Area Classification for Diesel Fire Pump Building
Area Classification for Diesel Fire Pump Building
(OP)
We are building a new combined cycle plant in Ontario and have a 12' by 18' pre-engineered vendor supplied diesel fire pump building. I am no expert on Area Classification, but assume the interior of the building shoul be Cl. I, Div. 2, Grp, ?. Neither the NEC or OESC speaks to diesel fuel. Is Diesel fuel/vapor grouped. Is it even explosive?
Any help would be great
Any help would be great





RE: Area Classification for Diesel Fire Pump Building
Check with your local fire authority. Most places, an adequately ventilated room with just a day tank full of diesel is not classified (flash point of diesel can vary from 100F to 200F, with most being above 125F). We often see open-type relays on top of day tanks that start and stop the pump.
However, there are exceptions in some localities... It's best to be sure.
Let us know what you find out!
Good on ya,
Goober Dave
RE: Area Classification for Diesel Fire Pump Building
Speaking of the USA, typically diesel is not considered flammable or explosive. For above grade storage and up to 660 gallons there are no special rules, except may be for having a UL listed tank. Anything more than that requires extra measures up to some limit, like 3 hr rated fire enclosure and such.
Much more stringent rules and restrictions are there for underground storage of course, for any quantity.
There may be other applicable codes beside NFPA and depending upon the location EPA requirements need be met.
In the end, you need to conform to the local laws.
Rafiq Bulsara
http://www.srengineersct.com
RE: Area Classification for Diesel Fire Pump Building
David Castor
www.cvoes.com
RE: Area Classification for Diesel Fire Pump Building
Again verify all this with mechanical engineer and/or tank mfrs.
Rafiq Bulsara
http://www.srengineersct.com