustible liquid-produced vapor mixed with air that may burn or explode, having either a maximum experimental safe gap (MESG) value less than or equal to 0.45 mm or a minimum igniting current ratio (MIC ratio) less than or equal to 0.40. [497:3.3.5.1.2]
Informational Note: A typical Class I, Group B material is hydrogen.
Exception No. 1: Group D equipment shall be permitted to be used for atmospheres containing butadiene, provided all conduit runs into explosionproof equipment are provided with explosionproof seals installed within 450 mm (18 in.) of the enclosure.
Exception No. 2: Group C equipment shall be permitted to be used for atmospheres containing allyl glycidyl ether, n-butyl glycidyl ether, ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, and acrolein, provided all conduit runs into explosionproof equipment are provided with explosionproof seals installed within 450 mm (18 in.) of the enclosure.
Flammable gas, flammable liquid-produced vapor, or combustible liquid-produced vapor mixed with air that may burn or explode, having either a maximum experimental safe gap (MESG) value greater than 0.45 mm and less than or equal to 0.75 mm, or a minimum igniting current ratio (MIC ratio) greater than 0.40 and less than or equal to 0.80. [497:3.3.5.1.3]
Informational Note: A typical Class I, Group C material is ethylene.
Flammable gas, flammable liquid-produced vapor, or combustible liquid-produced vapor mixed with air that may burn or explode, having either a maximum experimental safe gap (MESG) value greater than 0.75 mm or a minimum igniting current (MIC) ratio greater than 0.80. [497:3.3.5.1.4]
Informational Note No. 1: A typical Class I, Group D material is propane. [497:3.3.5.1.4]
Informational Note No. 2: For classification of areas involving ammonia atmospheres, see ANSI/ASHRAE 15-2013, Safety Standard for Refrigeration Systems.
Class II groups shall be in accordance with 500.6(B)(1) through (B)(3).
Atmospheres containing combustible metal dusts, including aluminum, magnesium, and their commercial alloys, or other combustible dusts whose particle size, abrasiveness, and conductivity present similar hazards in the use of electrical equipment. [499:3.3.4.1]
Informational Note: Certain metal dusts may have characteristics that require safeguards beyond those required for atmospheres containing the dusts of aluminum, magnesium, and their commercial alloys. For example, zirconium, thorium, and uranium dusts have extremely low ignition temperatures [as low as 20°C (68°F)] and minimum ignition energies lower than any material classified in any of the Class I or Class II groups.
Atmospheres containing combustible carbonaceous dusts that have more than 8 percent total entrapped volatiles (see ASTM D3175-11, Standard Test Method for Volatile Matter in the Analysis Sample for Coal and Coke, for coal and coke dusts) or that have been sensitized by other materials so that they present an explosion hazard. [499:3.3.4.2] Coal, carbon black, charcoal, and coke dusts are examples of carbonaceous dusts. [499:A.3.3.4.2]
Informational Note: Testing of specific dust samples, following established ASTM testing procedures, is a method used to identify the combustibility of a specific dust and the need to classify those locations containing that material as Group F.
Atmospheres containing combustible dusts not included in Group E or Group F, including flour, grain, wood, plastic, and chemicals. [499:3.3.4.3]
Informational Note No. 1: For additional information on group classification of Class II materials, see NFPA 499-2013, Recommended Practice for the Classification of Combustible Dusts and of Hazardous (Classified) Locations for Electrical Installations in Chemical Process Areas.
Informational Note No. 2: The explosion characteristics of air mixtures of dust vary with the materials involved. For Class II locations, Groups E, F, and G, the classification involves the tightness of the joints of assembly and shaft openings to prevent the entrance of dust in the dust-ignitionproof enclosure, the blanketing effect of layers of dust on the equipment that may cause overheating, and the ignition temperature of the dust. It is necessary, therefore, that equipment be identified not only for the class but also for the specific group of dust that will be present.
Informational Note No. 3: Certain dusts may require additional precautions due to chemical phenomena that can result in the generation of ignitible gases. See ANSI/IEEE C2-2012, National Electrical Safety Code, Section 127A, Coal Handling Areas.
Section 500.7(A) through (L) shall be acceptable protection techniques for electrical and electronic equipment in hazardous (classified) locations.
This protection technique shall be permitted for equipment in any hazardous (classified) location for which it is identified.
This protection technique shall be permitted for equipment in Class I, Division 1 or 2; or Class II, Division 1 or 2; or Class III, Division 1 or 2 locations. The provisions of Articles 501 through 503 and Articles 510 through 516 shall not be considered applicable to such installations, except as required by Article 504, and installation of intrinsically safe apparatus and wiring shall be in accordance with the requirements of Article 504.
This protection technique shall be permitted for current-interrupting contacts in Class I, Division 2 locations as described in 501.115(B)(1)(2).
A combustible gas detection system shall be permitted as a means of protection in industrial establishments with restricted public access and where the conditions of maintenance and supervision ensure that only qualified persons service the installation. Where such a system is installed, equipment specified in 500.7(K)(1), (K)(2), or (K)(3) shall be permitted.
The type of detection equipment, its listing, installation location(s), alarm and shutdown criteria, and calibration frequency shall be documented where combustible gas detectors are used as a protection technique.
Informational Note No. 1: For further information, see ANSI/ISA-60079-29-1 (12.13.01)-2013, Explosive Atmospheres — Part 29—1: Gas detectors — Performance requirements of detectors for flammable gases.
Informational Note No. 2: For further information, see ANSI/API RP 500—2012, Recommended Practice for Classification of Locations for Electrical Installations at Petroleum Facilities Classified as Class I, Division I or Division 2.
Informational Note No. 3: For further information, see ANSI/ISA-60079-29-2 (12.13.02)-2012, Explosive Atmospheres — Part 29—2: Gas detectors — Selection, installation, use and maintenance of detectors for flammable gases and oxygen.
Informational Note No. 4: For further information, see ISA-TR12.13.03-2009, Guide for Combustible Gas Detection as a Method of Protection.
In a Class I, Division 1 location that is so classified due to inadequate ventilation, electrical equipment suitable for Class I, Division 2 locations shall be permitted. Combustible gas detection equipment shall be listed for Class I, Division 1, for the appropriate material group, and for the detection of the specific gas or vapor to be encountered.
In a building located in, or with an opening into, a Class I, Division 2 location where the interior does not contain a source of flammable gas or vapor, electrical equipment for unclassified locations shall be permitted. Combustible gas detection equipment shall be listed for Class I, Division 1 or Class I, Division 2, for the appropriate material group, and for the detection of the specific gas or vapor to be encountered.
In the interior of a control panel containing instrumentation utilizing or measuring flammable liquids, gases, or vapors, electrical equipment suitable for Class I, Division 2 locations shall be permitted. Combustible gas detection equipment shall be listed for Class I, Division 1, for the appropriate material group, and for the detection of the specific gas or vapor to be encountered.
Other protection techniques used in equipment identified for use in hazardous (classified) locations.
Articles 500 through 504 require equipment construction and installation that ensure safe performance under conditions of proper use and maintenance.
Informational Note No. 1: It is important that inspection authorities and users exercise more than ordinary care with regard to installation and maintenance.
Informational Note No. 2: Since there is no consistent relationship between explosion properties and ignition temperature, the two are independent requirements.
Informational Note No. 3: Low ambient conditions require special consideration. Explosionproof or dust-ignitionproof equipment may not be suitable for use at temperatures lower than -25°C (-13°F) unless they are identified for low-temperature service. However, at low ambient temperatures, flammable concentrations of vapors may not exist in a location classified as Class I, Division 1 at normal ambient temperature.
Suitability of identified equipment shall be determined by one of the following:
- Equipment listing or labeling
- Evidence of equipment evaluation from a qualified testing laboratory or inspection agency concerned with product evaluation
- Evidence acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction such as a manufacturer's self-evaluation or an owner's engineering judgment
Informational Note: Additional documentation for equipment may include certificates demonstrating compliance with applicable equipment standards, indicating special conditions of use, and other pertinent information. Guidelines for certificates may be found in ANSI/UL 120002:2014, Certificate Standard for AEx Equipment for Hazardous (Classified) Locations.
Equipment shall be identified not only for the class of location but also for the explosive, combustible, or ignitible properties of the specific gas, vapor, dust, or fibers/flyings that will be present. In addition, Class I equipment shall not have any exposed surface that operates at a temperature in excess of the autoignition temperature of the specific gas or vapor. Class II equipment shall not have an external temperature higher than that specified in 500.8(D)(2). Class III equipment shall not exceed the maximum surface temperatures specified in 503.5.
Informational Note: Luminaires and other heat-producing apparatus, switches, circuit breakers, and plugs and receptacles are potential sources of ignition and are investigated for suitability in classified locations. Such types of equipment, as well as cable terminations for entry into explosionproof enclosures, are available as listed for Class I, Division 2 locations. Fixed wiring, however, may utilize wiring methods that are not evaluated with respect to classified locations. Wiring products such as cable, raceways, boxes, and fittings, therefore, are not marked as being suitable for Class I, Division 2 locations. Also see 500.8(C)(6)(a).
Equipment that has been identified for a Division 1 location shall be permitted in a Division 2 location of the same class, group, and temperature class and shall comply with (a) or (b) as applicable.
(a) Intrinsically safe apparatus having a control drawing requiring the installation of associated apparatus for a Division 1 installation shall be permitted to be installed in a Division 2 location if the same associated apparatus is used for the Division 2 installation.
Equipment that depends on a single compression seal, diaphragm, or tube to prevent flammable or combustible fluids from entering the equipment shall be identified for a Class I, Division 2 location even if installed in an unclassified location. Equipment installed in a Class I, Division 1 location shall be identified for the Class I, Division 1 location.
Unless otherwise specified, normal operating conditions for motors shall be assumed to be rated full-load steady conditions.
Where flammable gases, flammable liquid-produced vapors, combustible liquid-produced vapors, or combustible dusts are or may be present at the same time, the simultaneous presence of both shall be considered when determining the safe operating temperature of the electrical equipment.
Informational Note: The characteristics of various atmospheric mixtures of gases, vapors, and dusts depend on the specific material involved.
Equipment shall be marked to show the environment for which it has been evaluated. Unless otherwise specified or allowed in (C)(6), the marking shall include the information specified in (C)(1) through (C)(5).
The marking shall specify the division if the equipment is suitable for Division 2 only. Equipment suitable for Division 1 shall be permitted to omit the division marking.
Informational Note: Equipment not marked to indicate a division, or marked "Division 1" or "Div. 1," is suitable for both Division 1 and 2 locations; see 500.8(B)(2). Equipment marked "Division 2" or "Div. 2" is suitable for Division 2 locations only.
The marking shall specify the applicable material classification group(s) or specific gas, vapor, dust, or fiber/flying in accordance with 500.6.
Exception: Fixed luminaires marked for use only in Class I, Division 2 or Class II, Division 2 locations shall not be required to indicate the group.
Informational Note: A specific gas, vapor, dust, or fiber/flying is typically identified by the generic name, chemical formula, CAS number, or combination thereof.
The marking shall specify the temperature class or operating temperature at a 40°C ambient temperature, or at the higher ambient temperature if the equipment is rated and marked for an ambient temperature of greater than 40°C. For equipment installed in a Class II, Division 1 location, the temperature class or operating temperature shall be based on operation of the equipment when blanketed with the maximum amount of dust that can accumulate on the equipment. The temperature class, if provided, shall be indicated using the temperature class (T codes) shown in Table 500.8(C). Equipment for Class I and Class II shall be marked with the maximum safe operating temperature, as determined by simultaneous exposure to the combinations of Class I and Class II conditions.
Exception: Equipment of the non-heat-producing type, such as junction boxes, conduit, and fittings, and equipment of the heat-producing type having a maximum temperature not more than 100°C shall not be required to have a marked operating temperature or temperature class.
Informational Note: More than one marked temperature class or operating temperature, for gases and vapors, dusts, and different ambient temperatures, may appear.
Table 500.8(C) Classification of Maximum Surface Temperature
| Maximum Temperature | Temperature Class (T Code) | |
|---|---|---|
| °C | °F | |
| 450 | 842 | T1 |
| 300 | 572 | T2 |
| 280 | 536 | T2A |
| 260 | 500 | T2B |
| 230 | 446 | T2C |
| 215 | 419 | T2D |
| 200 | 392 | T3 |
| 180 | 356 | T3A |
| 165 | 329 | T3B |
| 160 | 320 | T3C |
| 135 | 275 | T4 |
| 120 | 248 | T4A |
| 100 | 212 | T5 |
| 85 | 185 | T6 |
Informational Note: As an example, such a marking might be "—30°C ≤ Ta ≤ +40°C."
Electrical equipment designed for use in the ambient temperature range between —25°C to +40°C shall require no ambient temperature marking. For equipment rated for a temperature range other than —25°C to +40°C, the marking shall specify the special range of ambient temperatures in degrees Celsius. The marking shall include either the symbol "Ta" or "Tamb."
(a) General-Purpose Equipment. Fixed general-purpose equipment in Class I locations, other than fixed luminaires, that is acceptable for use in Class I, Division 2 locations shall not be required to be marked with the class, division, group, temperature class, or ambient temperature range.
(b) Dusttight Equipment. Fixed dusttight equipment, other than fixed luminaires, that is acceptable for use in Class II, Division 2 and Class III locations shall not be required to be marked with the class, division, group, temperature class, or ambient temperature range.
(c) Associated Apparatus. Associated intrinsically safe apparatus and associated nonincendive field wiring apparatus that are not protected by an alternative type of protection shall not be marked with the class, division, group, or temperature class. Associated intrinsically safe apparatus and associated nonincendive field wiring apparatus shall be marked with the class, division, and group of the apparatus to which it is to be connected.
(d) Simple Apparatus. "Simple apparatus" as defined in Article 504, shall not be required to be marked with class, division, group, temperature class, or ambient temperature range.
The temperature marking specified in 500.8(C) shall not exceed the autoignition temperature of the specific gas or vapor to be encountered.
Informational Note: For information regarding autoignition temperatures of gases and vapors, see NFPA 497-2013, Recommended Practice for the Classification of Flammable Liquids, Gases, or Vapors, and of Hazardous (Classified) Locations for Electrical Installations in Chemical Process Areas.
The temperature marking specified in 500.8(C) shall be less than the ignition temperature of the specific dust to be encountered. For organic dusts that may dehydrate or carbonize, the temperature marking shall not exceed the lower of either the ignition temperature or 165°C (329°F).
Informational Note: See NFPA 499-2013, Recommended Practice for the Classification of Combustible Dusts and of Hazardous (Classified) Locations for Electrical Installations in Chemical Process Areas, for minimum ignition temperatures of specific dusts.
The supply connection entry thread form shall be NPT or metric. Conduit and fittings shall be made wrench-tight to prevent sparking when fault current flows through the conduit system, and to ensure the explosionproof integrity of the conduit system where applicable. Equipment provided with threaded entries for field wiring connections shall be installed in accordance with 500.8(E)(1) or (E)(2) and with (E)(3).
For equipment provided with threaded entries for NPT-threaded conduit or fittings, listed conduit, listed conduit fittings, or listed cable fittings shall be used. All NPT-threaded conduit and fittings shall be threaded with a National (American) Standard Pipe Taper (NPT) thread.
NPT-threaded entries into explosionproof equipment shall be made up with at least five threads fully engaged.
Exception: For listed explosionproof equipment, joints with factory-threaded NPT entries shall be made up with at least four and one-half threads fully engaged.
Informational Note No. 1: Thread specifications for male NPT threads are located in ASME B1.20.1-2013, Pipe Threads, General Purpose (Inch).
Informational Note No. 2: Female NPT-threaded entries use a modified National Standard Pipe Taper (NPT) thread with thread form per ASME B1.20.1-2013, Pipe Threads, General Purpose (Inch). See ANSI/UL 1203-2009, Explosionproof and Dust-Ignition-Proof Electrical Equipment for Use in Hazardous (Classified) Locations.
For equipment with metric-threaded entries, listed conduit fittings or listed cable fittings shall be used. Such entries shall be identified as being metric, or listed adapters to permit connection to conduit or NPT-threaded fittings shall be provided with the equipment and shall be used for connection to conduit or NPT-threaded fittings.
Metric-threaded fittings installed into explosionproof equipment shall have a class of fit of at least 6g/6H and shall be made up with at least five threads fully engaged.
Informational Note: Threading specifications for metric-threaded entries are located in ISO 965-1-2013, ISO general purpose metric screw threads — Tolerances — Part 1: Principles and basic data, and ISO 965-3-1998, ISO general purpose metric screw threads — Tolerances — Part 3: Deviations for constructional screw threads.
All unused openings shall be closed with listed metal close-up plugs. The plug engagement shall comply with 500.8(E)(1) or (E)(2).
An optical fiber cable, with or without current-carrying conductors (composite optical fiber cable), shall be installed to address the associated fire hazard and sealed to address the associated explosion hazard in accordance with the requirements of Article 500, 501, 502, or 503, as applicable.
Articles 510 through 517 cover garages, aircraft hangars, motor fuel dispensing facilities, bulk storage plants, spray application, dipping and coating processes, and health care facilities.
Article 501 covers the requirements for electrical and electronic equipment and wiring for all voltages in Class I, Division 1 and 2 locations where fire or explosion hazards may exist due to flammable gases or vapors or flammable liquids.
Equipment listed and marked in accordance with 505.9(C)(2) for use in Zone 0, 1, or 2 locations shall be permitted in Class I, Division 2 locations for the same gas and with a suitable temperature class. Equipment listed and marked in accordance with 505.9(C)(2) for use in Zone 0 locations shall be permitted in Class I, Division 1 or Division 2 locations for the same gas and with a suitable temperature class.
Wiring methods shall comply with 501.10(A) or (B).
In Class I, Division 1 locations, the wiring methods in (a) through (c) shall be permitted.
Exception: Type PVC conduit, Type RTRC conduit, and Type HDPE conduit shall be permitted where encased in a concrete envelope a minimum of 50 mm (2 in.) thick and provided with not less than 600 mm (24 in.) of cover measured from the top of the conduit to grade. The concrete encasement shall be permitted to be omitted where subject to the provisions of 514.8, Exception No. 2, or 515.8(A). Threaded rigid metal conduit or threaded steel intermediate metal conduit shall be used for the last 600 mm (24 in.) of the underground run to emergence or to the point of connection to the aboveground raceway. An equipment grounding conductor shall be included to provide for electrical continuity of the raceway system and for grounding of non-current-carrying metal parts.
(a) Threaded rigid metal conduit or threaded steel intermediate metal conduit.
(b) Type MI cable terminated with fittings listed for the location. Type MI cable shall be installed and supported in a manner to avoid tensile stress at the termination fittings.
(c) Optical fiber cable Types OFNP, OFCP, OFNR, OFCR, OFNG, OFCG, OFN and OFC shall be permitted to be installed in raceways in accordance with 501.10(A). These optical fiber cables shall be sealed in accordance with 501.15.
Exception: Type PVC conduit, Type RTRC conduit, and Type HDPE conduit shall be permitted where encased in a concrete envelope a minimum of 50 mm (2 in.) thick and provided with not less than 600 mm (24 in.) of cover measured from the top of the conduit to grade. The concrete encasement shall be permitted to be omitted where subject to the provisions of 514.8, Exception No. 2, or 515.8(A). Threaded rigid metal conduit or threaded steel intermediate metal conduit shall be used for the last 600 mm (24 in.) of the underground run to emergence or to the point of connection to the aboveground raceway. An equipment grounding conductor shall be included to provide for electrical continuity of the raceway system and for grounding of non-current-carrying metal parts.
Where necessary to employ flexible connections, as at motor terminals, one of the following shall be permitted:
- Flexible fittings listed for the locations
- Flexible cord in accordance with the provisions of 501.140, terminated with cord connectors listed for the location.
All boxes and fittings shall be approved for Class I, Division 1.
Informational Note: For entry into enclosures required to be explosionproof, see the information on construction, testing, and marking of cables, explosionproof cable fittings, and explosionproof cord connectors in ANSI/UL 2225-2011, Cables and Cable-Fittings for Use in Hazardous (Classified) Locations.
In Class I, Division 2 locations, the following wiring methods shall be permitted:
- All wiring methods permitted in 501.10(A).
- Enclosed gasketed busways and enclosed gasketed wireways.
- Type PLTC and Type PLTC-ER cable in accordance with the provisions of Article 725. The cable shall be terminated with listed fittings.
- Type MV and the cable shall be terminated with listed fittings.
- Optical fiber cable Types OFNP, OFCP, OFNR, OFCR, OFNG, OFCG, OFN, and OFC shall be permitted to be installed in any raceway in accordance with 501.10(B). Optical fiber cables shall be sealed in accordance with 501.15.
Where provision must be made for limited flexibility, one or more of the following shall be permitted:
- Listed flexible metal fittings.
- Flexible metal conduit with listed fittings.
- Liquidtight flexible metal conduit with listed fittings.
- Flexible cord listed for extra-hard usage and terminated with listed fittings. A conductor for use as an equipment grounding conductor shall be included in the flexible cord.
- For elevator use, an identified elevator cable of Type EO, ETP, or ETT, shown under the "use" column in Table 400.4 for "hazardous (classified) locations" and terminated with listed fittings.
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.
Informational Note: Simple apparatus is defined in 504.2.
Separate nonincendive field wiring circuits shall be installed in accordance with one of the following:
Boxes and fittings shall not be required to be explosionproof except as required by 501.105(B)(2), 501.115(B)(1) , and 501.150(B)(1).
Informational Note: For entry into enclosures required to be explosionproof, see the information on construction, testing, and marking of cables, explosionproof cable fittings, and explosionproof cord connectors in ANSI/UL 2225-2011, Cables and Cable-Fittings for Use in Hazardous (Classified) Locations.
Seals in conduit and cable systems shall comply with 501.15(A) through (F). Sealing compound shall be used in Type MI cable termination fittings to exclude moisture and other fluids from the cable insulation.
