USA Hazardous Locations - ESD

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I've been told that North America has reduced standards for plastic enclosures in hazardous environments (Class I Division 2 (Zone 2) Group II environment for example) as compared to the ATEX standards for Europe.

Can someone confirm this? I don't see this deviation in UL 60079-0 7th edition (i.e IEC 60079-0:, nor in any National Differences.

Thanks,

Z

 

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I got in touch with UL for the answer to this question. In the USA Class I Division 2 is defined in UL 12.12.01, where Clause 1.5.1 states that static electricity is out of the scope of UL 12.12.01.

UL 12.12.01 states that it must be used in accordance with Ordinary Location requirements, such as UL 60950 or UL 61010. ESD requirements, if defined, need to be met at this level of requirements. UL 61010 Clause 9.2 covers sources of ignition within the equipment.

UL 60079-11 protection level "ic" can be used for Class I Division 2 in the USA, but it is not required. This is an ATEX level of protection.

Z