Bloozntooz7868
Electrical
- May 23, 2014
- 27
Sorry for the lengthy write up on a comparatively simple issue, but I want to provide all the info up front. I have tried to find this answered in other threads but found none that address this precise question.
As a European, I need a little advice on the interpretation of the NEC code for conduit installations on explosionproof equipment installed in Class 1 Division 2 areas:
NEC 501.15(B) states the following:
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(B) Conduit Seals, Class I, Division 2 locations, conduit seals shall be located in accordance with 501.15(B)(1) and (B)(2).
(1) Entering Enclosures. 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 such enclosure shall comply with 501.10(A).
In Class I, Division 2 locations, a seal is required in each conduit entering an enclosure that is required to be explosionproof, in order to complete the explosionproof enclosure.
----------------
Now it is this part about "...connections to enclosures that are required to be explosionproof..." that I am unsure about, as the ramifications are pretty huge for the site I am working on.
I am thinking there are 2 ways of approaching this:
1) If I am using a certified explosionproof box then this automatically means that it "requires to be explosionproof" otherwise why would I be using it?
or
2) There is only a requirement that it is explosionproof if there are arcing/sparking/hot surfaces (ignition sources) that are used in it.
The latter one is what is stated in NEC Code 501.15(A) for the more onerous Div 1 areas, but the same explicitness used in the Div 2 narrative. Depending on the outcome, there may be hundreds of locations (certified field pushbutton stations / switches etc) that require retrofitting with seals, so it's something I need to be sure about before elevating this issue.
Can anyone provide clear guidance?
Thanks.
As a European, I need a little advice on the interpretation of the NEC code for conduit installations on explosionproof equipment installed in Class 1 Division 2 areas:
NEC 501.15(B) states the following:
---------------
(B) Conduit Seals, Class I, Division 2 locations, conduit seals shall be located in accordance with 501.15(B)(1) and (B)(2).
(1) Entering Enclosures. 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 such enclosure shall comply with 501.10(A).
In Class I, Division 2 locations, a seal is required in each conduit entering an enclosure that is required to be explosionproof, in order to complete the explosionproof enclosure.
----------------
Now it is this part about "...connections to enclosures that are required to be explosionproof..." that I am unsure about, as the ramifications are pretty huge for the site I am working on.
I am thinking there are 2 ways of approaching this:
1) If I am using a certified explosionproof box then this automatically means that it "requires to be explosionproof" otherwise why would I be using it?
or
2) There is only a requirement that it is explosionproof if there are arcing/sparking/hot surfaces (ignition sources) that are used in it.
The latter one is what is stated in NEC Code 501.15(A) for the more onerous Div 1 areas, but the same explicitness used in the Div 2 narrative. Depending on the outcome, there may be hundreds of locations (certified field pushbutton stations / switches etc) that require retrofitting with seals, so it's something I need to be sure about before elevating this issue.
Can anyone provide clear guidance?
Thanks.