Informational Note No. 1: Seals are provided in conduit and cable systems to minimize the passage of gases and vapors and prevent the passage of flames from one portion of the electrical installation to another through the conduit. Such communication through Type MI cable is inherently prevented by construction of the cable. Unless specifically designed and tested for the purpose, conduit and cable seals are not intended to prevent the passage of liquids, gases, or vapors at a continuous pressure differential across the seal. Even at differences in pressure across the seal equivalent to a few inches of water, there may be a slow passage of gas or vapor through a seal and through conductors passing through the seal. Temperature extremes and highly corrosive liquids and vapors can affect the ability of seals to perform their intended function.
Informational Note No. 2: Gas or vapor leakage and propagation of flames may occur through the interstices between the strands of standard stranded conductors larger than 2 AWG. Special conductor constructions, such as compacted strands or sealing of the individual strands, are means of reducing leakage and preventing the propagation of flames.
In Class I, Division 1 locations, conduit seals shall be located in accordance with 501.15(A)(1) through (A)(4).
Each conduit entry into an explosionproof enclosure shall have a conduit seal where either of the following conditions apply:
- The enclosure contains apparatus, such as switches, circuit breakers, fuses, relays, or resistors that may produce arcs, sparks, or temperatures that exceed 80 percent of the autoignition temperature, in degrees Celsius, of the gas or vapor involved in normal operation. Exception: Seals shall not be required for conduit entering an enclosure under any one of the following conditions:
- The switch, circuit breaker, fuse, relay, or resistor is enclosed within a chamber hermetically sealed against the entrance of gases or vapors.
- The switch, circuit breaker, fuse, relay, or resistor is immersed in oil in accordance with 501.115(B)(1)(2).
- The switch, circuit breaker, fuse, relay, or resistor is enclosed within an enclosure, identified for the location, and marked "Leads Factory Sealed," or "Factory Sealed," "Seal not Required," or equivalent.
- The switch, circuit breaker, fuse, relay, or resistor is part of a nonincendive circuit.
- The entry is metric designator 53 (trade size 2) or larger, and the enclosure contains terminals, splices, or taps.
An enclosure, identified for the location, and marked "Leads Factory Sealed", or "Factory Sealed," or "Seal not Required," or equivalent shall not be considered to serve as a seal for another adjacent enclosure that is required to have a conduit seal.
Conduit seals shall be installed within 450 mm (18 in.) from the enclosure or as required by the enclosure marking. Only explosionproof unions, couplings, reducers, elbows, and capped elbows that are not larger than the trade size of the conduit shall be permitted between the sealing fitting and the explosionproof enclosure.
Conduit seals shall be installed within 450 mm (18 in.) of the enclosure in each conduit entry into a pressurized enclosure where the conduit is not pressurized as part of the protection system.
Informational Note No. 1: Installing the seal as close as possible to the enclosure will reduce problems with purging the dead airspace in the pressurized conduit.
Informational Note No. 2: For further information, see NFPA 496-2013, Standard for Purged and Pressurized Enclosures for Electrical Equipment.
Where two or more explosionproof enclosures that require conduit seals are connected by nipples or runs of conduit not more than 900 mm (36 in.) long, a single conduit seal in each such nipple connection or run of conduit shall be considered sufficient if the seal is located not more than 450 mm (18 in.) from either enclosure.
A conduit seal shall be required in each conduit run leaving a Division 1 location. The sealing fitting shall be permitted to be installed on either side of the boundary within 3.05 m (10 ft) of the boundary, and it shall be designed and installed to minimize the amount of gas or vapor within the portion of the conduit installed in the Division 1 location that can be communicated beyond the seal. The conduit run between the conduit seal and the point at which the conduit leaves the Division 1 location shall contain no union, coupling, box, or other fitting except for a listed explosionproof reducer installed at the conduit seal.
Exception No. 1: Metal conduit that contains no unions, couplings, boxes, or fittings, that passes completely through a Division 1 location with no fittings installed within 300 mm (12 in.) of either side of the boundary, shall not require a conduit seal if the termination points of the unbroken conduit are located in unclassified locations.
Exception No. 2: For underground conduit installed in accordance with 300.5 where the boundary is below grade, the sealing fitting shall be permitted to be installed after the conduit emerges from below grade, but there shall be no union, coupling, box, or fitting, other than listed explosionproof reducers at the sealing fitting, in the conduit between the sealing fitting and the point at which the conduit emerges from below grade.
In Class I, Division 2 locations, conduit seals shall be located in accordance with 501.15(B)(1) and (B)(2).
For connections to enclosures that are required to be explosionproof, a conduit seal shall be provided in accordance with 501.15(A)(1)(1) and (A)(3). All portions of the conduit run or nipple between the seal and enclosure shall comply with 501.10(A).
A conduit seal shall be required in each conduit run leaving a Class I, Division 2 location. The sealing fitting shall be permitted to be installed on either side of the boundary within 3.05 m (10 ft) of the boundary and it shall be designed and installed to minimize the amount of gas or vapor within the portion of the conduit installed in the Division 2 location that can be communicated beyond the seal. Rigid metal conduit or threaded steel intermediate metal conduit shall be used between the sealing fitting and the point at which the conduit leaves the Division 2 location, and a threaded connection shall be used at the sealing fitting. The conduit run between the conduit seal and the point at which the conduit leaves the Division 2 location shall contain no union, coupling, box, or other fitting except for a listed explosionproof reducer installed at the conduit seal. Such seals shall not be required to be explosionproof but shall be identified for the purpose of minimizing the passage of gases permitted under normal operating conditions and shall be accessible.
Informational Note: For further information, refer to ANSI/UL 514B-2012, Conduit, Tubing, and Cable Fittings.
Exception No. 1: Metal conduit that contains no unions, couplings, boxes, or fittings, that passes completely through a Division 2 location with no fittings installed within 300 mm (12 in.) of either side of the boundary, shall not be required to be sealed if the termination points of the unbroken conduit are located in unclassified locations.
Exception No. 2: Conduit systems terminating in an unclassified location where the metal conduit transitions to cable tray, cablebus, ventilated busway, or Type MI cable, or to cable not installed in any cable tray or raceway system, shall not be required to be sealed where passing from the Division 2 location into the unclassified location under the following conditions:
- The unclassified location is outdoors, or the unclassified location is indoors and the conduit system is entirely in one room.
- The conduits shall not terminate at an enclosure containing an ignition source in normal operation.
Exception No. 3: Conduit systems passing from an enclosure or a room that is unclassified, as a result of pressurization, into a Division 2 location shall not require a seal at the boundary.
Informational Note: For further information, refer to NFPA 496-2013, Standard for Purged and Pressurized Enclosures for Electrical Equipment.
Exception No. 4: Segments of aboveground conduit systems shall not be required to be sealed where passing from a Division 2 location into an unclassified location if all of the following conditions are met:
- No part of the conduit system segment passes through a Division 1 location where the conduit segment contains unions, couplings, boxes, or fittings that are located within 300 mm (12 in.) of the Division 1 location.
- The conduit system segment is located entirely in outdoor locations.
- The conduit system segment is not directly connected to canned pumps, process or service connections for flow, pressure, or analysis measurement, and so forth, that depend on a single compression seal, diaphragm, or tube to prevent flammable or combustible fluids from entering the conduit system.
- The conduit system segment contains only threaded metal conduit, unions, couplings, conduit bodies, and fittings in the unclassified location.
- The conduit system segment is sealed at its entry to each enclosure or fitting located in the Division 2 location that contains terminals, splices, or taps.
Seals installed in Class I, Division 1 and Division 2 locations shall comply with 501.15(C)(1) through (C)(6).
Exception: Seals that are not required to be explosionproof by 501.15(B)(2) or 504.70 shall not be required to comply with 501.15(C).
Enclosures that contain connections or equipment shall be provided with an integral sealing means, or sealing fittings listed for the location shall be used. Sealing fittings shall be listed for use with one or more specific compounds and shall be accessible.
The compound shall provide a seal to minimize the passage of gas and/or vapors through the sealing fitting and shall not be affected by the surrounding atmosphere or liquids. The melting point of the compound shall not be less than 93°C (200°F).
The thickness of the sealing compound installed in completed seals, other than listed cable sealing fittings, shall not be less than the metric designator (trade size) of the sealing fitting expressed in the units of measurement employed; however, in no case shall the thickness of the compound be less than 16 mm (5/8 in.).
An entire assembly shall be identified for the location where the equipment that may produce arcs, sparks, or high temperatures is located in a compartment that is separate from the compartment containing splices or taps, and an integral seal is provided where conductors pass from one compartment to the other. In Division 1 locations, seals shall be provided in conduit connecting to the compartment containing splices or taps where required by 501.15(A)(1)(2).
The cross-sectional area of the conductors or optical fiber tubes (metallic or nonmetalic) permitted in a seal shall not exceed 25 percent of the cross-sectional area of a rigid metal conduit of the same trade size unless the seal is specifically identified for a higher percentage of fill.
Cables shall be sealed with sealing fittings that comply with 501.15(C) at all terminations. Type MC-HL cables with a gas/vaportight continuous corrugated metallic sheath and an overall jacket of suitable polymeric material shall be sealed with a listed fitting after the jacket and any other covering have been removed so that the sealing compound can surround each individual insulated conductor in such a manner as to minimize the passage of gases and vapors.
Seals for cables entering enclosures shall be installed within 450 mm (18 in.) of the enclosure or as required by the enclosure marking. Only explosionproof unions, couplings, reducers, elbows, and capped elbows that are not larger than the trade size of the enclosure entry shall be permitted between the sealing fitting and the enclosure.
Cables with a gas/vaportight continuous sheath capable of transmitting gases or vapors through the cable core, installed in conduit, shall be sealed in the Class 1, Division 1 location after the jacket and any other coverings have been removed so that the sealing compound can surround each individual insulated conductor or optical fiber tube and the outer jacket.
Exception: Multiconductor cables with a gas/vaportight continuous sheath capable of transmitting gases or vapors through the cable core shall be permitted to be considered as a single conductor by sealing the cable in the conduit within 450 mm (18 in.) of the enclosure and the cable end within the enclosure by an approved means to minimize the entrance of gases or vapors and prevent the propagation of flame into the cable core, or by other approved methods. It shall not be required to remove the shielding material or separate the twisted pairs of shielded cables and twisted pair cables.
In Division 2 locations, cable seals shall be located in accordance with 501.15(E)(1) through (E)(4).
Cables entering enclosures that are required to be explosionproof shall be sealed at the point of entrance. The sealing fitting shall comply with 501.15(B)(1) or be explosionproof. Multiconductor or optical multifiber cables with a gas/vaportight continuous sheath capable of transmitting gases or vapors through the cable core that are installed in a Division 2 location shall be sealed with a listed fitting after the jacket and any other coverings have been removed, so that the sealing compound can surround each individual insulated conductor or optical fiber tube in such a manner as to minimize the passage of gases and vapors. Multiconductor or optical multifiber cables installed in conduit shall be sealed as described in 501.15(D).
Cables that have a gas/vaportight continuous sheath and do not transmit gases or vapors through the cable core in excess of the quantity permitted for seal fittings shall not be required to be sealed except as required in 501.15(E)(1). The minimum length of such a cable run shall not be less than the length needed to limit gas or vapor flow through the cable core, excluding the interstices of the conductor strands, to the rate permitted for seal fittings [200 cm3/hr (0.007 ft3/hr) of air at a pressure of 1500 pascals (6 in. of water)].
Cables with a gas/vaportight continuous sheath capable of transmitting gases or vapors through the cable core shall not be required to be sealed except as required in 501.15(E)(1), unless the cable is attached to process equipment or devices that may cause a pressure in excess of 1500 pascals (6 in. of water) to be exerted at a cable end, in which case a seal, a barrier, or other means shall be provided to prevent migration of flammables into an unclassified location.
Where there is a probability that liquid or other condensed vapor may be trapped within enclosures for control equipment or at any point in the raceway system, approved means shall be provided to prevent accumulation or to permit periodic draining of such liquid or condensed vapor.
Where liquid or condensed vapor may accumulate within motors or generators, joints and conduit systems shall be arranged to minimize the entrance of liquid. If means to prevent accumulation or to permit periodic draining are necessary, such means shall be provided at the time of manufacture and shall be considered an integral part of the machine.
This section shall apply to process-connected equipment, which includes, but is not limited to, canned pumps, submersible pumps, flow, pressure, temperature, or analysis measurement instruments. A process seal is a device to prevent the migration of process fluids from the designed containment into the external electrical system. Process-connected electrical equipment that incorporates a single process seal, such as a single compression seal, diaphragm, or tube to prevent flammable or combustible fluids from entering a conduit or cable system capable of transmitting fluids, shall be provided with an additional means to mitigate a single process seal failure, The additional means may include, but is not limited to, the following:
- A suitable barrier meeting the process temperature and pressure conditions that the barrier will be subjected to upon failure of the single process seal. There shall be a vent or drain between the single process seal and the suitable barrier. Indication of the single process seal failure shall be provided by visible leakage, an audible whistle, or other means of monitoring.
- A listed Type MI cable assembly, rated at not less than 125 percent of the process pressure and not less than 125 percent of the maximum process temperature (in degrees Celsius), installed between the cable or conduit and the single process seal.
- A drain or vent located between the single process seal and a conduit or cable seal. The drain or vent shall be sufficiently sized to prevent overpressuring the conduit or cable seal above 6 in. water column (1493 Pa). Indication of the single process seal failure shall be provided by visible leakage, an audible whistle, or other means of monitoring.
- An add-on secondary seal marked "secondary seal" and rated for the pressure and temperature conditions to which it will be subjected upon failure of the single process seal.
Process-connected electrical equipment that does not rely on a single process seal or is listed and marked "single seal" or "dual seal" shall not be required to be provided with an additional means of sealing.
Informational Note: For construction and testing requirements for process sealing for listed and marked single seal, dual seal, or secondary seal equipment, refer to ANSI/ISA-12.27.01-2011, Requirements for Process Sealing Between Electrical Systems and Flammable or Combustible Process Fluids.
Where condensed vapors or liquids may collect on, or come in contact with, the insulation on conductors, such insulation shall be of a type identified for use under such conditions; or the insulation shall be protected by a sheath of lead or by other approved means.
There shall be no uninsulated exposed parts, such as electrical conductors, buses, terminals, or components, that operate at more than 30 volts (15 volts in wet locations). These parts shall additionally be protected by a protection technique according to 500.7(E), (F), or (G) that is suitable for the location.
The locknut-bushing and double-locknut types of contacts shall not be depended on for bonding purposes, but bonding jumpers with proper fittings or other approved means of bonding shall be used. Such means of bonding shall apply to all intervening raceways, fittings, boxes, enclosures, and so forth between Class I locations and the point of grounding for service equipment or point of grounding of a separately derived system.
Exception: The specific bonding means shall be required only to the nearest point where the grounded circuit conductor and the grounding electrode are connected together on the line side of the building or structure disconnecting means as specified in 250.32(B), provided the branch-circuit overcurrent protection is located on the load side of the disconnecting means.
Flexible metal conduit and liquidtight flexible metal conduit shall include an equipment bonding jumper of the wire type in compliance with 250.102.
Exception: In Class I, Division 2 locations, the bonding jumper shall be permitted to be deleted where all of the following conditions are met:
- Listed liquidtight flexible metal conduit 1.8 m (6 ft) or less in length, with fittings listed for grounding, is used.
- Overcurrent protection in the circuit is limited to 10 amperes or less.
- The load is not a power utilization load.
Surge arresters, surge-protective devices, and capacitors shall be installed in enclosures identified for Class I, Division 1 locations. Surge-protective capacitors shall be of a type designed for specific duty.
Surge arresters and surge-protective devices shall be nonarcing, such as metal-oxide varistor (MOV) sealed type, and surge-protective capacitors shall be of a type designed for specific duty. Enclosures shall be permitted to be of the general-purpose type. Surge protection of types other than described in this paragraph shall be installed in enclosures identified for Class I, Division 1 locations.
In Class I, Division 1 locations, transformers and capacitors shall comply with 501.100(A)(1) and (A)(2).
Transformers and capacitors containing a liquid that will burn shall be installed only in vaults that comply with 450.41 through 450.48 and with (1) through (4) as follows:
- There shall be no door or other communicating opening between the vault and the Division 1 location.
- Ample ventilation shall be provided for the continuous removal of flammable gases or vapors.
- Vent openings or ducts shall lead to a safe location outside of buildings.
- Vent ducts and openings shall be of sufficient area to relieve explosion pressures within the vault, and all portions of vent ducts within the buildings shall be of reinforced concrete construction.
Transformers and capacitors that do not contain a liquid that will burn shall be installed in vaults complying with 501.100(A)(1) or be identified for Class I locations.
In Class I, Division 1 locations, meters, instruments, and relays, including kilowatt-hour meters, instrument transformers, resistors, rectifiers, and thermionic tubes, shall be provided with enclosures identified for Class I, Division 1 locations. Enclosures for Class I, Division 1 locations include explosionproof enclosures and purged and pressurized enclosures.
Informational Note: See NFPA 496-2013, Standard for Purged and Pressurized Enclosures for Electrical Equipment.
In Class I, Division 2 locations, meters, instruments, and relays shall comply with 501.105(B)(2) through (B)(6).
Where an assembly is made up of components for which general-purpose enclosures are acceptable as provided in 501.105(B)(1), (B)(2), and (B)(3), a single general-purpose enclosure shall be acceptable for the assembly. Where such an assembly includes any of the equipment described in 501.105(B)(1), 501.105(B)(2), and 501.105(B)(3), the maximum obtainable surface temperature of any component of the assembly that exceeds 100°C shall be clearly and permanently indicated on the outside of the enclosure. Alternatively, equipment shall be permitted to be marked to indicate the temperature class for which it is suitable, using the temperature class (T Code) of Table 500.8(C).
Switches, circuit breakers, and make-and-break contacts of pushbuttons, relays, alarm bells, and horns shall have enclosures identified for Class I, Division 1 locations in accordance with 501.105(A).
Exception: General-purpose enclosures shall be permitted if current-interrupting contacts comply with one of the following:
- Are immersed in oil
- Are enclosed within a chamber that is hermetically sealed against the entrance of gases or vapors
- Are in nonincendive circuits
- Are listed for Division 2
Resistors, resistance devices, thermionic tubes, rectifiers, and similar equipment that are used in or in connection with meters, instruments, and relays shall comply with 501.105(A).
Exception: General-purpose-type enclosures shall be permitted if such equipment is without make-and-break or sliding contacts [other than as provided in 501.105(B)(2)] and if the marked maximum operating temperature of any exposed surface will not exceed 80 percent of the autoignition temperature in degrees Celsius of the gas or vapor involved or has been tested and found incapable of igniting the gas or vapor. This exception shall not apply to thermionic tubes.
Transformer windings, impedance coils, solenoids, and other windings that do not incorporate sliding or make-or-break contacts shall be provided with enclosures. General-purpose-type enclosures shall be permitted.
Where general-purpose enclosures are permitted in 501.105(B)(2) through (B)(4), fuses for overcurrent protection of instrument circuits not subject to overloading in normal use shall be permitted to be mounted in general-purpose enclosures if each such fuse is preceded by a switch complying with 501.105(B)(2).
To facilitate replacements, process control instruments shall be permitted to be connected through flexible cord by means of attachment plug and receptacle, provided that all of the following conditions apply:
- The attachment plug and receptacle are listed for use in Class I, Division 2 locations and for use with flexible cords and shall be of the locking and grounding type. Exception: A Class I, Division 2 listing shall not be required if the circuit is nonincendive field wiring.
- Unless the attachment plug and receptacle are interlocked mechanically or electrically, or otherwise designed so that they cannot be separated when the contacts are energized and the contacts cannot be energized when the plug and socket outlet are separated, a switch complying with 501.105(B)(2) is provided so that the attachment plug or receptacle is not depended on to interrupt current. Exception: The switch shall not be required if the circuit is nonincendive field wiring.
- The flexible cord does not exceed 900 mm (3 ft) and is of a type listed for extra-hard usage or for hard usage if protected by location, if applicable.
- Only necessary receptacles are provided.
- The circuit has a maximum current of 3 amps.
In Class I, Division 1 locations, switches, circuit breakers, motor controllers, and fuses, including pushbuttons, relays, and similar devices, shall be provided with enclosures, and the enclosure in each case, together with the enclosed apparatus, shall be identified as a complete assembly for use in Class I locations.
Switches, circuit breakers, motor controllers, and fuses in Class I, Division 2 locations shall comply with 501.115(B)(1) through (B)(4).
Circuit breakers, motor controllers, and switches intended to interrupt current in the normal performance of the function for which they are installed shall be provided with enclosures identified for Class I, Division 1 locations in accordance with 501.105(A), unless general-purpose enclosures are provided and any of the following apply:
- The interruption of current occurs within a chamber hermetically sealed against the entrance of gases and vapors.
- The current make-and-break contacts are oil-immersed and of the general-purpose type having a 50-mm (2-in.) minimum immersion for power contacts and a 25-mm (1-in.) minimum immersion for control contacts.
- The interruption of current occurs within an enclosure, identified for the location, and marked "Leads Factory Sealed", or "Factory Sealed", or "Seal not Required", or equivalent.
- The device is a solid state, switching control without contacts, where the surface temperature does not exceed 80 percent of the autoignition temperature in degrees Celsius of the gas or vapor involved.
Fused or unfused disconnect and isolating switches for transformers or capacitor banks that are not intended to interrupt current in the normal performance of the function for which they are installed shall be permitted to be installed in general-purpose enclosures.
For the protection of motors, appliances, and lamps, other than as provided in 501.115(B)(4), standard plug or cartridge fuses shall be permitted, provided they are placed within enclosures identified for the location; or fuses shall be permitted if they are within general-purpose enclosures, and if they are of a type in which the operating element is immersed in oil or other approved liquid, or the operating element is enclosed within a chamber hermetically sealed against the entrance of gases and vapors, or the fuse is a nonindicating, filled, current-limiting type.
