Hazardous Areas Classifications

1).CLASS- Based on Substance

2).Division-Hazardous condition presence 3). Group- Substance categorization 4).Tempereture Permissible surface Temperature

CLASS
1).Class I - Gas & Vapours 2).Class II - Powders 3).Class III - Fibers

1). Division I Explosive atmosphere always present . a). Constantly present (Zone 0) b).Present intermittently(Zone 1)

Division

2).Division II Breakdown leads to explosive atmosphere that to for brief period (Zone 2) in which volatile flammable liquids or flammable gases are handled, processed, or used, but in which the liquids, vapors, or gases will normally be confined within closed containers or closed systems from which they can escape only in case of accidental rupture or breakdown of such containers or systems, or in case of abnormal operation of equipment, or in which ignitable concentrations of gases or vapors are normally prevented by positive mechanical ventilation, and which might become hazardous through failure or abnormal operation of the ventilating equipment, or that is adjacent to a Class I, Division 1 location, and to which ignitable concentrations of gases or vapors might occasionally be communicated unless such communication is prevented by adequate positive-pressure ventilation from a source of clean air and effective safeguards against ventilation failure are provided.
Class II, Division 2 Locations A Class II, Division 2 location is a location where combustible dust is not normally in the air in quantities sufficient to produce explosive or ignitable mixtures. Dust accumulations are normally insufficient to interfere with the normal operation of electrical equipment or other apparatus. Caution: However, combustible dust may be in suspension in the air as a result of infrequent malfunctioning of handling or processing equipment. This is a location where combustible dust accumulations on, in, or in the vicinity of, the electrical equipment may be:sufficient to interfere with the safe dissipation of heat from electrical equipment, orignitable by abnormal operation or failure of electrical equipment.

Group
1).Gases Group A-Ethyl Acetate Group B-Hydrogen Group C-Ethylene Group D-Propane 2).Powders Group E-Metal Powders Group F-Coal Powders Group G- Grain Powders 3).Fibers Class I

Class II Class III

Maximum Surface Temperature

1).Temperature ranging from T1 T6 T1-450 *C T2-300 *C T3-200 *C T4-135 *C T5-100 *C T6- 85 *C Auto ignition Temperature (AIT) The minimum temperature required to initiate or cause self-sustaining combustion independently of the heating or heated element. Flash Point The minimum temperature at which a liquid or a solid emits vapor sufficient to form an ignitable mixture with air near the surface of the liquid or the solid.

Methods of Protection
1). EEx I (intrinsic safe material)Division I-Class I ,II & III-Zone 0 Explosive atmosphere constantly present high risk areas Normal process leads to explosive atmosphere, risk factor high

2). EEx e & EEx d (increased safety & Explosion proof material) Division II Class I,II & III-Zone 1 Breakdown leads to explosive atmosphere only short periods, risk factor low