Area classification
Area classification
(OP)
I am involved with a compressor plant that is extracting gas from a landfill, compressing it to 60 psig and delivering it via pipeline to a power plant a mile away. The compressors are driven by electric motors and all the equipment is installed outdoors. Would this be considered a class 1, div. 2 location or, because of the outdoor location, a non classified location?
Thanks,
Dave D.
Thanks,
Dave D.





RE: Area classification
Is not gasoline dispensing pumps outdoors also? Seek help from a local engineering firm.
Bigbillnky,C.E.F.....(Chief Electrical Flunky)
RE: Area classification
RE: Area classification
Hope this helps.
RE: Area classification
RE: Area classification
In a Class 1 Division 1 the hazardous material is present "under normal operating conditions". Refer NFPA Code 70 (NEC) 500.5 (B) (1). A good example of this is the inside of an automotive spray booth. If you have this in an open area you probaly have an environmental hazard also.
RE: Area classification
7.12.5.2 Electrical Requirements. Where gas-mixing machines are installed in well-ventilated areas, the type of electrical equipment shall be in accordance with NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, for general service conditions unless other hazards in the area prevail. Where gas-mixing machines are installed in small detached buildings or cutoff rooms, the electrical equipment and wiring shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 70 for hazardous locations (Articles 500 and 501, Class I, Division 2).
Based on the above, I don't think your installation would be considered hazardous. Similarly, NFPA does not require XP installations around gas stoves, water heaters, fireplaces, etc., nor around propane refrigerators (like you'd find in campers). I strongly suspect Comcokid is mistaken in his statement regarding propane.
IBC may have differing requirements from NFPA.
Your local engineering firm is probably NOT the right group to ask. The right guy to ask would be your insurance agent, or possibly your local inspector (are you getting a permit for this thing?).
RE: Area classification
This is a Division 2 application per NEC 500.5(B)(2)(1).
The problem is finding an appropriate standard to determine the envelope. When all specific documents are silent, I fall back on NFPA 497. The title may be a bit misleading, but the stated scope is general enough to cover most applications in absence of a specific document.
In any case, the application described will definitely have a fairly small envelope around the compressor and conrol valves. I'd have to be more familiar with the over process to be more specific.