Listed cartridge fuses shall be permitted as supplementary protection within luminaires.
Transformers, impedance coils, and resistors used as, or in conjunction with, control equipment for motors, generators, and appliances shall comply with 501.120(A) and (B).
In Class I, Division 1 locations, transformers, impedance coils, and resistors, together with any switching mechanism associated with them, shall be provided with enclosures identified for Class I, Division 1 locations in accordance with 501.105(A).
In Class I, Division 2 locations, control transformers and resistors shall comply with 501.120(B)(1) through (B)(3).
Switching mechanisms used in conjunction with transformers, impedance coils, and resistors shall comply with 501.115(B).
Enclosures for windings of transformers, solenoids, or impedance coils shall be permitted to be of the general-purpose type.
Resistors shall be provided with enclosures; and the assembly shall be identified for Class I locations, unless resistance is nonvariable and maximum operating temperature, in degrees Celsius, will not exceed 80 percent of the autoignition temperature of the gas or vapor involved or the resistor has been tested and found incapable of igniting the gas or vapor.
In Class I, Division 1 locations, motors, generators, and other rotating electrical machinery shall be one of the following:
- Identified for Class I, Division 1 locations
- Of the totally enclosed type supplied with positive-pressure ventilation from a source of clean air with discharge to a safe area, so arranged to prevent energizing of the machine until ventilation has been established and the enclosure has been purged with at least 10 volumes of air, and also arranged to automatically de-energize the equipment when the air supply fails
- Of the totally enclosed inert gas-filled type supplied with a suitable reliable source of inert gas for pressurizing the enclosure, with devices provided to ensure a positive pressure in the enclosure and arranged to automatically de-energize the equipment when the gas supply fails
- For machines that are for use only in industrial establishments with restricted public access, where the conditions of maintenance and supervision ensure that only qualified persons service the installation, the machine is permitted to be of a type designed to be submerged in a liquid that is flammable only when vaporized and mixed with air, or in a gas or vapor at a pressure greater than atmospheric and that is flammable only when mixed with air; and the machine is so arranged to prevent energizing it until it has been purged with the liquid or gas to exclude air, and also arranged to automatically de-energize the equipment when the supply of liquid or gas or vapor fails or the pressure is reduced to atmospheric
Totally enclosed motors of the types specified in 501.125(A)(2) or (A)(3) shall have no external surface with an operating temperature in degrees Celsius in excess of 80 percent of the autoignition temperature of the gas or vapor involved. Appropriate devices shall be provided to detect and automatically de-energize the motor or provide an adequate alarm if there is any increase in temperature of the motor beyond designed limits. Auxiliary equipment shall be of a type identified for the location in which it is installed.
In Class I, Division 2 locations, motors, generators, and other rotating electrical machinery shall comply with (1), (2), or (3). They shall also comply with (4) and (5), if applicable.
- Be identified for Class I, Division 2 locations, or
- Be identified for Class I, Division 1 locations where sliding contacts, centrifugal or other types of switching mechanism (including motor overcurrent, overloading, and overtemperature devices), or integral resistance devices, either while starting or while running, are employed, or
- Be open or nonexplosionproof enclosed motors, such as squirrel-cage induction motors without brushes, switching mechanisms, or similar arc-producing devices that are not identified for use in a Class I, Division 2 location.
- The exposed surface of space heaters used to prevent condensation of moisture during shutdown periods shall not exceed 80 percent of the autoignition temperature in degrees Celsius of the gas or vapor involved when operated at rated voltage, and the maximum space heater surface temperature [based on a 40°C or higher marked ambient] shall be permanently marked on a visible nameplate mounted on the motor. Otherwise, space heaters shall be identified for Class I, Division 2 locations.
- A sliding contact shaft bonding device used for the purpose of maintaining the rotor at ground potential, shall be permitted where the potential discharge energy is determined to be nonincendive for the application. The shaft bonding device shall be permitted to be installed on the inside or the outside of the motor.
Informational Note No. 1: It is important to consider the temperature of internal and external surfaces that may be exposed to the flammable atmosphere.
Informational Note No. 2: It is important to consider the risk of ignition due to currents arcing across discontinuities and overheating of parts in multisection enclosures of large motors and generators. Such motors and generators may need equipotential bonding jumpers across joints in the enclosure and from enclosure to ground. Where the presence of ignitible gases or vapors is suspected, clean-air purging may be needed immediately prior to and during start-up periods.
Informational Note No. 3: For further information on the application of electric motors in Class I, Division 2 hazardous (classified) locations, see IEEE 1349-2011, IEEE Guide for the Application of Electric Motors in Class I, Division 2 and Class I, Zone 2 Hazardous (Classified) Locations.
Informational Note No. 4: Reciprocating engine-driven generators, compressors, and other equipment installed in Class I, Division 2 locations may present a risk of ignition of flammable materials associated with fuel, starting, compression, and so forth, due to inadvertent release or equipment malfunction by the engine ignition system and controls. For further information on the requirements for ignition systems for reciprocating engines installed in Class I, Division 2 hazardous (classified) locations, see ANSI/UL 122001-2014, General Requirements for Electrical Ignition Systems for Internal Combustion Engines in Class I, Division 2 or Zone 2, Hazardous (Classified) Locations.
Informational Note No. 5: For details of the evaluation process to determine incendivity, refer to Annex A and Figure A1 of UL 1836—2014, Outline of Investigation for Electric Motors and Generators for Use in Class I, Division 2, Class I, Zone 2, Class II, Division 2 and Zone 22 Hazardous (Classified) Locations.
Luminaires shall comply with 501.130(A) or (B).
Each luminaire shall be identified as a complete assembly for the Class I, Division 1 location and shall be clearly marked to indicate the maximum wattage of lamps for which it is identified. Luminaires intended for portable use shall be specifically listed as a complete assembly for that use.
Pendant luminaires shall be suspended by and supplied through threaded rigid metal conduit stems or threaded steel intermediate conduit stems, and threaded joints shall be provided with set-screws or other effective means to prevent loosening. For stems longer than 300 mm (12 in.), permanent and effective bracing against lateral displacement shall be provided at a level not more than 300 mm (12 in.) above the lower end of the stem, or flexibility in the form of a fitting or flexible connector identified for the Class I, Division 1 location shall be provided not more than 300 mm (12 in.) from the point of attachment to the supporting box or fitting.
Boxes, box assemblies, or fittings used for the support of luminaires shall be identified for Class I locations.
Where lamps are of a size or type that may, under normal operating conditions, reach surface temperatures exceeding 80 percent of the autoignition temperature in degrees Celsius of the gas or vapor involved, luminaires shall comply with 501.130(A)(1) or shall be of a type that has been tested in order to determine the marked operating temperature or temperature class (T code).
Luminaires shall be protected from physical damage by suitable guards or by location. Where there is danger that falling sparks or hot metal from lamps or luminaires might ignite localized concentrations of flammable vapors or gases, suitable enclosures or other effective protective means shall be provided.
Pendant luminaires shall be suspended by threaded rigid metal conduit stems, threaded steel intermediate metal conduit stems, or other approved means. For rigid stems longer than 300 mm (12 in.), permanent and effective bracing against lateral displacement shall be provided at a level not more than 300 mm (12 in.) above the lower end of the stem, or flexibility in the form of an identified fitting or flexible connector shall be provided not more than 300 mm (12 in.) from the point of attachment to the supporting box or fitting.
Portable lighting equipment shall comply with 501.130(B)(1).
Exception: Where portable lighting equipment is mounted on movable stands and is connected by flexible cords, as covered in 501.140, it shall be permitted to comply with 501.130(B)(1), where mounted in any position, provided that it also complies with 501.130(B)(2).
Switches that are a part of an assembled fixture or of an individual lampholder shall comply with 501.115(B)(1).
Starting and control equipment for electric-discharge lamps shall comply with 501.120(B).
Exception: A thermal protector potted into a thermally protected fluorescent lamp ballast if the luminaire is identified for the location.
In Class I, Division 1 locations, all utilization equipment shall be identified for Class I, Division 1 locations.
In Class I, Division 2 locations, all utilization equipment shall comply with 501.135(B)(1) through (B)(3).
Electrically heated utilization equipment shall conform with either item (1) or item (2):
- The heater shall not exceed 80 percent of the autoignition temperature in degrees Celsius of the gas or vapor involved on any surface that is exposed to the gas or vapor when continuously energized at the maximum rated ambient temperature. If a temperature controller is not provided, these conditions shall apply when the heater is operated at 120 percent of rated voltage. Exception No. 1: For motor-mounted anticondensation space heaters, see 501.125.Exception No. 2: Where a current-limiting device is applied to the circuit serving the heater to limit the current in the heater to a value less than that required to raise the heater surface temperature to 80 percent of the autoignition temperature.
- The heater shall be identified for Class I, Division 1 locations.
Exception to (2): Electrical resistance heat tracing identified for Class I, Division 2 locations.
Motors of motor-driven utilization equipment shall comply with 501.125(B).
Switches, circuit breakers, and fuses shall comply with 501.115(B).
Flexible cord shall be permitted:
- For connection between portable lighting equipment or other portable utilization equipment and the fixed portion of their supply circuit. The flexible cord shall be attached to the utilization equipment with a cord connector listed for the protection technique of the equipment wiring compartment. An attachment plug in accordance with 501.140(B)(4) shall be employed.
- For that portion of the circuit where the fixed wiring methods of 501.10(A) cannot provide the necessary degree of movement for fixed and mobile electrical utilization equipment, and the flexible cord is protected by location or by a suitable guard from damage and only in an industrial establishment where conditions of maintenance and engineering supervision ensure that only qualified persons install and service the installation.
- For electric submersible pumps with means for removal without entering the wet-pit. The extension of the flexible cord within a suitable raceway between the wet-pit and the power source shall be permitted.
- For electric mixers intended for travel into and out of open-type mixing tanks or vats.
- For temporary portable assemblies consisting of receptacles, switches, and other devices that are not considered portable utilization equipment but are individually listed for the location.
Where flexible cords are used, the cords shall comply with all of the following:
- Be of a type listed for extra-hard usage
- Contain, in addition to the conductors of the circuit, an equipment grounding conductor complying with 400.23
- Be supported by clamps or by other suitable means in such a manner that there is no tension on the terminal connections
- In Division 1 locations or in Division 2 locations where the boxes, fittings, or enclosures are required to be explosionproof, the cord shall be terminated with a cord connector or attachment plug listed for the location or a listed cord connector installed with a seal listed for the location. In Division 2 locations where explosionproof equipment is not required, the cord shall be terminated with a listed cord connector or listed attachment plug.
- Be of continuous length. Where 501.140(A)(5) is applied, cords shall be of continuous length from the power source to the temporary portable assembly and from the temporary portable assembly to the utilization equipment.
Informational Note: See 501.20 for flexible cords exposed to liquids having a deleterious effect on the conductor insulation.
Attachment plugs shall be of the type providing for connection to the equipment grounding conductor of a permitted flexible cord and shall be identified for the location.
In Class I, Division 2 locations, signaling, alarm, remote-control, and communications systems shall comply with 501.150(B)(1) through (B)(4).
Switches, circuit breakers, and make-and-break contacts of pushbuttons, relays, alarm bells, and horns shall have enclosures identified for Class I, Division 1 locations in accordance with 501.105(A).
Exception: General-purpose enclosures shall be permitted if current-interrupting contacts are one of the following:
- Immersed in oil
- Enclosed within a chamber hermetically sealed against the entrance of gases or vapors
- In nonincendive circuits
- Part of a listed nonincendive component
Resistors, resistance devices, thermionic tubes, rectifiers, and similar equipment shall comply with 501.105(B)(3).
Enclosures shall be provided for lightning protective devices and for fuses. Such enclosures shall be permitted to be of the general-purpose type.
Article 502 covers the requirements for electrical and electronic equipment and wiring for all voltages in Class II, Division 1 and 2 locations where fire or explosion hazards may exist due to combustible dust.
Explosionproof equipment and wiring shall not be required and shall not be acceptable in Class II locations unless also identified for such locations.
Equipment listed and marked in accordance with 506.9(C)(2) for Zone 20 locations shall be permitted in Class II, Division 1 locations for the same dust atmosphere; and with a suitable temperature class.
Equipment listed and marked in accordance with 506.9(C)(2) for Zone 20, 21, or 22 locations shall be permitted in Class II, Division 2 locations for the same dust atmosphere and with a suitable temperature class.
Wiring methods shall comply with 502.10(A) or (B).
In Class II, Division 1 locations, the wiring methods in (1) through (4) shall be permitted:
- Threaded rigid metal conduit, or threaded steel intermediate metal conduit.
- Type MI cable with termination fittings listed for the location. Type MI cable shall be installed and supported in a manner to avoid tensile stress at the termination fittings.
- Optical fiber cable Types OFNP, OFCP, OFNR, OFCR, OFNG, OFCG, OFN, and OFC shall be permitted to be installed in raceways in accordance with 502.10(A). Optical fiber cables shall be sealed in accordance with 502.15.
Where necessary to employ flexible connections, one or more of the following shall also be permitted:
- Dust-tight flexible connectors.
- Liquidtight flexible metal conduit with listed fittings.
- Interlocked armor Type MC cable having an overall jacket of suitable polymeric material and provided with termination fittings listed for Class II, Division 1 locations.
- Flexible cord listed for extra-hard usage and terminated with listed dust-tight fittings. Where flexible cords are used, they shall comply with 502.140.
Boxes and fittings shall be provided with threaded bosses for connection to conduit or cable terminations and shall be dusttight. Boxes and fittings in which taps, joints, or terminal connections are made, or that are used in Group E locations, shall be identified for Class II locations.
Informational Note: For entry into enclosures required to be dust-ignitionproof, see the information on construction, testing, and marking of cables, dust-ignitionproof cable fittings, and dust-ignitionproof cord connectors in ANSI/UL 2225-2011, Cables and Cable-Fittings for Use in Hazardous (Classified) Locations.
In Class II, Division 2 locations, the following wiring methods shall be permitted:
- All wiring methods permitted in 502.10(A).
- Rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, electrical metallic tubing, dust-tight wireways.
- Type MI cable with listed termination fittings.
- Type PLTC and Type PLTC-ER cable in accordance with the provisions of Article 725, including installation in cable tray systems. The cable shall be terminated with listed fittings.
- Type ITC and Type ITC-ER cable as permitted in 727.4 and terminated with listed fittings.
- Type MI, MV, TC, or TC-ER cable installed in ladder, ventilated trough, or ventilated channel cable trays in a single layer, with a space not less than the larger cable diameter between the two adjacent cables, shall be the wiring method employed.
- Optical fiber cable Types OFNP, OFCP, OFNR, OFCR, OFNG, OFCG, OFN, and OFC shall be permitted to be installed in cable trays or any other raceways in accordance with 502.10(A). Optical fiber cables shall be sealed in accordance with 502.15
Where provision must be made for flexibility, 502.10(A)(2) shall apply.
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.
Informational Note: Simple apparatus is defined in 504.2.
Separate nonincendive field wiring circuits shall be installed in accordance with one of the following:
All boxes and fittings shall be dust-tight.
Where a raceway provides communication between an enclosure that is required to be dust-ignitionproof and one that is not, suitable means shall be provided to prevent the entrance of dust into the dust-ignitionproof enclosure through the raceway. One of the following means shall be permitted:
- A permanent and effective seal
- A horizontal raceway not less than 3.05 m (10 ft) long
- A vertical raceway not less than 1.5 m (5 ft) long and extending downward from the dust-ignitionproof enclosure
- A raceway installed in a manner equivalent to (2) or (3) that extends only horizontally and downward from the dust-ignition proof enclosures
Where a raceway provides communication between an enclosure that is required to be dust-ignitionproof and an enclosure in an unclassified location, seals shall not be required.
Sealing fittings shall be accessible.
Seals shall not be required to be explosionproof.
Informational Note: Electrical sealing putty is a method of sealing.
There shall be no uninsulated exposed parts, such as electrical conductors, buses, terminals, or components, that operate at more than 30 volts (15 volts in wet locations). These parts shall additionally be protected by a protection technique according to 500.7(E), (F), or (G) that is suitable for the location.
The locknut-bushing and double-locknut types of contact shall not be depended on for bonding purposes, but bonding jumpers with proper fittings or other approved means of bonding shall be used. Such means of bonding shall apply to all intervening raceways, fittings, boxes, enclosures, and so forth, between Class II locations and the point of grounding for service equipment or point of grounding of a separately derived system.
Exception: The specific bonding means shall only be required to the nearest point where the grounded circuit conductor and the grounding electrode conductor are connected together on the line side of the building or structure disconnecting means as specified in 250.32(B) if the branch-circuit overcurrent protection is located on the load side of the disconnecting means.
Liquidtight flexible metal conduit shall include an equipment bonding jumper of the wire type in compliance with 250.102.
Exception: In Class II, Division 2 locations, the bonding jumper shall be permitted to be deleted where all of the following conditions are met:
- Listed liquidtight flexible metal conduit 1.8 m (6 ft) or less in length, with fittings listed for grounding, is used.
- Overcurrent protection in the circuit is limited to 10 amperes or less.
- The load is not a power utilization load.
Surge arresters and surge-protective devices installed in a Class II, Division 1 location shall be in suitable enclosures. Surge-protective capacitors shall be of a type designed for specific duty.
In Class II, Division 1 locations, transformers and capacitors shall comply with 502.100(A)(1) through (A)(3).
Transformers and capacitors containing a liquid that will burn shall be installed only in vaults complying with 450.41 through 450.48, and, in addition, (1), (2), and (3) shall apply.
- Doors or other openings communicating with the Division 1 location shall have self-closing fire doors on both sides of the wall, and the doors shall be carefully fitted and provided with suitable seals (such as weather stripping) to minimize the entrance of dust into the vault.
- Vent openings and ducts shall communicate only with the outside air.
- Suitable pressure-relief openings communicating with the outside air shall be provided.
Transformers and capacitors that do not contain a liquid that will burn shall be installed in vaults complying with 450.41 through 450.48 or be identified as a complete assembly, including terminal connections.
No transformer or capacitor shall be installed in a Class II, Division 1, Group E location.
In Class II, Division 2 locations, transformers and capacitors shall comply with 502.100(B)(1) through (B)(3).
Transformers containing askarel and rated in excess of 25 kVA shall be as follows:
- Provided with pressure-relief vents
- Provided with a means for absorbing any gases generated by arcing inside the case, or the pressure-relief vents shall be connected to a chimney or flue that will carry such gases outside the building
- Have an airspace of not less than 150 mm (6 in.) between the transformer cases and any adjacent combustible material
In Class II, Division 1 locations, switches, circuit breakers, motor controllers, fuses, pushbuttons, relays, and similar devices shall be provided with enclosures identified for the location.
In Class II, Division 2 locations, enclosures for fuses, switches, circuit breakers, and motor controllers, including push buttons, relays, and similar devices, shall be dusttight or otherwise identified for the location.
In Class II, Division 1 locations, control transformers, solenoids, impedance coils, resistors, and any overcurrent devices or switching mechanisms associated with them shall be provided with enclosures identified for the location.
In Class II, Division 2 locations, transformers and resistors shall comply with 502.120(B)(1) through (B)(3).
Switching mechanisms (including overcurrent devices) associated with control transformers, solenoids, impedance coils, and resistors shall be provided with enclosures that are dusttight or otherwise identified for the location.
Where not located in the same enclosure with switching mechanisms, control transformers, solenoids, and impedance coils shall be provided with enclosures that are dusttight or otherwise identified for the location.
Resistors and resistance devices shall have dust-ignitionproof enclosures that are dusttight or otherwise identified for the location.
In Class II, Division 1 locations, motors, generators, and other rotating electrical machinery shall be in conformance with either of the following:
- Identified for the location
- Totally enclosed pipe-ventilated
In Class II, Division 2 locations, motors, generators, and other rotating electrical equipment shall be totally enclosed nonventilated, totally enclosed pipe-ventilated, totally enclosed water-air-cooled, totally enclosed fan-cooled, or dust-ignitionproof, for which maximum full-load external temperature shall be in accordance with 500.8(D)(2) for normal operation when operating in free air (not dust blanketed) and shall have no external openings.
Exception: If the authority having jurisdiction believes accumulations of nonconductive, nonabrasive dust will be moderate and if machines can be easily reached for routine cleaning and maintenance, the following shall be permitted to be installed:
- Standard open-type machines without sliding contacts, centrifugal or other types of switching mechanism (including motor overcurrent, overloading, and overtemperature devices), or integral resistance devices
- Standard open-type machines with such contacts, switching mechanisms, or resistance devices enclosed within dusttight housings without ventilating or other openings
- Self-cleaning textile motors of the squirrel-cage type
- Machines with sealed bearings, bearing isolators, and seals
Ventilating pipes for motors, generators, or other rotating electrical machinery, or for enclosures for electrical equipment, shall be of metal not less than 0.53 mm (0.021 in.) in thickness or of equally substantial noncombustible material and shall comply with all of the following:
- Lead directly to a source of clean air outside of buildings
- Be screened at the outer ends to prevent the entrance of small animals or birds
- Be protected against physical damage and against rusting or other corrosive influences
Ventilating pipes shall also comply with 502.128(A) and (B).
In Class II, Division 1 locations, ventilating pipes, including their connections to motors or to the dust-ignitionproof enclosures for other equipment, shall be dusttight throughout their length. For metal pipes, seams and joints shall comply with one of the following:
- Be riveted and soldered
- Be bolted and soldered
- Be welded
- Be rendered dusttight by some other equally effective means
In Class II, Division 2 locations, ventilating pipes and their connections shall be sufficiently tight to prevent the entrance of appreciable quantities of dust into the ventilated equipment or enclosure and to prevent the escape of sparks, flame, or burning material that might ignite dust accumulations or combustible material in the vicinity. For metal pipes, lock seams and riveted or welded joints shall be permitted; and tight-fitting slip joints shall be permitted where some flexibility is necessary, as at connections to motors.
