Ensuring Safety in Hazardous Locations: A Guide by WorkSite Lighting
At WorkSite Lighting, we prioritize safety in hazardous locations by offering certified, high-quality equipment tailored to your needs. This guide, inspired by Intertek’s Hazardous Locations and Explosive Atmosphere Guide, highlights essential protection methods, certifications, and standards.
What Are Hazardous Locations?
Hazardous locations are areas with explosive gases, vapors, or combustible dusts that pose significant risks. Examples include:
- Oil and Gas Facilities: Refineries, pipelines, and offshore rigs.
- Chemical Processing Plants: Handling flammable liquids or gases.
- Agricultural Sites: Grain silos and feed mills prone to combustible dust.
Explore our products tailored to meet these challenges.
Key Protection Methods for Hazardous Locations
Effective protection methods prevent ignition and ensure safe operation. These include:
1. Intrinsic Safety (Ex i)
How It Works: Limits energy within electrical circuits to prevent sparks or high temperatures.
Applications: Handheld devices, sensors, and communication equipment.
2. Explosion-Proof Enclosures (Ex d)
How It Works: Contain internal explosions and prevent flames from escaping.
Applications: Lighting fixtures and motors.
3. Encapsulation (Ex m)
How It Works: Seals components in protective resin to block hazardous materials.
Applications: Electronics like transformers and relays.
4. Pressurization (Ex p)
How It Works: Maintains positive pressure inside enclosures to keep hazardous substances out.
Applications: Control panels and electrical cabinets.
UL Standards for Hazardous Locations
Understanding UL standards is critical for ensuring your equipment meets North American safety requirements. Here are key UL standards:
| Standard | Description | Application |
|---|---|---|
| UL 1203 | Explosion-Proof and Dust-Ignition-Proof Electrical Equipment | Used for Class I, Division 1 environments. |
| UL 674 | Electric Motors and Generators | Designed for hazardous atmospheres. |
| UL 844 | Lighting Fixtures for Hazardous Locations | Applies to explosion-proof and dust-tight lighting. |
| UL 913 | Intrinsically Safe Equipment | Ideal for low-energy circuits in hazardous locations. |
Zones and Equipment Protection Levels (EPLs)
Hazardous locations are classified into zones based on the likelihood of explosive atmospheres:
| Zone | Description | EPL Required |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 0 | Continuous explosive atmosphere | Very High (Ga) |
| Zone 1 | Likely during normal operations | High (Gb) |
| Zone 2 | Unlikely or short-duration presence | Low (Gc) |
Why Certification from Intertek Matters
Intertek provides trusted testing and certification services for hazardous location equipment. By working with Intertek, WorkSite Lighting ensures global compliance and unmatched safety for our products, giving your operations the confidence they need to succeed.