Requirements for Electronic Devices in Class I Division 2 locations

[ksheridan]

Preface: I'm not an Engineer, but a Quality professional asking the 'stupid' questions to ensure that the decision/direction my group takes is informed.

1. What are/where can I find the regulatory requirements for North America for electronic equipment for use in Class I Division 2 locations?

2. For equipment that is not intrinsically safe, such as the Apple iPad, will encapsulating it in a vacuumed hi-mil plastic bag, such as the Otterbox (ottebox.com) mitigate potential ignition sources under both normal and abnormal conditions? What about digital cameras with flash, cell phones?

I'd be particularly interested in hearing from those in the oil/gas industry, both from a company policy and practice perspective.

Thanks.

 

[ksheridan]

Expansion of potential proposed solution:
Drycase (drycase.com)

 

[rbalex]

From the NEC Section 500.2 (Definitions):

Electrical and Electronic Equipment. Materials, fittings, devices, appliances, and the like that are part of, or in connection with, an electrical installation.
FPN: 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 ISA-RP12.12.03-2002, 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.

For a long time the NEC simply ignored portable devices in hazardous locations because it is generally an “installation” Standard. ISA-RP12.12.03 has become the basic Standard for evaluating portable equipment.

Many personal electronic devices are routinely carried into Division 2 (Even Divison 1 on ocassion) Personally, I have watches and a hearing aid that I still use in Division 2. I have colleagues with pacemakers, although now most are totally internal units.

Anything with a fairly high voltage switching circuit is suspect. (I happen to have a Class I, Division 2 PDA.)

Although the risk is actually pretty small, unless an iPad were marked for Division 2, I’d be hesitant to use one – even encased.

 

[ksheridan]

Safety is a primary focus for me, and I err on the side of safety from a personnel as well as company liability perspective.

If it is generally accepted that only Intrinsically Safe devices should be allowed in Cl I Dv 2 locations, then I believe placing an iPad (even encased) without externally certified testing places personnel at unnecessary risk. It also degrades the position that other devices are not allowed; ie cell phones, cameras etc.

Thoughts?

 

[rbalex]

By "raw" definition intrinsically safe devices are allowed in any Division or Zone. A nonincendive device is also acceptable in Division 2; they are discussed in ISA-RP12.12.01.

My reference to "marking" assumes third-party certification.

 

[ksheridan]

Thanks rbalex for your comments.

If the iPad/Otterbox/Drycase were subjected to (and met)by internal Engineering the requirements for PEP2 in ISA-RP12.12.03, in your opinion would this meet requirements for due diligence? Or should this be performed by an outside independent organization.

 

[rbalex]

See NEC Section 500.8(A).

 

[danw2]

ISA's recommended practice ISA-RP12.12.03 states that a device may be used in a CL 1, Div 2 area
a) when a gas free permit is in effect, or
b) if the device qualifies as a PEP2 device

PEP2 devices can not have an arcing/sparking internal motor (cooling fan or lens zoom motor on a camera)

An owner may establish "a process of inspection" for purposes of qualifying a particular device as PEP2.

The RP states 7 evaluation criteria for PEP2 including a series of drop tests (in 6 orientations 'most likely to cause failure') from a 2 meter elevation so that the case 'shall not be compromised' and the device's battery has neither fallen out nor been disconnected; and the device "shall operate as intended."

The RP lists numerous devices. Laptops require a gas free work permit.

I'm a Windows guy so I wouldn't know an iPad if it dropped in my lap, but I'm doubtful that any consumer product with a marketing lifespan calculated in months is likely to meet the PEP2 criteria, but surprises can happen.

Your plant has a hazardous area, so someone in process or the engineering group likely has a copy of the RP. If not, it's available from the ISA.org web site.