In Class II, Division 1 locations, luminaires for fixed and portable lighting shall comply with 502.130(A)(1) through (A)(4).
Each luminaire shall be identified for the location and shall be clearly marked to indicate the type and maximum wattage of the lamp for which it is designed.
Pendant luminaires shall be suspended by threaded rigid metal conduit stems, by threaded steel intermediate metal conduit stems, by chains with approved fittings, or by other approved means. For rigid stems longer than 300 mm (12 in.), permanent and effective bracing against lateral displacement shall be provided at a level not more than 300 mm (12 in.) above the lower end of the stem, or flexibility in the form of a fitting or a flexible connector listed for the location shall be provided not more than 300 mm (12 in.) from the point of attachment to the supporting box or fitting. Threaded joints shall be provided with set screws or other effective means to prevent loosening. Where wiring between an outlet box or fitting and a pendant luminaire is not enclosed in conduit, flexible cord listed for hard usage shall be permitted to be used in accordance with 502.10(A)(2)(5). Flexible cord shall not serve as the supporting means for a luminaire.
Boxes, box assemblies, or fittings used for the support of luminaires shall be identified for Class II locations.
Portable lighting equipment shall be identified for the location. They shall be clearly marked to indicate the maximum wattage of lamps for which they are designed.
Luminaires for fixed lighting shall be provided with enclosures that are dusttight or otherwise identified for the location. Each luminaire shall be clearly marked to indicate the maximum wattage of the lamp that shall be permitted without exceeding an exposed surface temperature in accordance with 500.8(D)(2) under normal conditions of use.
Luminaires for fixed lighting shall be protected from physical damage by suitable guards or by location.
Pendant luminaires shall be suspended by threaded rigid metal conduit stems, by threaded steel intermediate metal conduit stems, by chains with approved fittings, or by other approved means. For rigid stems longer than 300 mm (12 in.), permanent and effective bracing against lateral displacement shall be provided at a level not more than 300 mm (12 in.) above the lower end of the stem, or flexibility in the form of an identified fitting or a flexible connector shall be provided not more than 300 mm (12 in.) from the point of attachment to the supporting box or fitting. Where wiring between an outlet box or fitting and a pendant luminaire is not enclosed in conduit, flexible cord listed for hard usage shall be permitted if terminated with a listed cord connector that maintains the protection technique. Flexible cord shall not serve as the supporting means for a luminaire.
Starting and control equipment for electric-discharge lamps shall comply with the requirements of 502.120(B).
In Class II, Division 2 locations, all utilization equipment shall comply with 502.135(B)(1) through (B)(4).
Electrically heated utilization equipment shall be identified for the location.
Exception: Metal-enclosed radiant heating panel equipment shall be permitted to be dusttight and marked in accordance with 500.8(C).
Motors of motor-driven utilization equipment shall comply with 502.125(B).
Transformers, solenoids, impedance coils, and resistors shall comply with 502.120(B).
Flexible cords used in Class II locations shall comply with all of the following:
- For connection between portable lighting equipment or other portable utilization equipment and the fixed portion of its supply circuit. The flexible cord shall be attached to the utilization equipment with a cord connector listed for the protection technique of the equipment wiring compartment. An attachment plug in accordance with 502.145 shall be employed.
- Where flexible cord is permitted by 502.10(A)(2) for fixed and mobile electrical utilization equipment; where the flexible cord is protected by location or by a suitable guard from damage; and only in an industrial establishment where conditions of maintenance and engineering supervision ensure that only qualified persons install and service the installation.
- For electric submersible pumps with means for removal without entering the wet-pit. The extension of the flexible cord within a suitable raceway between the wet-pit and the power source shall be permitted.
- For electric mixers intended for travel into and out of open-type mixing tanks or vats.
- For temporary portable assemblies consisting of receptacles, switches, and other devices that are not considered portable utilization equipment but are individually listed for the location.
Where flexible cords are used, the cords shall comply with all of the following:
- Be of a type listed for extra-hard usage. Exception: Flexible cord listed for hard usage as permitted by 502.130(A)(3) and (B)(4).
- Contain, in addition to the conductors of the circuit, an equipment grounding conductor complying with 400.23.
- Be supported by clamps or by other suitable means in such a manner that there will be no tension on the terminal connections.
- In Division 1 locations, the cord shall be terminated with a cord connector listed for the location or a listed cord connector installed with a seal listed for the location. In Division 2 locations, the cord shall be terminated with a listed dusttight cord connector.
- Be of continuous length. Where 502.140(A)(5) is applied, cords shall be of continuous length from the power source to the temporary portable assembly and from the temporary portable assembly to the utilization equipment.
Attachment plugs shall be of the type that provides for connection to the equipment grounding conductor of the flexible cord.
Attachment plugs shall be of the type that provides for connection to the equipment grounding conductor of the flexible cord.
Informational Note: See Article 800 for rules governing the installation of communications circuits.
In Class II, Division 1 locations, signaling, alarm, remote-control, and communications systems; and meters, instruments, and relays shall comply with 502.150(A)(1) through (A)(3).
Switches, circuit breakers, relays, contactors, fuses and current-breaking contacts for bells, horns, howlers, sirens, and other devices in which sparks or arcs may be produced shall be provided with enclosures identified for the location.
Exception: Where current-breaking contacts are immersed in oil or where the interruption of current occurs within a chamber sealed against the entrance of dust, enclosures shall be permitted to be of the general-purpose type.
Resistors, transformers, choke coils, rectifiers, thermionic tubes, and other heat-generating equipment shall be provided with enclosures identified for the location.
Exception: Where resistors or similar equipment are immersed in oil or enclosed in a chamber sealed against the entrance of dust, enclosures shall be permitted to be of the general-purpose type.
Motors, generators, and other rotating electrical machinery shall comply with 502.125(A).
In Class II, Division 2 locations, signaling, alarm, remote-control, and communications systems; and meters, instruments, and relays shall comply with 502.150(B)(1) through (B)(4).
Contacts shall comply with 502.150(A)(1) or shall be installed in enclosures that are dusttight or otherwise identified for the location.
Exception: In nonincendive circuits, enclosures shall be permitted to be of the general-purpose type.
The windings and terminal connections of transformers, choke coils, and similar equipment shall comply with 502.120(B)(2).
Resistors, resistance devices, thermionic tubes, rectifiers, and similar equipment shall comply with 502.120(B)(3).
Motors, generators, and other rotating electrical machinery shall comply with 502.125(B).
Article 503 covers the requirements for electrical and electronic equipment and wiring for all voltages in Class III, Division 1 and 2 locations where fire or explosion hazards may exist due to ignitible fibers/flyings.
Equipment installed in Class III locations shall be able to function at full rating without developing surface temperatures high enough to cause excessive dehydration or gradual carbonization of accumulated fibers/flyings. Organic material that is carbonized or excessively dry is highly susceptible to spontaneous ignition. The maximum surface temperatures under operating conditions shall not exceed 165°C (329°F) for equipment that is not subject to overloading, and 120°C (248°F) for equipment (such as motors or power transformers) that may be overloaded. In a Class III, Division 1 location, the operating temperature shall be the temperature of the equipment when blanketed with the maximum amount of dust (simulating fibers/flyings) that can accumulate on the equipment.
Equipment listed and marked in accordance with 506.9(C)(2) for Zone 20 locations and with a temperature class of not greater than T120°C (for equipment that may be overloaded) or not greater than T165°C (for equipment not subject to overloading) shall be permitted in Class III, Division 1 locations.
Equipment listed and marked in accordance with 506.9(C)(2) for Zone 20, 21, or 22 locations and with a temperature class of not greater than T120°C (for equipment that may be overloaded) or not greater than T165°C (for equipment not subject to overloading) shall be permitted in Class III, Division 2 locations.
Wiring methods shall comply with 503.10(A) or (B).
In Class III, Division 1 locations, the wiring method shall be in accordance with (1) through (4):
- Rigid metal conduit, Type RTRC conduit, intermediate metal conduit, electrical metallic tubing, dust-tight wireways, or Type MI cable with listed termination fittings.
- Type PLTC and Type PLTC-ER cable in accordance with the provisions of Article 725 including installation in cable tray systems. The cable shall be terminated with listed fittings.
- Type ITC and Type ITC-ER cable as permitted in 727.4 and terminated with listed fittings.
All boxes and fittings shall be dust-tight.
Where necessary to employ flexible connections, one or more of the following shall be permitted:
- Dust-tight flexible connectors
- Liquidtight flexible metal conduit with listed fittings,
- Interlocked armor Type MC cable having an overall jacket of suitable polymeric material and installed with listed dust-tight termination fittings
- Flexible cord in compliance with 503.140
- For elevator use, an identified elevator cable of Type EO, ETP, or ETT, shown under the "use" column in Table 400.4 for "hazardous (classified) locations" and terminated with listed dust-tight fittings.
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.
Informational Note: Simple apparatus is defined in 504.2.
Separate nonincendive field wiring circuits shall be installed in accordance with one of the following:
There shall be no uninsulated exposed parts, such as electrical conductors, buses, terminals, or components, that operate at more than 30 volts (15 volts in wet locations). These parts shall additionally be protected by a protection technique according to 500.7(E), (F), or (G) that is suitable for the location.
Exception: As provided in 503.155.
The locknut-bushing and double-locknut types of contacts shall not be depended on for bonding purposes, but bonding jumpers with proper fittings or other approved means of bonding shall be used. Such means of bonding shall apply to all intervening raceways, fittings, boxes, enclosures, and so forth, between Class III locations and the point of grounding for service equipment or point of grounding of a separately derived system.
Exception: The specific bonding means shall only be required to the nearest point where the grounded circuit conductor and the grounding electrode conductor are connected together on the line side of the building or structure disconnecting means as specified in 250.32(B) if the branch-circuit overcurrent protection is located on the load side of the disconnecting means.
Liquidtight flexible metal conduit shall include an equipment bonding jumper of the wire type in compliance with 250.102.
Exception: In Class III, Division 1 and 2 locations, the bonding jumper shall be permitted to be deleted where all of the following conditions are met:
- Listed liquidtight flexible metal conduit 1.8 m (6 ft) or less in length, with fittings listed for grounding, is used.
- Overcurrent protection in the circuit is limited to 10 amperes or less.
- The load is not a power utilization load.
Transformers and capacitors shall comply with 502.100(B).
Switches, circuit breakers, motor controllers, and fuses, including pushbuttons, relays, and similar devices, shall be provided with dusttight enclosures.
Transformers, impedance coils, and resistors used as, or in conjunction with, control equipment for motors, generators, and appliances shall be provided with dusttight enclosures complying with the temperature limitations in 503.5.
In Class III, Divisions 1 and 2 locations, motors, generators, and other rotating machinery shall be totally enclosed nonventilated, totally enclosed pipe ventilated, or totally enclosed fan cooled.
Exception: In locations where, in the judgment of the authority having jurisdiction, only moderate accumulations of lint or flyings are likely to collect on, in, or in the vicinity of a rotating electrical machine and where such machine is readily accessible for routine cleaning and maintenance, one of the following shall be permitted:
- Self-cleaning textile motors of the squirrel-cage type
- Standard open-type machines without sliding contacts, centrifugal or other types of switching mechanisms, including motor overload devices
- Standard open-type machines having such contacts, switching mechanisms, or resistance devices enclosed within tight housings without ventilating or other openings
Ventilating pipes for motors, generators, or other rotating electrical machinery, or for enclosures for electric equipment, shall be of metal not less than 0.53 mm (0.021 in.) in thickness, or of equally substantial noncombustible material, and shall comply with the following:
- Lead directly to a source of clean air outside of buildings
- Be screened at the outer ends to prevent the entrance of small animals or birds
- Be protected against physical damage and against rusting or other corrosive influences
Ventilating pipes shall be sufficiently tight, including their connections, to prevent the entrance of appreciable quantities of fibers/flyings into the ventilated equipment or enclosure and to prevent the escape of sparks, flame, or burning material that might ignite accumulations of fibers/flyings or combustible material in the vicinity. For metal pipes, lock seams and riveted or welded joints shall be permitted; and tight-fitting slip joints shall be permitted where some flexibility is necessary, as at connections to motors.
Luminaires for fixed lighting shall provide enclosures for lamps and lampholders that are designed to minimize entrance of fibers/flyings and to prevent the escape of sparks, burning material, or hot metal. Each luminaire shall be clearly marked to show the maximum wattage of the lamps that shall be permitted without exceeding an exposed surface temperature of 165°C (329°F) under normal conditions of use.
Pendant luminaires shall be suspended by stems of threaded rigid metal conduit, threaded intermediate metal conduit, threaded metal tubing of equivalent thickness, or by chains with approved fittings. For stems longer than 300 mm (12 in.), permanent and effective bracing against lateral displacement shall be provided at a level not more than 300 mm (12 in.) above the lower end of the stem, or flexibility in the form of an identified fitting or a flexible connector shall be provided not more than 300 mm (12 in.) from the point of attachment to the supporting box or fitting.
Portable lighting equipment shall be equipped with handles and protected with substantial guards. Lampholders shall be of the unswitched type with no provision for receiving attachment plugs. There shall be no exposed current-carrying metal parts, and all exposed non-current-carrying metal parts shall be grounded. In all other respects, portable lighting equipment shall comply with 503.130(A).
Flexible cords shall comply with the following:
- Be of a type listed for extra-hard usage
- Contain, in addition to the conductors of the circuit, an equipment grounding conductor complying with 400.23
- Be supported by clamps or other suitable means in such a manner that there will be no tension on the terminal connections
- Be terminated with a listed dusttight cord connector.
Receptacles and attachment plugs shall be of the grounding type, shall be designed so as to minimize the accumulation or the entry of fibers/flyings, and shall prevent the escape of sparks or molten particles.
Exception: In locations where, in the judgment of the authority having jurisdiction, only moderate accumulations of lint or flyings are likely to collect in the vicinity of a receptacle, and where such receptacle is readily accessible for routine cleaning, general-purpose grounding-type receptacles mounted so as to minimize the entry of fibers/flyings shall be permitted.
Signaling, alarm, remote-control, and local loudspeaker intercommunications systems shall comply with the requirements of Article 503 regarding wiring methods, switches, transformers, resistors, motors, luminaires, and related components.
Where installed for operation over combustible fibers or accumulations of flyings, traveling cranes and hoists for material handling, traveling cleaners for textile machinery, and similar equipment shall comply with 503.155(A) through (D).
The power supply to contact conductors shall be electrically isolated from all other systems, ungrounded, and shall be equipped with an acceptable ground detector that gives an alarm and automatically de-energizes the contact conductors in case of a fault to ground or gives a visual and audible alarm as long as power is supplied to the contact conductors and the ground fault remains.
Contact conductors shall be located or guarded so as to be inaccessible to other than authorized persons and shall be protected against accidental contact with foreign objects.
Current collectors shall be arranged or guarded so as to confine normal sparking and prevent escape of sparks or hot particles. To reduce sparking, two or more separate surfaces of contact shall be provided for each contact conductor. Reliable means shall be provided to keep contact conductors and current collectors free of accumulations of lint or flyings.
Storage battery charging equipment shall be located in separate rooms built or lined with substantial noncombustible materials. The rooms shall be constructed to prevent the entrance of ignitible amounts of flyings or lint and shall be well ventilated.
This article covers the installation of intrinsically safe (I.S.) apparatus, wiring, and systems for Articles 500 through 516.
Informational Note: For further information, see ANSI/ISA-RP 12.06.01-2003, Recommended Practice for Wiring Methods for Hazardous (Classified) Locations Instrumentation — Part 1: Intrinsic Safety.
Different Intrinsically Safe Circuits. Intrinsically safe circuits in which the possible interconnections have not been evaluated and identified as intrinsically safe.
Intrinsically Safe Circuit [as applied to Hazardous (Classified) Locations]. A circuit in which any spark or thermal effect is incapable of causing ignition of a mixture of flammable or combustible material in air under prescribed test conditions.
Informational Note: Test conditions are described in ANSI/UL 913-2006, Standard for Safety, Intrinsically Safe Apparatus and Associated Apparatus for Use in Class I, II, and III, Division 1, Hazardous (Classified) Locations.
Except as modified by this article, all applicable articles of this Code shall apply.
All intrinsically safe apparatus and associated apparatus shall be listed.
Exception: Simple apparatus, as described on the control drawing, shall not be required to be listed.
Intrinsically safe apparatus, associated apparatus, and other equipment shall be installed in accordance with the control drawing(s).
A simple apparatus, whether or not shown on the control drawing(s), shall be permitted to be installed provided the simple apparatus does not interconnect intrinsically safe circuits.
Informational Note No. 1: The control drawing identification is marked on the apparatus.
Informational Note No. 2: Associated apparatus with a marked Um of less than 250 V may require additional overvoltage protection at the inputs to limit any possible fault voltages to less than the Um marked on the product.
Intrinsically safe apparatus shall be permitted to be installed in any hazardous (classified) location for which it has been identified.
Associated apparatus shall be permitted to be installed in any hazardous (classified) location for which it has been identified.
Simple apparatus shall be permitted to be installed in any hazardous (classified) location in accordance with 504.10(D).
General-purpose enclosures shall be permitted for intrinsically safe apparatus and associated apparatus unless otherwise specified in the manufacturer's documentation.
Simple apparatus shall be permitted to be installed in any hazardous (classified) location in which the maximum surface temperature of the simple apparatus does not exceed the ignition temperature of the flammable gases or vapors, flammable liquids, combustible dusts, or ignitible fibers/flyings present. The maximum surface temperature can be determined from the values of the output power from the associated apparatus or apparatus to which it is connected to obtain the temperature class. The temperature class can be determined by: 
- Reference to Table 504.10(D)
- Calculation using the following equation:
| where: | |
| T | = surface temperature |
| Po | = output power marked on the associated apparatus or intrinsically safe apparatus |
| Rth | = thermal resistance of the simple apparatus |
| Tamb | = ambient temperature (normally 40°C) and reference Table 500.8(C) |
In addition, components with a surface area smaller than 10 cm2 (excluding lead wires) may be classified as T5 if their surface temperature does not exceed 150°C.
Table 504.10(D) Assessment for T4 Classification According to Component Size and Temperature
| Total Surface Area Excluding Lead Wires | Requirement for T4 Classification |
|---|---|
| <20 mm2 | Surface temperature ≤275°C |
| ≥20 mm2 ≤10 cm2 | Surface temperature ≤200°C |
| ≥20 mm2 | Power not exceeding 1.3 W* |
| *Based on 40°C ambient temperature. Reduce to 1.2 W with an ambient of 60°C or 1.0 W with 80°C ambient temperature. | |
Any of the wiring methods suitable for unclassified locations, including those covered by Chapter 7 and Chapter 8, shall be permitted for installing intrinsically safe apparatus. Sealing shall be as provided in 504.70, and separation shall be as provided in 504.30.
Conductors of intrinsically safe circuits shall not be placed in any raceway, cable tray, or cable with conductors of any nonintrinsically safe circuit.
Exception No. 1: Where conductors of intrinsically safe circuits are separated from conductors of nonintrinsically safe circuits by a distance of at least 50 mm (2 in.) and secured, or by a grounded metal partition or an approved insulating partition.
Informational Note: No. 20 gauge sheet metal partitions 0.91 mm (0.0359 in.) or thicker are generally considered acceptable.
Exception No. 2: Where either (1) all of the intrinsically safe circuit conductors or (2) all of the nonintrinsically safe circuit conductors are in grounded metal-sheathed or metal-clad cables where the sheathing or cladding is capable of carrying fault current to ground.
Informational Note: Cables meeting the requirements of Articles 330 and 332 are typical of those considered acceptable.
Exception No. 3: Intrinsically safe circuits in a Division 2 or Zone 2 location shall be permitted to be installed in a raceway, cable tray, or cable along with nonincendive field wiring circuits when installed in accordance with 504.30(B).
Exception No. 4: Intrinsically safe circuits passing through a Division 2 or Zone 2 location to supply apparatus that is located in a Division 1, Zone 0 or Zone 1 location shall be permitted to be installed in a raceway, cable tray, or cable along with nonincendive field wiring circuits when installed in accordance with 504.30(B).
Informational Note: Nonincendive field wiring circuits are described in 501.10(B)(3), 502.10(B)(3), and 503.10(A)(4).
Conductors of intrinsically safe circuits shall be secured so that any conductor that might come loose from a terminal is unlikely to come into contact with another terminal. The conductors shall be separated from conductors of nonintrinsically safe circuits by one of the methods in (1) through (4).
- Separation by at least 50 mm (2 in.) from conductors of any nonintrinsically safe circuits
- Separation from conductors of nonintrinsically safe circuits by use of a grounded metal partition 0.91 mm (0.0359 in.) or thicker
- Separation from conductors of nonintrinsically safe circuits by use of an approved insulating partition that extends to within 1.5 mm (0.0625 in.) of the enclosure walls
- Where either (1) all of the intrinsically safe circuit conductors or (2) all of the nonintrinsically safe circuit conductors are in grounded metal-sheathed or metal-clad cables where the sheathing or cladding is capable of carrying fault current to ground
Informational Note No. 1: Cables meeting the requirements of Articles 330 and 332 are typical of those considered acceptable.
Informational Note No. 2: The use of separate wiring compartments for the intrinsically safe and nonintrinsically safe terminals is a typical method of complying with this requirement.
Conductors and cables of intrinsically safe circuits run in other than raceway or cable tray systems shall be separated by at least 50 mm (2 in.) and secured from conductors and cables of any nonintrinsically safe circuits.
Exception: Where either (1) all of the intrinsically safe circuit conductors are in Type MI or MC cables or (2) all of the nonintrinsically safe circuit conductors are in raceways or Type MI or MC cables where the sheathing or cladding is capable of carrying fault current to ground.
The clearance between two terminals for connection of field wiring of different intrinsically safe circuits shall be at least 6 mm (0.25 in.), unless this clearance is permitted to be reduced by the control drawing. Different intrinsically safe circuits shall be separated from each other by one of the following means:
- The conductors of each circuit are within a grounded metal shield.
- The conductors of each circuit have insulation with a minimum thickness of 0.25 mm (0.01 in.).
Exception: Unless otherwise identified.
Intrinsically safe apparatus, enclosures, and raceways, if of metal, shall be connected to the equipment grounding conductor.
Informational Note: In addition to an equipment grounding conductor connection, a connection to a grounding electrode may be needed for some associated apparatus; for example, zener diode barriers, if specified in the control drawing. See ANSI/ISA-RP 12.06.01-2003, Recommended Practice for Wiring Methods for Hazardous (Classified) Locations Instrumentation — Part 1: Intrinsic Safety.
Associated apparatus and cable shields shall be grounded in accordance with the required control drawing. See 504.10(A).
Informational Note: Supplementary connection(s) to the grounding electrode may be needed for some associated apparatus; for example, zener diode barriers, if specified in the control drawing. See ANSI/ISA RP 12.06.01-2003, Recommended Practice for Wiring Methods for Hazardous (Classified) Locations Instrumentation — Part 1: Intrinsic Safety.
Where connection to a grounding electrode is required, the grounding electrode shall be as specified in 250.52(A)(1), (A)(2), (A)(3), and (A)(4) and shall comply with 250.30(A)(4). Sections 250.52(A)(5), (A)(7), and (A)(8) shall not be used if any of the electrodes specified in 250.52(A)(1), (A)(2), (A)(3), or (A)(4) are present.
Conduits and cables that are required to be sealed by 501.15, 502.15, 505.16, and 506.16 shall be sealed to minimize the passage of gases, vapors, or dusts. Such seals shall not be required to be explosionproof or flameproof but shall be identified for the purpose of minimizing passage of gases, vapors, or dusts under normal operating conditions and shall be accessible.
Exception: Seals shall not be required for enclosures that contain only intrinsically safe apparatus, except as required by 501.17.
Labels required by this section shall be suitable for the environment where they are installed, with consideration given to exposure to chemicals and sunlight.
Intrinsically safe circuits shall be identified at terminal and junction locations in a manner that is intended to prevent unintentional interference with the circuits during testing and servicing.
Raceways, cable trays, and other wiring methods for intrinsically safe system wiring shall be identified with permanently affixed labels with the wording "Intrinsic Safety Wiring" or equivalent. The labels shall be located so as to be visible after installation and placed so that they may be readily traced through the entire length of the installation. Intrinsic safety circuit labels shall appear in every section of the wiring system that is separated by enclosures, walls, partitions, or floors. Spacing between labels shall not be more than 7.5 m (25 ft).
Exception: Circuits run underground shall be permitted to be identified where they become accessible after emergence from the ground.
Informational Note No. 1: Wiring methods permitted in unclassified locations may be used for intrinsically safe systems in hazardous (classified) locations. Without labels to identify the application of the wiring, enforcement authorities cannot determine that an installation is in compliance with this Code.
Informational Note No. 2: In unclassified locations, identification is necessary to ensure that nonintrinsically safe wire will not be inadvertently added to existing raceways at a later date.
Color coding shall be permitted to identify intrinsically safe conductors where they are colored light blue and where no other conductors colored light blue are used. Likewise, color coding shall be permitted to identify raceways, cable trays, and junction boxes where they are colored light blue and contain only intrinsically safe wiring.
Informational Note: Text that is followed by a reference in brackets has been extracted from NFPA 497-2012, Recommended Practice for the Classification of Flammable Liquids, Gases, or Vapors and of Hazardous (Classified) Locations for Electrical Installations in Chemical Process Areas. Only editorial changes were made to the extracted text to make it consistent with this Code.
This article covers the requirements for the zone classification system as an alternative to the division classification system covered in Article 500 for electrical and electronic equipment and wiring for all voltages in Class I, Zone 0, Zone 1, and Zone 2 hazardous (classified) locations where fire or explosion hazards may exist due to flammable gases, vapors, or liquids.
Informational Note: For the requirements for electrical and electronic equipment and wiring for all voltages in Class I, Division 1 or Division 2; Class II, Division 1 or Division 2; and Class III, Division 1 or Division 2 hazardous (classified) locations where fire or explosion hazards may exist due to flammable gases or vapors, flammable liquids, or combustible dusts or fibers, refer to Articles 500 through 504.
Encapsulation "m". Type of protection where electrical parts that could ignite an explosive atmosphere by either sparking or heating are enclosed in a compound in such a way that this explosive atmosphere cannot be ignited.
Informational Note No. 1: See ISA-60079-18-2012, Explosive atmospheres — Part 18: Equipment protection by encapsulation "m"; and ANSI/UL 60079-18-2009, Explosive atmospheres — Part 18: Equipment protection by encapsulation "m."
Informational Note No. 2: Encapsulation is designated type of protection "ma" for use in Zone 0 locations. Encapsulation is designated type of protection "m" or "mb" for use in Zone 1 locations. Encapsulation is designated type of protection "mc" for use in Zone 2 locations.
Flameproof "d". Type of protection where the enclosure will withstand an internal explosion of a flammable mixture that has penetrated into the interior, without suffering damage and without causing ignition, through any joints or structural openings in the enclosure of an external explosive gas atmosphere consisting of one or more of the gases or vapors for which it is designed.
Informational Note: See ISA-60079-1-2009, Explosive Atmospheres, Part 1: Equipment protection by flameproof enclosures "d"; and ANSI/UL 60079-1-2009, Electrical Apparatus for Explosive Gas Atmospheres — Part 1: Flameproof Enclosures "d."
Increased Safety "e". Type of protection applied to electrical equipment that does not produce arcs or sparks in normal service and under specified abnormal conditions, in which additional measures are applied so as to give increased security against the possibility of excessive temperatures and of the occurrence of arcs and sparks.
Informational Note: See ISA-60079-7-2013, Explosive Atmospheres — Part 7: Equipment protection by increased safety "e"; and ANSI/UL 60079-7-2008, Electrical Apparatus for Explosive Gas Atmospheres — Part 7: Increased Safety "e."
Intrinsic Safety "i". Type of protection where any spark or thermal effect is incapable of causing ignition of a mixture of flammable or combustible material in air under prescribed test conditions.
Informational Note No. 1: See UL 913-2015, Intrinsically Safe Apparatus and Associated Apparatus for Use in Class I, II, and III, Division 1 Hazardous (Classified) Locations ; ISA-60079-11 (12.02.01)-2011, Explosive Atmospheres — Part 11: Equipment protection by intrinsic safety "i"; and ANSI/UL 60079-11-2011, Explosive Atmospheres — Part 11: Equipment protection by intrinsic safety "i."
Informational Note No. 2: Intrinsic safety is designated type of protection "ia" for use in Zone 0 locations. Intrinsic safety is designated type of protection "ib" for use in Zone 1 locations. Intrinsic safety is designated type of protection "ic" for use in Zone 2 locations.
Informational Note No. 3: Intrinsically safe associated apparatus, designated by [ia], [ib], or [ic], is connected to intrinsically safe apparatus ("ia," "ib," or "ic," respectively) but is located outside the hazardous (classified) location unless also protected by another type of protection (such as flameproof).
Oil Immersion "o". Type of protection where electrical equipment is immersed in a protective liquid in such a way that an explosive atmosphere that may be above the liquid or outside the enclosure cannot be ignited.
Informational Note: See ANSI/ISA-60079-6-2009, Explosive Atmospheres — Part 6: Equipment protection by oil immersion "o"; and ANSI/UL 60079-6-2009, Electrical Apparatus for Explosive Gas Atmospheres — Part 6: Oil-Immersion "o."
Powder Filling "q". Type of protection where electrical parts capable of igniting an explosive atmosphere are fixed in position and completely surrounded by filling material (glass or quartz powder) to prevent the ignition of an external explosive atmosphere.
Informational Note: See ANSI/ISA-60079-5-2009, Explosive Atmospheres — Part 5: Equipment protection by powder filling "q"; and ANSI/UL 60079-5-2009, Electrical Apparatus for Explosive Gas Atmospheres — Part 5: Powder Filling "q."
Pressurization "p". Type of protection for electrical equipment that uses the technique of guarding against the ingress of the external atmosphere, which may be explosive, into an enclosure by maintaining a protective gas therein at a pressure above that of the external atmosphere.
Informational Note: See ANSI/UL-60079-2-2015, Explosive Atmospheres — Part 2: Equipment protection by pressurized enclosures "p"; and IEC 60079-13-2010, Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres — Part 13: Construction and use of rooms or buildings protected by pressurization.
Type of Protection "n". Type of protection where electrical equipment, in normal operation, is not capable of igniting a surrounding explosive gas atmosphere and a fault capable of causing ignition is not likely to occur.
Informational Note: See ANSI/UL 60079-15-2009, Electrical Apparatus for Explosive Gas Atmospheres — Part 15: Type of Protection "p"; and ANSI/ISA-60079-15-2012, Explosive Atmospheres — Part 15: Equipment protection by type of protection "p".
All other applicable rules contained in this Code shall apply to electrical equipment and wiring installed in hazardous (classified) locations.
Exception: As modified by Article 504 and this article.
All areas in industrial occupancies designated as hazardous (classified) locations shall be properly documented. This documentation shall be available to those authorized to design, install, inspect, maintain, or operate electrical equipment at the location.
Informational Note No. 1: For examples of area classification drawings, see ANSI/API RP 505-1997, Recommended Practice for Classification of Locations for Electrical Installations at Petroleum Facilities Classified as Class I, Zone 0, Zone 1, or Zone 2; ANSI/ISA-60079-10-1 (12.24.01)-2014 Explosive Atmospheres — Part 10—1: Classification of Areas — Explosive gas atmospheres ; and Model Code of Safe Practice in the Petroleum Industry, Part 15: Area Classification Code for Installations Handling Flammable Fluids, EI 15 :2005, Energy Institute, London.
Informational Note No. 2: Where gas detection equipment is used as a means of protection in accordance with 505.8(I)(1), (I)(2), or (I)(3), the documentation typically includes the type of detection equipment, its listing, installation location(s), alarm and shutdown criteria, and calibration frequency.
Important information relating to topics covered in Chapter 5 may be found in other publications.
Informational Note No. 1: It is important that the authority having jurisdiction be familiar with recorded industrial experience as well as with standards of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the American Petroleum Institute (API), the International Society of Automation (ISA), and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that may be of use in the classification of various locations, the determination of adequate ventilation, and the protection against static electricity and lightning hazards.
Informational Note No. 2: For further information on the classification of locations, see NFPA 497-2012, Recommended Practice for the Classification of Flammable Liquids, Gases, or Vapors and of Hazardous (Classified) Locations for Electrical Installations in Chemical Process Areas; ANSI/API RP 505-1997, Recommended Practice for Classification of Locations for Electrical Installations at Petroleum Facilities Classified as Class I, Zone 0, Zone 1, or Zone 2; ANSI/ISA-60079-10-1 (12.24.01)-2014, Explosive Atmospheres — Part 10-—1: Classification of Areas — Explosive gas atmospheres ; and Model Code of Safe Practice in the Petroleum Industry, Part 15: Area Classification Code for Installations Handling Flammable Fluids, EI 15 :2005, Energy Institute, London.
Informational Note No. 3: For further information on protection against static electricity and lightning hazards in hazardous (classified) locations, see NFPA 77-2014, Recommended Practice on Static Electricity; NFPA 780-2014, Standard for the Installation of Lightning Protection Systems; and API RP 2003-2008, Protection Against Ignitions Arising Out of Static Lightning and Stray Currents.
Informational Note No. 4: For further information on ventilation, see NFPA 30 -2015, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, and ANSI/API RP 505-1997, Recommended Practice for Classification of Locations for Electrical Installations at Petroleum Facilities Classified as Class I, Zone 0, Zone 1, or Zone 2.
Informational Note No. 5: For further information on electrical systems for hazardous (classified) locations on offshore oil and gas producing platforms, see ANSI/API RP 14FZ-2013, Recommended Practice for Design and Installation of Electrical Systems for Fixed and Floating Offshore Petroleum Facilities for Unclassified and Class I, Zone 0, Zone 1, and Zone 2 Locations.
Informational Note No. 6: For further information on the installation of electrical equipment in hazardous (classified) locations in general, see IEC 60079-14-2013, Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres — Part 14: Electrical installations in explosive gas atmospheres (other than mines), and IEC 60079-16-1990, Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres — Part 16: Artificial ventilation for the protection of analyzer(s) houses.
Informational Note No. 7: For further information on application of electrical equipment in hazardous (classified) locations in general, see ANSI/ISA-60079-0 (12.00.01)-2013, Explosive Atmospheres — Part 0: Equipment — General Requirements; ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-2013, Definitions and Information Pertaining to Electrical Apparatus in Hazardous (Classified) Locations; and ANSI/UL 60079-0:2013, Electrical Apparatus for Explosive Gas Atmospheres — Part 0: General Requirements.
Informational Note No. 8: Portable or transportable equipment having self-contained power supplies, such as battery-operated equipment, could potentially become an ignition source in hazardous (classified) locations. See ANSI/ISA-12.12.03-2011, Standard for Portable Electronic Products Suitable for Use in Class I and II, Division 2, Class I Zone 2 and Class III, Division 1 and 2 Hazardous (Classified) Locations.
Informational Note No. 9: For additional information concerning the installation of equipment utilizing optical emissions technology (such as laser equipment) that could potentially become an ignition source in hazardous (classified) locations, see ANSI/ISA-60079-28 (12.21.02)-2013, Explosive Atmospheres — Part 28: Protection of equipment and transmission systems using optical radiation.
Locations shall be classified depending on the properties of the flammable gases, flammable liquid-produced vapors, combustible liquid-produced vapors, combustible dusts, or fibers/flyings that could be present and the likelihood that a flammable or combustible concentration or quantity is present. Each room, section, or area shall be considered individually in determining its classification. Where pyrophoric materials are the only materials used or handled, these locations are outside the scope of this article.
Informational Note No. 1: See 505.7 for restrictions on area classification.
Informational Note No. 2: Through the exercise of ingenuity in the layout of electrical installations for hazardous (classified) locations, it is frequently possible to locate much of the equipment in reduced level of classification or in an unclassified location and, thus, to reduce the amount of special equipment required.
Refrigerant machinery rooms that contain ammonia refrigeration systems and are equipped with adequate mechanical ventilation that operates continuously or is initiated by a detection system at a concentration not exceeding 150 ppm shall be permitted to be classified as "unclassified" locations.
Informational Note: For further information regarding classification and ventilation of areas involving closed-circuit ammonia refrigeration systems, see ANSI/ASHRAE 15-2013, Safety Standard for Refrigeration Systems, and ANSI/IIAR 2-2014, Standard for Safe Design of Closed-Circuit Ammonia Refrigeration Systems.
Class I, Zone 0, 1, and 2 locations are those in which flammable gases or vapors are or may be present in the air in quantities sufficient to produce explosive or ignitible mixtures. Class I, Zone 0, 1, and 2 locations shall include those specified in 505.5(B)(1), (B)(2), and (B)(3).
A Class I, Zone 0 location is a location in which one of the following conditions exists:
- Ignitible concentrations of flammable gases or vapors are present continuously
- Ignitible concentrations of flammable gases or vapors are present for long periods of time
Informational Note No. 1: As a guide in determining when flammable gases or vapors are present continuously or for long periods of time, refer to ANSI/API RP 505-1997, Recommended Practice for Classification of Locations for Electrical Installations of Petroleum Facilities Classified as Class I, Zone 0, Zone 1 or Zone 2; ANSI/ISA 60079-10-1-2014, Explosive Atmospheres — Part 10—1: Classification of Areas — explosive gas atmospheres.
Informational Note No. 2: This classification includes locations inside vented tanks or vessels that contain volatile flammable liquids; inside inadequately vented spraying or coating enclosures where volatile flammable solvents are used; between the inner and outer roof sections of a floating roof tank containing volatile flammable liquids; inside open vessels, tanks, and pits containing volatile flammable liquids; the interior of an exhaust duct that is used to vent ignitible concentrations of gases or vapors; and inside inadequately ventilated enclosures that contain normally venting instruments utilizing or analyzing flammable fluids and venting to the inside of the enclosures.
A Class I, Zone 1 location is a location
- In which ignitible concentrations of flammable gases or vapors are likely to exist under normal operating conditions; or
- In which ignitible concentrations of flammable gases or vapors may exist frequently because of repair or maintenance operations or because of leakage; or
- In which equipment is operated or processes are carried on, of such a nature that equipment breakdown or faulty operations could result in the release of ignitible concentrations of flammable gases or vapors and also cause simultaneous failure of electrical equipment in a mode to cause the electrical equipment to become a source of ignition; or
- That is adjacent to a Class I, Zone 0 location from which ignitible concentrations of vapors could be communicated, unless communication is prevented by adequate positive pressure ventilation from a source of clean air and effective safeguards against ventilation failure are provided.
Informational Note No. 1: Normal operation is considered the situation when plant equipment is operating within its design parameters. Minor releases of flammable material may be part of normal operations. Minor releases include the releases from mechanical packings on pumps. Failures that involve repair or shutdown (such as the breakdown of pump seals and flange gaskets, and spillage caused by accidents) are not considered normal operation.
Informational Note No. 2: This classification usually includes locations where volatile flammable liquids or liquefied flammable gases are transferred from one container to another. In areas in the vicinity of spraying and painting operations where flammable solvents are used; adequately ventilated drying rooms or compartments for evaporation of flammable solvents; adequately ventilated locations containing fat and oil extraction equipment using volatile flammable solvents; portions of cleaning and dyeing plants where volatile flammable liquids are used; adequately ventilated gas generator rooms and other portions of gas manufacturing plants where flammable gas may escape; inadequately ventilated pump rooms for flammable gas or for volatile flammable liquids; the interiors of refrigerators and freezers in which volatile flammable materials are stored in the open, lightly stoppered, or in easily ruptured containers; and other locations where ignitible concentrations of flammable vapors or gases are likely to occur in the course of normal operation but not classified Zone 0.
A Class I, Zone 2 location is a location
- In which ignitible concentrations of flammable gases or vapors are not likely to occur in normal operation and, if they do occur, will exist only for a short period; or
- In which volatile flammable liquids, flammable gases, or flammable vapors are handled, processed, or used but in which the liquids, gases, or vapors normally are confined within closed containers of closed systems from which they can escape, only as a result of accidental rupture or breakdown of the containers or system, or as a result of the abnormal operation of the equipment with which the liquids or gases are handled, processed, or used; or
- In which ignitible concentrations of flammable gases or vapors normally are prevented by positive mechanical ventilation but which may become hazardous as a result of failure or abnormal operation of the ventilation equipment; or
- That is adjacent to a Class I, Zone 1 location, from which ignitible concentrations of flammable gases or vapors could be communicated, unless such communication is prevented by adequate positive-pressure ventilation from a source of clean air and effective safeguards against ventilation failure are provided.
Informational Note: The Zone 2 classification usually includes locations where volatile flammable liquids or flammable gases or vapors are used but which would become hazardous only in case of an accident or of some unusual operating condition.
For purposes of testing, approval, and area classification, various air mixtures (not oxygen enriched) shall be grouped as required in 505.6(A), (B), and (C).
Informational Note No. 1: : Group I is intended for use in describing atmospheres that contain firedamp (a mixture of gases, composed mostly of methane, found underground, usually in mines). This Code does not apply to installations underground in mines. See 90.2(B).
Informational Note No. 2: The gas and vapor subdivision as described above is based on the maximum experimental safe gap (MESG), minimum igniting current (MIC), or both. Test equipment for determining the MESG is described in IEC 60079-1A-1975, Amendment No. 1 (1993), Construction and verification tests of flameproof enclosures of electrical apparatus; and UL Technical Report No. 58 (1993). The test equipment for determining MIC is described in IEC 60079-11-1999, Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres — Part 11: Intrinsic safety "i." The classification of gases or vapors according to their maximum experimental safe gaps and minimum igniting currents is described in IEC 60079-12-1978, Classification of mixtures of gases or vapours with air according to their maximum experimental safe gaps and minimum igniting currents.
Informational Note No. 3: Group II is currently subdivided into Group IIA, Group IIB, and Group IIC. Prior marking requirements permitted some types of protection to be marked without a subdivision, showing only Group II.
Informational Note No. 4: It is necessary that the meanings of the different equipment markings and Group II classifications be carefully observed to avoid confusion with Class I, Divisions 1 and 2, Groups A, B, C, and D.
Class I, Zone 0, 1, and 2, groups shall be as follows:
Atmospheres containing acetylene, hydrogen, or flammable gas, flammable liquid-produced vapor, or combustible liquid-produced vapor mixed with air that may burn or explode, having either a maximum experimental safe gap (MESG) value less than or equal to 0.50 mm or minimum igniting current (MIC) ratio less than or equal to 0.45. [497: 3.3.5.2.3]
Informational Note: Group IIC is equivalent to a combination of Class I, Group A, and Class I, Group B, as described in 500.6(A)(1) and (A)(2).
Atmospheres containing acetaldehyde, ethylene, or flammable gas, flammable liquid-produced vapor, or combustible liquid-produced vapor mixed with air that may burn or explode, having either maximum experimental safe gap (MESG) values greater than 0.50 mm and less than or equal to 0.90 mm or minimum igniting current ratio (MIC ratio) greater than 0.45 and less than or equal to 0.80. [497:3.3.5.2.2]
Informational Note: Group IIB is equivalent to Class I, Group C, as described in 500.6(A)(3).
Atmospheres containing acetone, ammonia, ethyl alcohol, gasoline, methane, propane, or flammable gas, flammable liquid-produced vapor, or combustible liquid-produced vapor mixed with air that may burn or explode, having either a maximum experimental safe gap (MESG) value greater than 0.90 mm or minimum igniting current (MIC) ratio greater than 0.80. [497: 3.3.5.2.1]
Informational Note: Group IIA is equivalent to Class I, Group D as described in 500.6(A)(4).
Article 505 requires equipment construction and installation that ensures safe performance under conditions of proper use and maintenance.
Informational Note No. 1: It is important that inspection authorities and users exercise more than ordinary care with regard to the installation and maintenance of electrical equipment in hazardous (classified) locations.
Informational Note No. 2: Low ambient conditions require special consideration. Electrical equipment depending on the protection techniques described by 505.8(A) may not be suitable for use at temperatures lower than -20°C (-4°F) unless they are identified for use at lower temperatures. However, at low ambient temperatures, flammable concentrations of vapors may not exist in a location classified Class I, Zones 0, 1, or 2 at normal ambient temperature.
Classification of areas, engineering and design, selection of equipment and wiring methods, installation, and inspection shall be performed by qualified persons.
Flameproof equipment with flanged joints shall not be installed such that the flange openings are closer than the distances shown in Table 505.7(D) to any solid obstacle that is not a part of the equipment (such as steelworks, walls, weather guards, mounting brackets, pipes, or other electrical equipment) unless the equipment is listed for a smaller distance of separation.
Table 505.7(D) Minimum Distance of Obstructions from Flameproof "d" Flange Openings
| Gas Group | Minimum Distance | |
|---|---|---|
| mm | in. | |
| IIC | 40 | 137/64 |
| IIB | 30 | 13/16 |
| IIA | 10 | 25/64 |
Where flammable gases, combustible dusts, or fibers/flyings are or may be present at the same time, the simultaneous presence shall be considered during the selection and installation of the electrical equipment and the wiring methods, including the determination of the safe operating temperature of the electrical equipment.
Unless listed and marked for connection to circuits with higher available short-circuit current, the available short-circuit current for electrical equipment using type of protection "e" for the field wiring connections in Zone 1 locations shall be limited to 10,000 rms symmetrical amperes to reduce the likelihood of ignition of a flammable atmosphere by an arc during a short-circuit event.
Informational Note: Limitation of the available short-circuit current to this level may require the application of current-limiting fuses or current-limiting circuit breakers.
Acceptable protection techniques for electrical and electronic equipment in hazardous (classified) locations shall be as described in 505.8(A) through (I).
Informational Note: For additional information, see ANSI/ISA-60079-0 (12.00.01)-2009, Explosive Atmospheres — Part 0: Equipment — General Requirements; ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-1999, Definitions and Information Pertaining to Electrical Apparatus in Hazardous (Classified) Locations; and ANSI/UL 60079-0, Electrical Apparatus for Explosive Gas Atmospheres — Part 0: General Requirements.
This protection technique shall be permitted for equipment in those Class I, Zone 1 or Zone 2 locations for which it is identified.
This protection technique shall be permitted for apparatus and associated apparatus in Class I, Zone 0, Zone 1, or Zone 2 locations for which it is listed.
This protection technique shall be permitted for equipment in Class I, Zone 2 locations. Type of protection "n" is further subdivided into nA, nC, and nR.
Informational Note: See Table 505.9(C)(2)(4) for the descriptions of subdivisions for type of protection "n".
A combustible gas detection system shall be permitted as a means of protection in industrial establishments with restricted public access and where the conditions of maintenance and supervision ensure that only qualified persons service the installation. Where such a system is installed, equipment specified in 505.8(I)(1), (I)(2), or (I)(3) shall be permitted. The type of detection equipment, its listing, installation location(s), alarm and shutdown criteria, and calibration frequency shall be documented when combustible gas detectors are used as a protection technique.
Informational Note No. 1: For further information, see ANSI/API RP 505-1997, Recommended Practice for Classification of Locations for Electrical Installations at Petroleum Facilities Classified as Class I, Zone 0, Zone 1, and Zone 2.
Informational Note No. 2: For further information, see ANSI/ISA-60079-29-2, Explosive Atmospheres — Part 29—2: Gas detectors — Selection, installation, use and maintenance of detectors for flammable gases and oxygen.
Informational Note No. 3: For further information, see ANSI/ISA-TR12.13.03-2009, Guide for Combustible Gas Detection as a Method of Protection.
In a Class I, Zone 1 location that is so classified due to inadequate ventilation, electrical equipment suitable for Class I, Zone 2 locations shall be permitted. Combustible gas detection equipment shall be listed for Class I, Zone 1, for the appropriate material group, and for the detection of the specific gas or vapor to be encountered.
In a building located in, or with an opening into, a Class I, Zone 2 location where the interior does not contain a source of flammable gas or vapor, electrical equipment for unclassified locations shall be permitted. Combustible gas detection equipment shall be listed for Class I, Zone 1 or Class I, Zone 2, for the appropriate material group, and for the detection of the specific gas or vapor to be encountered.
In the interior of a control panel containing instrumentation utilizing or measuring flammable liquids, gases, or vapors, electrical equipment suitable for Class I, Zone 2 locations shall be permitted. Combustible gas detection equipment shall be listed for Class I, Zone 1, for the appropriate material group, and for the detection of the specific gas or vapor to be encountered.
Suitability of identified equipment shall be determined by one of the following:
- Equipment listing or labeling
- Evidence of equipment evaluation from a qualified testing laboratory or inspection agency concerned with product evaluation
- Evidence acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction such as a manufacturer's self-evaluation or an owner's engineering judgment
- Equipment that is listed for a Zone 0 location shall be permitted in a Zone 1 or Zone 2 location of the same gas or vapor, provided that it is installed in accordance with the requirements for the marked type of protection. Equipment that is listed for a Zone 1 location shall be permitted in a Zone 2 location of the same gas or vapor, provided that it is installed in accordance with the requirements for the marked type of protection.
- Equipment shall be permitted to be listed for a specific gas or vapor, specific mixtures of gases or vapors, or any specific combination of gases or vapors.
Informational Note: One common example is equipment marked for "IIB. + H2."
Equipment shall be marked in accordance with 505.9(C)(1) or (C)(2).
Equipment identified for Class I, Division 1 or Class I, Division 2 shall, in addition to being marked in accordance with 500.8(C), be permitted to be marked with all of the following:
- Class I, Zone 1 or Class I, Zone 2 (as applicable)
- Applicable gas classification group(s) in accordance with Table 505.9(C)(1)(2)
- Temperature classification in accordance with 505.9(D)(1)
Table 505.9(C)(1)(2) Material Groups
| Material Group | Comment |
|---|---|
| IIC | See 505.6(A) |
| IIB | See 505.6(B) |
| IIA | See 505.6(C) |
Equipment meeting one or more of the protection techniques described in 505.8 shall be marked with all of the following in the order shown:
- Class
- Zone
- Symbol
- Protection technique(s) in accordance with Table 505.9(C)(2)(4)
- Applicable material group in accordance with Table 505.9(C)(1)(2) or a specific gas or vapor
- Temperature classification in accordance with 505.9(D)(1)
Exception No. 1: Associated apparatus NOT suitable for installation in a hazardous (classified) location shall be required to be marked only with (3), (4), and (5), but BOTH the symbol AEx (3) and the symbol for the type of protection (4) shall be enclosed within the same square brackets, for example, [AEx ia] IIC.
Exception No. 2: Simple apparatus as defined in 504.2 shall not be required to have a marked operating temperature or temperature class.
Exception No. 3: Fittings for the termination of cables shall not be required to have a marked operating temperature or temperature class.
Informational Note No. 1: An example of the required marking for intrinsically safe apparatus for installation in Class I, Zone 0 is "Class I, Zone 0, AEx ia IIC T6." An explanation of the marking that is required is shown in Informational Note Figure 505.9(C)(2), No. 1.
Informational Note No. 2: An example of the required marking for intrinsically safe associated apparatus mounted in a flameproof enclosure for installation in Class I, Zone 1 is "Class I, Zone 1 AEx d[ia] IIC T4."
Informational Note No. 3: An example of the required marking for intrinsically safe associated apparatus NOT for installation in a hazardous (classified) location is "[AEx ia] IIC."
Informational Note No. 4: The EPL (or equipment protection level) may appear in the product marking. EPLs are designated as G for gas, D for dust, or M for mining and are then followed by a letter (a, b, or c) to give the user a better understanding as to whether the equipment provides either (a) a "very high," (b) a "high," or (c) an "enhanced" level of protection against ignition of an explosive atmosphere. For example, a Class I, Zone 1, AEx d IIC T4 motor (which is suitable by protection concept for application in Zone 1) may additionally be marked with an EPL of "Gb" to indicate that it was provided with a high level of protection, such as Class I, Zone 1 AEx d IIC T4 Gb.
Informational Note No. 5: Equipment installed outside a Zone 0 location, electrically connected to equipment located inside a Zone 0 location, may be marked Class I, Zone 0/1. The "/" indicates that equipment contains a separation element and can be installed at the boundary between a Zone 0 and a Zone 1 location. See ANSI/ISA-60079-26, Electrical Apparatus for Use in Class I, Zone 0 Hazardous (Classified) Locations.
Table 505.9(C)(2)(4) Types of Protection Designation
| Designation | Technique | Zone* |
|---|---|---|
| d | Flameproof enclosure | 1 |
| db | Flameproof enclosure | 1 |
| e | Increased safety | 1 |
| eb | Increased safety | 1 |
| ia | Intrinsic safety | 0 |
| ib | Intrinsic safety | 1 |
| ic | Intrinsic safety | 2 |
| [ia] | Associated apparatus | Unclassified** |
| [ib] | Associated apparatus | Unclassified** |
| [ic] | Associated apparatus | Unclassified** |
| ma | Encapsulation | 0 |
| m | Encapsulation | 1 |
| mb | Encapsulation | 1 |
| mc | Encapsulation | 2 |
| nA | Nonsparking equipment | 2 |
| nAc | Nonsparking equipment | 2 |
| nC | Sparking equipment in which the contacts are suitably protected other than by restricted breathing enclosure | 2 |
| nCc | Sparking equipment in which the contacts are suitably protected other than by restricted breathing enclosure | 2 |
| nR | Restricted breathing enclosure | 2 |
| nRc | Restricted breathing enclosure | 2 |
| o | Oil immersion | 1 |
| ob | Oil immersion | 1 |
| px | Pressurization | 1 |
| pxb | Pressurization | 1 |
| py | Pressurization | 1 |
| pyb | Pressurization | 1 |
| pz | Pressurization | 2 |
| pzc | Pressurization | 2 |
| q | Powder filled | 1 |
| qb | Powder filled | 1 |
| *Does not address use where a combination of techniques is used. | ||
| **Associated apparatus is permitted to be installed in a hazardous (classified) location if suitably protected using another type of protection. | ||
The temperature marking specified in 505.9(D)(1) shall not exceed the autoignition temperature of the specific gas or vapor to be encountered.
Informational Note: For information regarding autoignition temperatures of gases and vapors, see NFPA 497-2012, Recommended Practice for the Classification of Flammable Liquids, Gases, or Vapors and of Hazardous (Classified) Locations for Electrical Installations in Chemical Process Areas; and IEC 60079-20-1996, Electrical Apparatus for Explosive Gas Atmospheres, Data for Flammable Gases and Vapours, Relating to the Use of Electrical Apparatus.
Equipment shall be marked to show the operating temperature or temperature class referenced to a 40°C ambient, or at the higher ambient temperature if the equipment is rated and marked for an ambient temperature of greater than 40°C. The temperature class, if provided, shall be indicated using the temperature class (T code) shown in Table 505.9(D)(1).
Electrical equipment designed for use in the ambient temperature range between —20°C and +40°C shall require no ambient temperature marking.
Electrical equipment that is designed for use in a range of ambient temperatures other than —20°C to +40°C is considered to be special; and the ambient temperature range shall then be marked on the equipment, including either the symbol "Ta" or "Tamb" together with the special range of ambient temperatures, in degrees Celsius.
Informational Note: As an example, such a marking might be "—30°C to +40°C."
Exception No. 1: Equipment of the non-heat-producing type, such as conduit fittings, and equipment of the heat-producing type having a maximum temperature of not more than 100°C (212°F) shall not be required to have a marked operating temperature or temperature class.
Exception No. 2: Equipment identified for Class I, Division 1 or Division 2 locations as permitted by 505.20(A), (B), and (C) shall be permitted to be marked in accordance with 505.8(C) and Table 500.8(C).
Table 505.9(D)(1) Classification of Maximum Surface Temperature for Group II Electrical Equipment
| Temperature Class (T Code) | Maximum Surface Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|
| T1 | ≤450 |
| T2 | ≤300 |
| T3 | ≤200 |
| T4 | ≤135 |
| T5 | ≤100 |
| T6 | ≤85 |
The supply connection entry thread form shall be NPT or metric. Conduit and fittings shall be made wrench-tight to prevent sparking when fault current flows through the conduit system, and to ensure the explosionproof or flameproof integrity of the conduit system where applicable. Equipment provided with threaded entries for field wiring connections shall be installed in accordance with 505.9(E)(1) or (E)(2) and with (E)(3).
For equipment provided with threaded entries for NPT threaded conduit or fittings, listed conduit, listed conduit fittings, or listed cable fittings shall be used.
All NPT threaded conduit and fittings shall be threaded with a National (American) Standard Pipe Taper (NPT) thread.
NPT threaded entries into explosionproof or flameproof equipment shall be made up with at least five threads fully engaged.
Exception: For listed explosionproof or flameproof equipment, factory-threaded NPT entries shall be made up with at least 41/2 threads fully engaged.
Informational Note No. 1: Thread specifications for male NPT threads are located in ASME B1.20.1-2013, Pipe Threads, General Purpose (Inch).
Informational Note No. 2: Female NPT threaded entries use a modified National Standard Pipe Taper (NPT) thread with thread form per ASME B1.20.1-2013, Pipe Threads, General Purpose (Inch). See ANSI/UL 60079-1:2013, Explosive Atmospheres — Part 1: Equipment Protection by Flameproof Enclosures "d"; and ANSI/ISA 60079-1:2013, Explosive Atmospheres — Part 1: Equipment Protection by Flameproof Enclosures "d".
For equipment with metric threaded entries, listed conduit fittings or listed cable fittings shall be used. Such entries shall be identified as being metric, or listed adapters to permit connection to conduit or NPT threaded fittings shall be provided with the equipment and shall be used for connection to conduit or NPT threaded fittings.
Metric threaded fittings installed into explosionproof or flameproof equipment entries shall have a class of fit of at least 6g/6H and be made up with at least five threads fully engaged.
Informational Note: Threading specifications for metric threaded entries are located in ISO 965-1-2013, ISO general purpose metric screw threads — Tolerances — Part 1: Principles and basic data; and ISO 965-3-1998, ISO general purpose metric screw threads — Tolerances — Part 3: Deviations for constructional screw threads.
All unused openings shall be closed with close-up plugs listed for the location and shall maintain the type of protection. The plug engagement shall comply with 505.9(E)(1) or 505.9(E)(2).
An optical fiber cable, with or without current-carrying current (composite optical fiber cable), shall be installed to address the associated fire hazard and sealed to address the associated explosion hazard in accordance with the requirements of 505.15 and 505.16.
Wiring methods shall maintain the integrity of protection techniques and shall comply with 505.15(A) through (C).
In Class I, Zone 0 locations, equipment protected by intrinsic safety "ia" and equipment protected by encapsulation "ma" shall be connected using intrinsically safe "ia" circuits with wiring methods in accordance with Article 504.
In Class I, Zone 1 locations, the wiring methods in 505.15(B)(1)(a) through (B)(1)(i) shall be permitted.
(a) All wiring methods permitted by 505.15(A).
(b) In industrial establishments with restricted public access, where the conditions of maintenance and supervision ensure that only qualified persons service the installation, and where the cable is not subject to physical damage, Type MC-HL cable listed for use in Class I, Zone 1 or Division 1 locations, with a gas/vaportight continuous corrugated metallic sheath, an overall jacket of suitable polymeric material, and a separate equipment grounding conductor(s) in accordance with 250.122, and terminated with fittings listed for the application. Type MC-HL cable shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of Article 330, Part II.
(c) In industrial establishments with restricted public access, where the conditions of maintenance and supervision ensure that only qualified persons service the installation, and where the cable is not subject to physical damage, Type ITC-HL cable listed for use in Class I, Zone 1 or Division 1 locations, with a gas/vaportight continuous corrugated metallic sheath and an overall jacket of suitable polymeric material, and terminated with fittings listed for the application. Type ITC-HL cable shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of Article 727.
(d) Type MI cable terminated with fittings listed for Class I, Zone 1 or Division 1 locations. Type MI cable shall be installed and supported in a manner to avoid tensile stress at the termination fittings.
(e) Threaded rigid metal conduit, or threaded steel intermediate metal conduit.
(f) Type PVC conduit and Type RTRC conduit shall be permitted where encased in a concrete envelope a minimum of 50 mm (2 in.) thick and provided with not less than 600 mm (24 in.) of cover measured from the top of the conduit to grade. Threaded rigid metal conduit or threaded steel intermediate metal conduit shall be used for the last 600 mm (24 in.) of the underground run to emergence or to the point of connection to the aboveground raceway. An equipment grounding conductor shall be included to provide for electrical continuity of the raceway system and for grounding of non-current-carrying metal parts.
(g) Intrinsic safety type of protection "ib" shall be permitted using the wiring methods specified in Article 504.
Informational Note: For entry into enclosures required to be flameproof, explosionproof, or of increased safety, see the information on construction, testing, and marking of cables; flameproof and increased safety cable fittings; and flameproof and increased safety cord connectors in ANSI/UL 2225-2013, Cables and Cable-Fittings for Use in Hazardous (Classified) Locations.
(h) Optical fiber cable Types OFNP, OFCP, OFNR, OFCR, OFNG, OFCG, OFN, and OFC shall be permitted to be installed in raceways in accordance with 505.15(B). Optical fiber cable shall be sealed in accordance with 505.16.
Informational Note: For entry into enclosures required to be flameproof, explosionproof, or of increased safety, see the information on construction, testing, and marking of cables; flameproof and increased safety cable fittings; and flameproof and increased safety cord connectors in ANSI/UL 2225-2013, Cables and Cable-Fittings for Use in Hazardous (Classified) Locations.
(i) In industrial establishments with restricted public access, where the conditions of maintenance and supervision ensure that only qualified persons service the installation, for applications limited to 600 volts nominal or less, for cable diameters 25 mm (1 in.) or less, and where the cable is not subject to physical damage, Type TC-ER-HL cable listed for use in Class I, Zone 1 locations, with an overall jacket and a separate equipment grounding conductor(s) in accordance with 250.122, and terminated with fittings listed for the location, Type TC-ER-HL cable shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of Article 336, including the restrictions of 336.10(7).
Where necessary to employ flexible connections, flexible fittings listed for Class I, Zone 1 or Division 1 locations, or flexible cord in accordance with the provisions of 505.17(A) terminated with a listed cord connector that maintains the type of protection of the terminal compartment, shall be permitted.
In Class I, Zone 2 locations, the following wiring methods shall be permitted:
- All wiring methods permitted by 505.15(B).
- Types MC, MV, TC, or TC-ER cable, including installation in cable tray systems. The cable shall be terminated with listed fittings. Single conductor Type MV cables shall be shielded or metallic-armored.
- Type ITC and Type ITC-ER cable as permitted in 727.4 and terminated with listed fittings.
- Type PLTC and Type PLTC-ER cable in accordance with the provisions of Article 725, including installation in cable tray systems. The cable shall be terminated with listed fittings.
- Enclosed gasketed busways, enclosed gasketed wireways.
- In industrial establishments with restricted public access, where the conditions of maintenance and supervision ensure that only qualified persons service the installation, and where metallic conduit does not provide sufficient corrosion resistance, listed reinforced thermosetting resin conduit (RTRC), factory elbows, and associated fittings, all marked with the suffix -XW, and Schedule 80 PVC conduit, factory elbows, and associated fittings shall be permitted. Where seals are required for boundary conditions as defined in 505.16(C)(1)(b), the Zone 1 wiring method shall extend into the Zone 2 area to the seal, which shall be located on the Zone 2 side of the Zone 1/Zone 2 boundary.
- Intrinsic safety type of protection "ic" shall be permitted using any of the wiring methods permitted for unclassified locations. Intrinsic safety type of protection "ic" systems shall be installed in accordance with the control drawing(s). Simple apparatus, not shown on the control drawing, shall be permitted in an intrinsic safety type of protection "ic" circuit, provided that the simple apparatus does not interconnect the intrinsic safety type of protection "ic" systems to any other circuit. Informational Note: Simple apparatus is defined in 504.2.
- Optical fiber cable of Types OFNP, OFCP, OFNR, OFCR, OFNG, OFCG, OFN, and OFC shall be permitted to be installed in cable trays or any other raceway in accordance with 505.15(C). Optical fiber cable shall be sealed in accordance with 505.16.
- Cablebus.
Separate intrinsic safety type of protection "ic" systems shall be installed in accordance with one of the following:
Where provision must be made for flexibility, flexible metal fittings, flexible metal conduit with listed fittings, liquidtight flexible metal conduit with listed fittings, liquidtight flexible nonmetallic conduit with listed fittings, or flexible cord in accordance with the provisions of 505.17 terminated with a listed cord connector that maintains the type of protection of the terminal compartment shall be permitted.
Exception: For elevator use, an identified elevator cable of Type EO, ETP, or ETT, shown under the "use" column in Table 400.4 for "hazardous (classified) locations," that is terminated with listed connectors that maintain the type of protection of the terminal compartment, shall be permitted.
Seals in conduit and cable systems shall comply with 505.16(A) through (E). Sealing compound shall be used in Type MI cable termination fittings to exclude moisture and other fluids from the cable insulation.
Informational Note No. 1: Seals are provided in conduit and cable systems to minimize the passage of gases and vapors and prevent the passage of flames from one portion of the electrical installation to another through the conduit. Such communication through Type MI cable is inherently prevented by construction of the cable. Unless specifically designed and tested for the purpose, conduit and cable seals are not intended to prevent the passage of liquids, gases, or vapors at a continuous pressure differential across the seal. Even at differences in pressure across the seal equivalent to a few inches of water, there may be a slow passage of gas or vapor through a seal and through conductors passing through the seal. See 505.16(C)(2)(b). Temperature extremes and highly corrosive liquids and vapors can affect the ability of seals to perform their intended function. See 505.16(D)(2).
Informational Note No. 2: Gas or vapor leakage and propagation of flames may occur through the interstices between the strands of standard stranded conductors larger than 2 AWG. Special conductor constructions, for example, compacted strands or sealing of the individual strands, are means of reducing leakage and preventing the propagation of flames.
Seals shall be provided within 3.05 m (10 ft) of where a conduit leaves a Zone 0 location. There shall be no unions, couplings, boxes, or fittings, except listed reducers at the seal, in the conduit run between the seal and the point at which the conduit leaves the location.
Exception: A rigid unbroken conduit that passes completely through the Zone 0 location with no fittings less than 300 mm (12 in.) beyond each boundary shall not be required to be sealed if the termination points of the unbroken conduit are in unclassified locations.
Seals shall not be required to be explosionproof or flameproof.
In Class I, Zone 1 locations, seals shall be located in accordance with 505.16(B)(1) through (B)(8).
Conduit seals shall be provided within 50 mm (2 in.) for each conduit entering enclosures having type of protection "d" or "e."
Exception No. 1: Where the enclosure having type of protection "d" is marked to indicate that a seal is not required.
Exception No. 2: For type of protection "e," conduit and fittings employing only NPT to NPT raceway joints or fittings listed for type of protection "e" shall be permitted between the enclosure and the seal, and the seal shall not be required to be within 50 mm (2 in.) of the entry.
Informational Note: Examples of fittings employing other than NPT threads include conduit couplings, capped elbows, unions, and breather drains.
Exception No. 3: For conduit installed between type of protection "e" enclosures employing only NPT to NPT raceway joints or conduit fittings listed for type of protection "e," a seal shall not be required.
Conduit seals shall be provided for each conduit entering explosionproof equipment according to 505.16(B)(2)(a), (B)(2)(b), and (B)(2)(c).
(a) In each conduit entry into an explosionproof enclosure where either of the following conditions apply:
- The enclosure contains apparatus, such as switches, circuit breakers, fuses, relays, or resistors that may produce arcs, sparks, or high temperatures that are considered to be an ignition source in normal operation. For the purposes of this section, high temperatures shall be considered to be any temperatures exceeding 80 percent of the autoignition temperature in degrees Celsius of the gas or vapor involved. Exception: Seals shall not be required for conduit entering an enclosure where such switches, circuit breakers, fuses, relays, or resistors comply with one of the following:(a) Are enclosed within a chamber hermetically sealed against the entrance of gases or vapors.(b) Are immersed in oil.(c) Are enclosed within an enclosure, identified for the location, and marked "Leads Factory Sealed," "Factory Sealed," "Seal not Required," or equivalent.
- The entry is metric designator 53 (trade size 2) or larger and the enclosure contains terminals, splices, or taps.
An enclosure, identified for the location, and marked "Leads Factory Sealed," or "Factory Sealed," Seal not Required," or equivalent shall not be considered to serve as a seal for another adjacent explosionproof enclosure that is required to have a conduit seal.
(b) Conduit seals shall be installed within 450 mm (18 in.) from the enclosure. Only explosionproof unions, couplings, reducers, elbows, capped elbows, and conduit bodies similar to L, T, and cross types that are not larger than the trade size of the conduit shall be permitted between the sealing fitting and the explosionproof enclosure.
(c) Where two or more explosionproof enclosures for which conduit seals are required under 505.16(B)(2) are connected by nipples or by runs of conduit not more than 900 mm (36 in.) long, a single conduit seal in each such nipple connection or run of conduit shall be considered sufficient if located not more than 450 mm (18 in.) from either enclosure.
Conduit seals shall be provided in each conduit entry into a pressurized enclosure where the conduit is not pressurized as part of the protection system. Conduit seals shall be installed within 450 mm (18 in.) from the pressurized enclosure.
Informational Note No. 1: Installing the seal as close as possible to the enclosure reduces problems with purging the dead airspace in the pressurized conduit.
Informational Note No. 2: For further information, see NFPA 496-2013, Standard for Purged and Pressurized Enclosures for Electrical Equipment.
Conduit seals shall be provided in each conduit run leaving a Class I, Zone 1 location. The sealing fitting shall be permitted on either side of the boundary of such location within 3.05 m (10 ft) of the boundary and shall be designed and installed so as to minimize the amount of gas or vapor within the Zone 1 portion of the conduit from being communicated to the conduit beyond the seal. Except for listed explosionproof reducers at the conduit seal, there shall be no union, coupling, box, or fitting between the conduit seal and the point at which the conduit leaves the Zone 1 location.
Exception: Metal conduit containing no unions, couplings, boxes, or fittings and passing completely through a Class I, Zone 1 location with no fittings less than 300 mm (12 in.) beyond each boundary shall not require a conduit seal if the termination points of the unbroken conduit are in unclassified locations.
Conduits containing cables with a gas/vaportight continuous sheath capable of transmitting gases or vapors through the cable core shall be sealed in the Zone 1 location after removing the jacket and any other coverings so that the sealing compound surrounds each individual insulated conductor or optical fiber tube and the outer jacket.
Exception: Multiconductor cables with a gas/vaportight continuous sheath capable of transmitting gases or vapors through the cable core shall be permitted to be considered as a single conductor by sealing the cable in the conduit within 450 mm (18 in.) of the enclosure and the cable end within the enclosure by an approved means to minimize the entrance of gases or vapors and prevent the propagation of flame into the cable core, or by other approved methods. For shielded cables and twisted pair cables, it shall not be required to remove the shielding material or separate the twisted pair.
Cable seals shall be provided for each cable entering flameproof or explosionproof enclosures. The seal shall comply with 505.16(D).
Conduit seals shall be located in accordance with (C)(1)(a) and (C)(1)(b).
(a) For connections to enclosures that are required to be flameproof or explosionproof, a conduit seal shall be provided in accordance with 505.16(B)(1) and (B)(2). All portions of the conduit run or nipple between the seal and enclosure shall comply with 505.16(B).
(b) In each conduit run passing from a Class I, Zone 2 location into an unclassified location. The sealing fitting shall be permitted on either side of the boundary of such location within 3.05 m (10 ft) of the boundary and shall be designed and installed so as to minimize the amount of gas or vapor within the Zone 2 portion of the conduit from being communicated to the conduit beyond the seal. Rigid metal conduit or threaded steel intermediate metal conduit shall be used between the sealing fitting and the point at which the conduit leaves the Zone 2 location, and a threaded connection shall be used at the sealing fitting. Except for listed explosionproof reducers at the conduit seal, there shall be no union, coupling, box, or fitting between the conduit seal and the point at which the conduit leaves the Zone 2 location. Conduits shall be sealed to minimize the amount of gas or vapor within the Class I, Zone 2 portion of the conduit from being communicated to the conduit beyond the seal. Such seals shall not be required to be flameproof or explosionproof but shall be identified for the purpose of minimizing passage of gases under normal operating conditions and shall be accessible.
Exception No. 1: Metal conduit containing no unions, couplings, boxes, or fittings and passing completely through a Class I, Zone 2 location with no fittings less than 300 mm (12 in.) beyond each boundary shall not be required to be sealed if the termination points of the unbroken conduit are in unclassified locations.
Exception No. 2: Conduit systems terminating at an unclassified location where a wiring method transition is made to cable tray, cablebus, ventilated busway, Type MI cable, or cable that is not installed in a raceway or cable tray system shall not be required to be sealed where passing from the Class I, Zone 2 location into the unclassified location. The unclassified location shall be outdoors or, if the conduit system is all in one room, it shall be permitted to be indoors. The conduits shall not terminate at an enclosure containing an ignition source in normal operation.
Exception No. 3: Conduit systems passing from an enclosure or room that is unclassified as a result of pressurization into a Class I, Zone 2 location shall not require a seal at the boundary.
Informational Note: For further information, refer to NFPA 496-2013, Standard for Purged and Pressurized Enclosures for Electrical Equipment.
Exception No. 4: Segments of aboveground conduit systems shall not be required to be sealed where passing from a Class I, Zone 2 location into an unclassified location if all the following conditions are met:
- No part of the conduit system segment passes through a Zone 0 or Zone 1 location where the conduit contains unions, couplings, boxes, or fittings within 300 mm (12 in.) of the Zone 0 or Zone 1 location.
- The conduit system segment is located entirely in outdoor locations.
- The conduit system segment is not directly connected to canned pumps, process or service connections for flow, pressure, or analysis measurement, and so forth, that depend on a single compression seal, diaphragm, or tube to prevent flammable or combustible fluids from entering the conduit system.
- The conduit system segment contains only threaded metal conduit, unions, couplings, conduit bodies, and fittings in the unclassified location.
- The conduit system segment is sealed at its entry to each enclosure or fitting housing terminals, splices, or taps in Zone 2 locations.
Cable seals shall be located in accordance with (C)(2)(a), (C)(2)(b), and (C)(2)(c).
(a) Explosionproof and Flameproof Enclosures. Cables entering enclosures required to be flameproof or explosionproof shall be sealed at the point of entrance. The seal shall comply with 505.16(D). Multiconductor or optical multifiber cables with a gas/vaportight continuous sheath capable of transmitting gases or vapors through the cable core shall be sealed in the Zone 2 location after removing the jacket and any other coverings so that the sealing compound surrounds each individual insulated conductor or optical fiber tube in such a manner as to minimize the passage of gases and vapors. Multiconductor or optical multifiber cables in conduit shall be sealed as described in 505.16(B)(4).
Exception No. 1: Cables passing from an enclosure or room that is unclassified as a result of Type Z pressurization into a Zone 2 location shall not require a seal at the boundary.
Exception No. 2: Shielded cables and twisted pair cables shall not require the removal of the shielding material or separation of the twisted pairs, provided the termination is by an approved means to minimize the entrance of gases or vapors and prevent propagation of flame into the cable core.
(b) Cables That Will Not Transmit Gases or Vapors. Cables with a gas/vaportight continuous sheath and that will not transmit gases or vapors through the cable core in excess of the quantity permitted for seal fittings shall not be required to be sealed except as required in 505.16(C)(2)(b). The minimum length of such cable run shall not be less than the length that limits gas or vapor flow through the cable core to the rate permitted for seal fittings [200 cm3/hr (0.007 ft3/hr) of air at a pressure of 1500 pascals (6 in. of water)].
Informational Note No. 1: For further information on construction, testing, and marking of cables, cable fittings, and cord connectors, see ANSI/UL 2225-2011, Cables and Cable-Fittings for Use in Hazardous (Classified) Locations.
Informational Note No. 2: The cable core does not include the interstices of the conductor strands.
(c) Cables Capable of Transmitting Gases or Vapors. Cables with a gas/vaportight continuous sheath capable of transmitting gases or vapors through the cable core shall not be required to be sealed except as required in 505.16(C)(2)(b), unless the cable is attached to process equipment or devices that may cause a pressure in excess of 1500 pascals (6 in. of water) to be exerted at a cable end, in which case a seal, barrier, or other means shall be provided to prevent migration of flammables into an unclassified area.
Exception: Cables with an unbroken gas/vaportight continuous sheath shall be permitted to pass through a Class I, Zone 2 location without seals.
(d) Cables Without Gas/Vaportight Continuous Sheath. Cables that do not have gas/vaportight continuous sheath shall be sealed at the boundary of the Zone 2 and unclassified location in such a manner as to minimize the passage of gases or vapors into an unclassified location.
Informational Note: The cable sheath may be either metal or a nonmetallic material.
Where required, seals in Class I, Zones 0, 1, and 2 locations shall comply with 505.16(D)(1) through (D)(5).
Enclosures for connections or equipment shall be provided with an integral means for sealing, or sealing fittings listed for the location shall be used. Sealing fittings shall be listed for use with one or more specific compounds and shall be accessible.
The compound shall provide a seal against passage of gas or vapors through the seal fitting, shall not be affected by the surrounding atmosphere or liquids, and shall not have a melting point less than 93°C (200°F).
In a completed seal, the minimum thickness of the sealing compound shall not be less than the trade size of the sealing fitting and, in no case, less than 16 mm (5/8 in.).
The cross-sectional area of the conductors or optical fiber tubes (metallic or nonmetallic) permitted in a seal shall not exceed 25 percent of the cross-sectional area of a rigid metal conduit of the same trade size unless it is specifically listed for a higher percentage of fill.
Where there is a probability that liquid or other condensed vapor may be trapped within enclosures for control equipment or at any point in the raceway system, approved means shall be provided to prevent accumulation or to permit periodic draining of such liquid or condensed vapor.
Where liquid or condensed vapor may accumulate within motors or generators, joints and conduit systems shall be arranged to minimize entrance of liquid. If means to prevent accumulation or to permit periodic draining are necessary, such means shall be provided at the time of manufacture and shall be considered an integral part of the machine.
A flexible cord shall be permitted for connection between portable lighting equipment or other portable utilization equipment and the fixed portion of their supply circuit. Flexible cord shall also be permitted for that portion of the circuit where the fixed wiring methods of 505.15(B) and (C) cannot provide the necessary degree of movement for fixed and mobile electrical utilization equipment in an industrial establishment where conditions of maintenance and engineering supervision ensure that only qualified persons install and service the installation, and where the flexible cord is protected by location or by a suitable guard from damage. The length of the flexible cord shall be continuous. Where flexible cords are used, the cords shall comply with the following:
- Be of a type listed for extra-hard usage.
- Contain, in addition to the conductors of the circuit, an equipment grounding conductor complying with 400.23.
- Be connected to terminals or to supply conductors in an approved manner.
- Be supported by clamps or by other suitable means in such a manner that there will be no tension on the terminal connections.
- Be terminated with a listed cord connector that maintains the type of protection where the flexible cord enters boxes, fittings, or enclosures that are required to be explosionproof or flameproof.
- Cord entering an increased safety "e" enclosure shall be terminated with a listed increased safety "e" cord connector.
Informational Note: See 400.10 for permitted uses of flexible cords.
Electric submersible pumps with means for removal without entering the wet-pit shall be considered portable utilization equipment. The extension of the flexible cord within a suitable raceway between the wet-pit and the power source shall be permitted.
Electric mixers intended for travel into and out of open-type mixing tanks or vats shall be considered portable utilization equipment.
Informational Note: See 505.18 for flexible cords exposed to liquids having a deleterious effect on the conductor insulation.
To facilitate replacements, process control instruments shall be permitted to be connected through flexible cords, attachment plugs, and receptacles, provided that all of the following conditions apply:
- A switch listed for Zone 2 is provided so that the attachment plug is not depended on to interrupt current, unless the circuit is type "ia," "ib," or "ic" protection, in which case the switch is not required.
- The current does not exceed 3 amperes at 120 volts, nominal.
- The power-supply cord does not exceed 900 mm (3 ft), is of a type listed for extra-hard usage or for hard usage if protected by location, and is supplied through an attachment plug and receptacle of the locking and grounding type.
- Only necessary receptacles are provided.
- The receptacle carries a label warning against unplugging under load.
Where condensed vapors or liquids may collect on, or come in contact with, the insulation on conductors, such insulation shall be of a type identified for use under such conditions, or the insulation shall be protected by a sheath of lead or by other approved means.
There shall be no uninsulated exposed parts, such as electrical conductors, buses, terminals, or components that operate at more than 30 volts (15 volts in wet locations). These parts shall additionally be protected by type of protection "ia," "ib," or "nA" that is suitable for the location.
In Class I, Zone 0 locations, only equipment specifically listed and marked as suitable for the location shall be permitted.
Exception: Intrinsically safe apparatus listed for use in Class I, Division 1 locations for the same gas, or as permitted by 505.9(B)(2), and with a suitable temperature class shall be permitted.
In Class I, Zone 1 locations, only equipment specifically listed and marked as suitable for the location shall be permitted.
Exception No. 1: Equipment identified for use in Class I, Division 1 or listed for use in Zone 0 locations for the same gas, or as permitted by 505.9(B)(2), and with a suitable temperature class shall be permitted.
Exception No. 2: Equipment identified for Class I, Zone 1 or Zone 2 type of protection "p" shall be permitted.
In Class I, Zone 2 locations, only equipment specifically listed and marked as suitable for the location shall be permitted.
Exception No. 1: Equipment listed for use in Zone 0 or Zone 1 locations for the same gas, or as permitted by 505.9(B)(2), and with a suitable temperature class, shall be permitted.
Exception No. 2: Equipment identified for Class I, Zone 1 or Zone 2 type of protection "p" shall be permitted.
Exception No. 3: Equipment identified for use in Class I, Division 1 or Division 2 locations for the same gas, or as permitted by 505.9(B)(2), and with a suitable temperature class shall be permitted.
Exception No. 4: In Class I, Zone 2 locations, the installation of open or nonexplosionproof or nonflameproof enclosed motors, such as squirrel-cage induction motors without brushes, switching mechanisms, or similar arc-producing devices that are not identified for use in a Class I, Zone 2 location shall be permitted.
Informational Note No. 1: It is important to consider the temperature of internal and external surfaces that may be exposed to the flammable atmosphere.
Informational Note No. 2: It is important to consider the risk of ignition due to currents arcing across discontinuities and overheating of parts in multisection enclosures of large motors and generators. Such motors and generators may need equipotential bonding jumpers across joints in the enclosure and from enclosure to ground. Where the presence of ignitible gases or vapors is suspected, clean air purging may be needed immediately prior to and during start-up periods.
Equipment marked Group IIC shall be permitted for applications requiring Group IIA or Group IIB equipment. Similarly, equipment marked Group IIB shall be permitted for applications requiring Group IIA equipment.
Equipment marked for a specific gas or vapor shall be permitted for applications where the specific gas or vapor may be encountered.
In Class I, Zone 1 locations, increased safety "e" motors and generators of all voltage ratings shall be listed for Zone 1 locations, and shall comply with all of the following:
- Motors shall be marked with the current ratio, IA/IN, and time, tE.
- Motors shall have controllers marked with the model or identification number, output rating (horsepower or kilowatt), full-load amperes, starting current ratio (IA /IN ), and time (tE ) of the motors that they are intended to protect; the controller marking shall also include the specific overload protection type (and setting, if applicable) that is listed with the motor or generator.
- Connections shall be made with the specific terminals listed with the motor or generator.
- Terminal housings shall be permitted to be of substantial, nonmetallic, nonburning material, provided an internal grounding means between the motor frame and the equipment grounding connection is incorporated within the housing.
- The provisions of Part III of Article 430 shall apply regardless of the voltage rating of the motor.
- The motors shall be protected against overload by a separate overload device that is responsive to motor current. This device shall be selected to trip or shall be rated in accordance with the listing of the motor and its overload protection.
- Sections 430.32(C) and 430.44 shall not apply to such motors.
- The motor overload protection shall not be shunted or cut out during the starting period.
Informational Note: Reciprocating engine-driven generators, compressors, and other equipment installed in Class I, Zone 2 locations may present a risk of ignition of flammable materials associated with fuel, starting, compression, and so forth, due to inadvertent release or equipment malfunction by the engine ignition system and controls. For further information on the requirements for ignition systems for reciprocating engines installed in Class I, Zone 2 hazardous (classified) locations, see ANSI/UL 122001:2014, General Requirements for Electrical Ignition Systems for Internal Combustion Engines in Class I, Division 2 or Zone 2, Hazardous (Classified) Locations.
Regardless of the voltage of the electrical system, grounding and bonding shall comply with Article 250 and the requirements in 505.25(A) and (B).
The locknut-bushing and double-locknut types of contacts shall not be depended on for bonding purposes, but bonding jumpers with proper fittings or other approved means of bonding shall be used. Such means of bonding shall apply to all intervening raceways, fittings, boxes, enclosures, and so forth, between Class I locations and the point of grounding for service equipment or point of grounding of a separately derived system.
Exception: The specific bonding means shall be required only to the nearest point where the grounded circuit conductor and the grounding electrode are connected together on the line side of the building or structure disconnecting means as specified in 250.32(B), provided the branch-circuit overcurrent protection is located on the load side of the disconnecting means.
Flexible metal conduit and liquidtight flexible metal conduit shall include an equipment bonding jumper of the wire type in compliance with 250.102.
Exception: In Class I, Zone 2 locations, the bonding jumper shall be permitted to be deleted where all of the following conditions are met:
(a) Listed liquidtight flexible metal conduit 1.8 m (6 ft) or less in length, with fittings listed for grounding, is used.
(b) Overcurrent protection in the circuit is limited to 10 amperes or less.
(c) The load is not a power utilization load.
This section shall apply to process-connected equipment, which includes, but is not limited to, canned pumps, submersible pumps, flow, pressure, temperature, or analysis measurement instruments. A process seal is a device to prevent the migration of process fluids from the designed containment into the external electrical system. Process connected electrical equipment that incorporates a single process seal, such as a single compression seal, diaphragm, or tube to prevent flammable or combustible fluids from entering a conduit or cable system capable of transmitting fluids, shall be provided with an additional means to mitigate a single process seal failure. The additional means may include, but is not limited to, the following:
- A suitable barrier meeting the process temperature and pressure conditions that the barrier is subjected to upon failure of the single process seal. There shall be a vent or drain between the single process seal and the suitable barrier. Indication of the single process seal failure shall be provided by visible leakage, an audible whistle, or other means of monitoring.
- A listed Type MI cable assembly, rated at not less than 125 percent of the process pressure and not less than 125 percent of the maximum process temperature (in degrees Celsius), installed between the cable or conduit and the single process seal.
- A drain or vent located between the single process seal and a conduit or cable seal. The drain or vent shall be sufficiently sized to prevent overpressuring the conduit or cable seal above 6 in. water column (1493 Pa). Indication of the single process seal failure shall be provided by visible leakage, an audible whistle, or other means of monitoring.
- An add-on secondary seal marked "secondary seal" and rated for the pressure and temperature conditions to which it will be subjected upon failure of the single process seal.
Process-connected electrical equipment that does not rely on a single process seal or is listed and marked "single seal" or "dual seal" shall not be required to be provided with an additional means of sealing.
Informational Note: For construction and testing requirements for process sealing for listed and marked single seal, dual seal, or secondary seal equipment, refer to ANSI/ISA-12.27.01-2011, Requirements for Process Sealing Between Electrical Systems and Flammable or Combustible Process Fluids.
Informational Note: Text that is followed by a reference in brackets has been extracted from NFPA 499-2013, Recommended Practice for the Classification of Combustible Dusts and of Hazardous (Classified) Locations for Electrical Installation in Chemical Process Areas. Only editorial changes were made to the extracted text to make it consistent with this Code.
This article covers the requirements for the zone classification system as an alternative to the division classification system covered in Article 500, Article 502, and Article 503 for electrical and electronic equipment and wiring for all voltages in Zone 20, Zone 21, and Zone 22 hazardous (classified) locations where fire and explosion hazards may exist due to combustible dusts or ignitible fibers/flyings.
Informational Note No. 1: For the requirements for electrical and electronic equipment and wiring for all voltages in Class I, Division 1 or Division 2; Class II, Division 1 or Division 2; Class III, Division 1 or Division 2; and Class I, Zone 0 or Zone 1 or Zone 2 hazardous (classified) locations where fire or explosion hazards may exist due to flammable gases or vapors, flammable liquids, or combustible dusts or fibers, refer to Articles 500 through 505.
Informational Note No. 2: Zone 20, Zone 21, and Zone 22 area classifications are based on the modified IEC area classification system as defined in ANSI/ISA 60079- 10-2 (12.10.05)-2013, Explosive Atmospheres — Part 10—2: Classification of Areas — Combustible Dust Atmospheres.
Informational Note No. 3: The unique hazards associated with explosives, pyrotechnics, and blasting agents are not addressed in this article.
For purposes of this article, the following definitions apply.
Protection by Encapsulation "m". Type of protection where electrical parts that could cause ignition of a mixture of combustible dust or fibers/flyings in air are protected by enclosing them in a compound in such a way that the explosive atmosphere cannot be ignited.
Informational Note No. 1: For additional information, see ANSI/ISA-60079-18 (12.23.01)-2012, Explosive atmospheres — Part 18: Equipment protection by encapsulation "m"; ANSI/UL 60079-18-2009, Explosive atmospheres — Part 18: Equipment protection by encapsulation "m"; and ANSI/ISA-61241-18 (12.10.07)-2011, Electrical Apparatus for Use in Zone 20, Zone 21 and Zone 22 Hazardous (Classified) Locations — Protection by Encapsulation "m."
Informational Note No. 2: Encapsulation is designated level of protection "maD" or "ma" for use in Zone 20 locations. Encapsulation is designated level of protection "mbD" or "mb" for use in Zone 21 locations. Encapsulation is designated type of protection "mc" for use in Zone 22 locations.
Protection by Enclosure "t". Type of protection for explosive dust atmospheres where electrical apparatus is provided with an enclosure providing dust ingress protection and a means to limit surface temperatures.
Informational Note No. 1: For additional information, see ANSI/UL 60079-31-2015, Explosive Atmospheres — Part 31: Equipment Dust Ignition Protection by Enclosure "t"; and ANSI/ISA-61241-1 (12.10.03)-2006, Electrical Apparatus for Use in Zone 21 and Zone 22 Hazardous (Classified) Locations — Protection by Enclosure "tD".
Informational Note No. 2: Protection by enclosure is designated level of protection "ta" for use in Zone 20 locations. Protection by enclosure is designated level of protection "tb" or "tD" for use in Zone 21 locations. Protection by enclosure is designated level of protection "tc" or "tD" for use in Zone 22 locations.
Protection by Intrinsic Safety "i". Type of protection where any spark or thermal effect is incapable of causing ignition of a mixture of combustible dust, fibers, or flyings in air under prescribed test conditions.
Informational Note No. 1: For additional information, see ANSI/ISA-60079-11 (12.01.01)-2014, Electrical Apparatus for Explosive Gas Atmospheres — Part 11: intrinsic safety "i"; ANSI/UL 60079-11-2013, Electrical Apparatus for Explosive Gas Atmospheres — Part 11: Intrinsic safety "i"; and ANSI/ISA- 61241-11 (12.10.04)-2006, Electrical Apparatus for Use in Zone 20, Zone 21 and Zone 22 Hazardous (Classified) Locations — Protection by Intrinsic Safety "iD."
Informational Note No. 2: Intrinsic safety is designated level of protection "iaD" or "ia" for use in Zone 20 locations. Intrinsic safety is designated level of protection "ibD" or "ib" for use in Zone 21 locations. Intrinsic safety is designated type of protection "ic" for use in Zone 22 locations.
Protection by Pressurization "p". Type of protection that guards against the ingress of a mixture of combustible dust or fibers/flyings in air into an enclosure containing electrical equipment by providing and maintaining a protective gas atmosphere inside the enclosure at a pressure above that of the external atmosphere.
All other applicable rules contained in this Code shall apply to electrical equipment and wiring installed in hazardous (classified) locations.
Exception: As modified by Article 504 and this article.
Important information relating to topics covered in Chapter 5 can be found in other publications.
Informational Note No. 1: It is important that the authority having jurisdiction be familiar with the recorded industrial experience as well as with standards of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the International Society of Automation (ISA), and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that may be of use in the classification of various locations, the determination of adequate ventilation, and the protection against static electricity and lightning hazards.
Informational Note No. 2: For additional information concerning the installation of equipment utilizing optical emissions technology (such as laser equipment) that could potentially become an ignition source in hazardous (classified) locations, see ANSI/ISA-60079-28 (12.21.02)-2013, Explosive Atmospheres — Part 28: Protection of equipment and transmission systems using optical radiation.
Locations shall be classified on the basis of the properties of the combustible dust or ignitible fibers/flyings that may be present, and the likelihood that a combustible or combustible concentration or quantity is present. Each room, section, or area shall be considered individually in determining its classification. Where pyrophoric materials are the only materials used or handled, these locations are outside of the scope of this article.
Zone 20, Zone 21, and Zone 22 locations are those in which combustible dust or ignitible fibers/flyings are or may be present in the air or in layers, in quantities sufficient to produce explosive or ignitible mixtures. Zone 20, Zone 21, and Zone 22 locations shall include those specified in 506.5(B)(1), (B)(2), and (B)(3).
A Zone 20 location is a location in which either of the following occur:
- Ignitible concentrations of combustible dust or ignitible fibers/flyings are present continuously.
- Ignitible concentrations of combustible dust or ignitible fibers/flyings are present for long periods of time.
Informational Note No. 1: As a guide to classification of Zone 20 locations, refer to ANSI/ISA-60079-10-2 (12.10.05)-2013, Explosive Atmospheres — Part 10—2: Classification of areas — Combustible dust atmospheres.
A Zone 21 location is a location where one of the following apply:
- Ignitible concentrations of combustible dust or ignitible fibers/flyings are likely to exist occasionally under normal operating conditions; or
- Ignitible concentrations of combustible dust or ignitible fibers/flyings may exist frequently because of repair or maintenance operations or because of leakage; or
- Equipment is operated or processes are carried on, of such a nature that equipment breakdown or faulty operations could result in the release of ignitible concentrations of combustible dust or ignitible fibers/flyings and also cause simultaneous failure of electrical equipment in a mode to cause the electrical equipment to become a source of ignition; or
- The location is adjacent to a Zone 20 location from which ignitible concentrations of dust or ignitible fibers/flyings could be communicated.
Exception: When communication from an adjacent Zone 20 location is minimized by adequate positive pressure ventilation from a source of clean air, and effective safeguards against ventilation failure are provided.
Informational Note No. 1: As a guide to classification of Zone 21 locations, refer to ANSI/ISA-60079-10-2 (12.10.05)-2013, Explosive Atmospheres — Part 10—2: Classification of areas — Combustible dust atmospheres.
Informational Note No. 2: This classification usually includes locations outside dust containment and in the immediate vicinity of access doors subject to frequent removal or opening for operation purposes when internal combustible mixtures are present; locations outside dust containment in the proximity of filling and emptying points, feed belts, sampling points, truck dump stations, belt dump over points, etc., where no measures are employed to prevent the formation of combustible mixtures; locations outside dust containment where dust accumulates and where due to process operations the dust layer is likely to be disturbed and form combustible mixtures; locations inside dust containment where explosive dust clouds are likely to occur (but neither continuously, nor for long periods, nor frequently) as, for example, silos (if filled and/or emptied only occasionally) and the dirty side of filters if large self-cleaning intervals are occurring.
A Zone 22 location is a location where one of the following apply:
- Ignitible concentrations of combustible dust or ignitible fibers/flyings are not likely to occur in normal operation and, if they do occur, will only persist for a short period; or
- Combustible dust or fibers/flyings are handled, processed, or used but in which the dust or fibers/flyings are normally confined within closed containers of closed systems from which they can escape only as a result of the abnormal operation of the equipment with which the dust or fibers/flyings are handled, processed, or used; or
- The location is adjacent to a Zone 21 location, from which ignitible concentrations of dust or fibers/flyings could be communicated.
Exception: When communication from an adjacent Zone 21 location is minimized by adequate positive pressure ventilation from a source of clean air, and effective safeguards against ventilation failure are provided.
Informational Note No. 1: As a guide to classification of Zone 22 locations, refer to ANSI/ISA-60079-10-2 (12.10.05)-2013, Explosive Atmospheres — Part 10—2: Classification of areas — Combustible dust atmospheres.
Informational Note No. 2: Zone 22 locations usually include outlets from bag filter vents, because in the event of a malfunction there can be emission of combustible mixtures; locations near equipment that has to be opened at infrequent intervals or equipment that from experience can easily form leaks where, due to pressure above atmospheric, dust will blow out; pneumatic equipment, flexible connections that can become damaged, etc.; storage locations for bags containing dusty product, since failure of bags can occur during handling, causing dust leakage; and locations where controllable dust layers are formed that are likely to be raised into explosive dust-air mixtures. Only if the layer is removed by cleaning before hazardous dust-air mixtures can be formed is the area designated unclassified.
Informational Note No. 3: Locations that normally are classified as Zone 21 can fall into Zone 22 when measures are employed to prevent the formation of explosive dust-air mixtures. Such measures include exhaust ventilation. The measures should be used in the vicinity of (bag) filling and emptying points, feed belts, sampling points, truck dump stations, belt dump over points, etc.
Combustible metal dust. Group IIIC shall be considered to be equivalent to Class II, Group E.
Combustible dust other than combustible metal dust. Group IIIB shall be considered to be equivalent to Class II, Groups F and G.
Solid particles, including fibers, greater than 500 µm in nominal size, which could be suspended in air and could settle out of the atmosphere under their own weight. Group IIIA shall be considered to be equivalent to Class III.
Informational Note: Examples of flyings include rayon, cotton (including cotton linters and cotton waste), sisal, jute, hemp, cocoa fiber, oakum, and baled waste kapok.
Article 506 requires equipment construction and installation that ensures safe performance under conditions of proper use and maintenance.
Classification of areas, engineering and design, selection of equipment and wiring methods, installation, and inspection shall be performed by qualified persons.
A Class II or Class III, Division 1 or Division 2 location shall be permitted to be reclassified as a Zone 20, Zone 21, or Zone 22 location, provided that all of the space that is classified because of a single combustible dust or ignitible fiber/flying source is reclassified under the requirements of this article.
Where flammable gases, combustible dusts, or fibers/flyings are or may be present at the same time, the simultaneous presence shall be considered during the selection and installation of the electrical equipment and the wiring methods, including the determination of the safe operating temperature of the electrical equipment.
This protection technique shall be permitted for equipment in Zone 21 and Zone 22 locations for which it is identified.
This protection technique shall be permitted for equipment in Zone 22 locations for which it is identified.
This protection technique shall be permitted for equipment in Zone 22 locations for which it is identified.
This protection technique shall be permitted for equipment in Zone 21 and Zone 22 locations for which it is identified.
Suitability of identified equipment shall be determined by one of the following:
- Equipment listing or labeling
- Evidence of equipment evaluation from a qualified testing laboratory or inspection agency concerned with product evaluation
- Evidence acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction such as a manufacturer's self-evaluation or an owner's engineering judgment
Equipment identified for Class II, Division 1 or Class II, Division 2 shall, in addition to being marked in accordance with 500.8(C), be permitted to be marked with all of the following:
Equipment meeting one or more of the protection techniques described in 506.8 shall be marked with the following in the order shown:
- Zone
- Symbol "AEx"
- Protection technique(s) in accordance with Table 506.9(C)(2)(3)
- Material group in accordance with 506.6
- Maximum surface temperature in accordance with 506.9(D), marked as a temperature value in degrees C, preceded by "T" and followed by the symbol "°C"
- Ambient temperature marking in accordance with 506.9(D)
Informational Note: The EPL (or equipment protection level) can appear in the product marking. EPLs are designated as G for gas, D for dust, or M for mining, and are then followed by a letter (a, b, or c) to give the user a better understanding as to whether the equipment provides (a) a "very high," (b) a "high," or (c) an "enhanced" level of protection against ignition of an explosive atmosphere. For example, a Zone 21 AEx pb IIIB T165°C motor can additionally be marked with an EPL of "Db", Zone 21 AEx p IIIB T165°C Db.
Exception: Associated apparatus NOT suitable for installation in a hazardous (classified) location shall be required to be marked only with 506.9(C)(2)(2) and (3), and where applicable (4), but BOTH the symbol AEx in 506.9(C)(2)(2) and the symbol for the type of protection in 506.9(C)(2)(3) shall be enclosed within the same square brackets; for example, [AEx iaD] or [AEx ia] IIIC.
Table 506.9(C)(2)(3) Types of Protection Designation
| Designation | Technique | Zone* |
|---|---|---|
| iaD | Protection by intrinsic safety | 20 |
| ia | Protection by intrinsic safety | 20 |
| ibD | Protection by intrinsic safety | 21 |
| ib | Protection by intrinsic safety | 21 |
| ic | Protection by intrinsic safety | 22 |
| [iaD] | Associated apparatus | Unclassified** |
| [ia] | Associated apparatus | Unclassified** |
| [ibD] | Associated apparatus | Unclassified** |
| [ib] | Associated apparatus | Unclassified** |
| [ic] | Associated apparatus | Unclassified** |
| maD | Protection by encapsulation | 20 |
| ma | Protection by encapsulation | 20 |
| mbD | Protection by encapsulation | 21 |
| mb | Protection by encapsulation | 21 |
| mc | Protection by encapsulation | 22 |
| pD | Protection by pressurization | 21 |
| p | Protection by pressurization | 21 |
| pb | Protection by pressurization | 21 |
| tD | Protection by enclosures | 21 |
| ta | Protection by enclosures | 20 |
| tb | Protection by enclosures | 21 |
| tc | Protection by enclosures | 22 |
| *Does not address use where a combination of techniques is used. | ||
| **Associated apparatus is permitted to be installed in a hazardous (classified) location if suitably protected using another type of protection. | ||
Informational Note: The "D" suffix on the type of protection designation was employed prior to the introduction of Group IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC; which is now used to distinguish between the type of protection employed for Group II (Gases) or Group III (Dusts).
Equipment shall be marked to show the maximum surface temperature referenced to a 40°C ambient, or at the higher marked ambient temperature if the equipment is rated and marked for an ambient temperature of greater than 40°C. For equipment installed in a Zone 20 or Zone 21 location, the operating temperature shall be based on operation of the equipment when blanketed with the maximum amount of dust (or with dust-simulating fibers/flyings) that can accumulate on the equipment. Electrical equipment designed for use in the ambient temperature range between -20°C and +40°C shall require no additional ambient temperature marking. Electrical equipment that is designed for use in a range of ambient temperatures other than -20°C and +40°C is considered to be special; and the ambient temperature range shall then be marked on the equipment, including either the symbol "Ta" or "Tamb" together with the special range of ambient temperatures.
Informational Note: As an example, such a marking might be "—30°C ≤ Ta ≤ +40°C."
Exception No. 1: Equipment of the non-heat-producing type, such as conduit fittings, shall not be required to have a marked operating temperature.
Exception No. 2: Equipment identified for Class II, Division 1 or Class II, Division 2 locations as permitted by 506.20(B) and (C) shall be permitted to be marked in accordance with 500.8(C) and Table 500.8(C).
The supply connection entry thread form shall be NPT or metric. Conduit and fittings shall be made wrench-tight to prevent sparking when the fault current flows through the conduit system and to ensure the integrity of the conduit system. Equipment provided with threaded entries for field wiring connections shall be installed in accordance with 506.9(E)(1) or (E)(2) and with (E)(3).
For equipment provided with threaded entries for NPT-threaded conduit or fittings, listed conduit fittings or listed cable fittings shall be used. All NPT-threaded conduit and fittings shall be threaded with a National (American) Standard Pipe Taper (NPT) thread.
Informational Note: Thread specifications for NPT threads are located in ASME B1.20.1-2013, Pipe Threads, General Purpose (Inch).
For equipment with metric-threaded entries, listed conduit fittings or listed cable fittings shall be used. Such entries shall be identified as being metric, or listed adapters to permit connection to conduit or NPT-threaded fittings shall be provided with the equipment and shall be used for connection to conduit or NPT-threaded fittings. Metric-threaded fittings installed into equipment entries shall be made up with at least five threads fully engaged.
All unused openings shall be closed with listed metal close-up plugs. The plug engagement shall comply with 506.9(E)(1) or (E)(2).
An optical fiber cable, with or without current-carrying conductors (composite optical fiber cable), shall be installed to address the associated fire hazard and sealed to address the associated explosion hazard in accordance with the requirements of 506.15 and 506.16.
Wiring methods shall maintain the integrity of the protection techniques and shall comply with 506.15(A), (B), or (C).
In Zone 20 locations, the following wiring methods shall be permitted:
- (1) Threaded rigid metal conduit or threaded steel intermediate metal conduit.
- (2) Type MI cable terminated with fittings listed for the location. Type MI cable shall be installed and supported in a manner to avoid tensile stress at the termination fittings.
Exception No. 1: MI cable and fittings listed for Class II, Division 1 locations shall be permitted to be used.Exception No. 2: Equipment identified as intrinsically safe "iaD" or "ia" shall be permitted to be connected using the wiring methods identified in 504.20.
- (5) Fittings and boxes shall be identified for use in Zone 20 locations.
- (6) Where necessary to employ flexible connections, liquid-tight flexible metal conduit with listed fittings, liquidtight flexible nonmetallic conduit with listed fittings, or flexible cord listed for extra-hard usage and provided with listed fittings shall be used. Where flexible cords are used, they shall also comply with 506.17 and shall be terminated with a listed cord connector that maintains the type of protection of the terminal compartment. Where flexible connections are subject to oil or other corrosive conditions, the insulation of the conductors shall be of a type listed for the condition or shall be protected by means of a suitable sheath.
Exception No. 1: Flexible conduit and flexible conduit and cord fittings listed for Class II, Division 1 locations shall be permitted to be used.Exception No. 2: For elevator use, an identified elevator cable of Type EO, ETP, or ETT, shown under the "use" column in Table 400.4 for "hazardous (classified) locations," and terminated with listed connectors that maintain the type of protection of the terminal compartment shall be permitted.
- (7) Optical fiber cable Types OFNP, OFCP, OFNR, OFCR, OFNG, OFCG, OFN, and OFC shall be permitted to be installed in raceways in accordance with 506.15(A). Optical fiber cables shall be sealed in accordance with 506.16.
In Zone 21 locations, the wiring methods in (B)(1) and (B)(2) shall be permitted:
- All wiring methods permitted in 506.15(A).
- Fittings and boxes that are dusttight, provided with threaded bosses for connection to conduit, in which taps, joints, or terminal connections are not made, and are not used in locations where metal dust is present, may be used.
Informational Note: For further information on construction, testing, and marking of cables, cable fittings, and cord connectors, see ANSI/UL 2225-2011, Cables and Cable-Fittings for Use in Hazardous (Classified) Locations.
Exception: Equipment identified as intrinsically safe "ibD" or "ib" shall be permitted to be connected using the wiring methods identified in 504.20.
In Zone 22 locations, the following wiring methods shall be permitted:
- (1) All wiring methods permitted in 506.15(B).
- (2) Rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, electrical metallic tubing, dusttight wireways.
- (3) Type MI cable with listed termination fittings.
- (7) Intrinsic safety type of protection "ic" shall be permitted using any of the wiring methods permitted for unclassified locations. Intrinsic safety type of protection "ic" systems shall be installed in accordance with the control drawing(s). Simple apparatus, not shown on the control drawing, shall be permitted in a circuit of intrinsic safety type of protection "ic", provided that the simple apparatus does not interconnect the intrinsic safety type of protection "ic" circuit to any other circuit.
Informational Note: The term Simple Apparatus is defined in 504.2.Separation of circuits of intrinsic safety type of protection "ic" shall be in accordance with one of the following:
- (8) Boxes and fittings shall be dusttight.
- (9) Optical fiber cable Types OFNP, OFCP, OFNR, OFCR, OFNG, OFCG, OFN, and OFC shall be permitted to be installed in cable trays or any raceway in accordance with 506.15(C). Optical fiber cables shall be sealed in accordance with 506.16.
- (10) Cablebus.
Where necessary to protect the ingress of combustible dust or ignitible fibers/flyings, or to maintain the type of protection, seals shall be provided. The seal shall be identified as capable of preventing the ingress of combustible dust or ignitible fibers/flyings and maintaining the type of protection but need not be explosionproof or flameproof.
Flexible cords used in Zone 20, Zone 21, and Zone 22 locations shall comply with all of the following:
- Be of a type listed for extra-hard usage
- Contain, in addition to the conductors of the circuit, an equipment grounding conductor complying with 400.23
- Be connected to terminals or to supply conductors in an approved manner
- Be supported by clamps or by other suitable means in such a manner to minimize tension on the terminal connections
- Be terminated with a listed cord connector that maintains the protection technique of the terminal compartment