Difference between intrinsically safe and explosion proof
Many of our products are electrical equipment and used in hazardous areas, such as the GPL Odorizers. We’re often asked, “What is the difference between explosion-proof and intrinsically safe?”
Intrinsically Safe vs Explosion-Proof
At times electrical equipment must be used or installed in locations where vapors or gases are present. These areas are known as “hazardous locations.” When equipment needs to be installed in these areas, strict material and design guidelines must be followed. The NEC or National Electrical Code is a document providing guidelines for electricians, electrical contractors, inspectors, and engineers In the United States. These guidelines are part of the National Fire Code Series and published by the National Fire Protection Association, with updates every three years.
The NEC defines protection techniques equipment manufacturers must use when designing equipment intended for use in hazardous areas. NEC definitions set the parameters manufacturers must comply with for any component that is to be installed in a hazardous area. These definitions are explosion-proof, dust ignition proof, dust-tight, purged/pressurized, intrinsically safe, and hermetically sealed.
The majority of the equipment we represent used in hazardous locations is either explosion-proof or intrinsically safe.
Explosion-proof
Here are the intrinsically safe electronics for the GPL 750 odorization system (Class I Div 1)
Equipment with an explosion-proof classification doesn’t mean the material will survive a blast. Instead, it means that the equipment is housed or has an enclosure which prevents an internal spark from causing a much more massive explosion. In this case, the cabinet must be engineered to contain any flash or explosion. The housing on this type of equipment is generally constructed of stainless steel, or cast aluminum and strong enough to contain an explosion should gas or vapors seep into the enclosure and the internal electronics ignite. The equipment must be designed so that if there is an internal explosion, the external surface temperature does not meet or exceed the ignition temperature of the gases in the group the equipment has been rated for.
Intrinsically Safe
An Intrinsically safe rating means that the electronics or wiring contained within the equipment cannot spark or cannot accumulate enough energy to ignite the gas or vapor at the location. Additionally, the surface temperature of the equipment cannot get high enough to ignite the gas or vapor at the site.
Classifications of Hazardous Atmospheres
The NEC also is a classification tool for hazardous conditions. Many of the products we sell are typically associated with a hazardous location classification. For example, some of Western Technology Lights are Class I Division 1 and 2, and Class II Division 1 and 2. The following explains what the classification denotes.
There are three types of hazardous conditions or classes:
- Class I – gases and vapor
- Class II – combustible dust
- Class III – fibers and flyings
There are two kinds of hazardous conditions within a class.
With Class I on gases and vapor hazards, the two kinds are:
- Division 1: The gases or vapors are always present at sufficient concentrations to be an explosion hazard.
- Division 2: The gases or vapors may be present, and if they are, they are likely to be insufficient concentrations to be an explosion hazard.
In Class I, there are four Groups (A, B, C, D): which are classifications of atmospheres by the degree of volatility with “A” being the most hazardous and “D” being the least volatile group.
- Group A: Acetylene
- Group B: Hydrogen and manufactured gases containing Hydrogen
- Group C: Petrochemicals
- Group D: Petrochemicals (includes methane)
For information on Class II and Class III, download Hazardous location and OSHA Regulation information.
What is the difference between explosion-proof and intrinsically safe? In explosion-proof equipment, the internals must be engineered to contain an internal explosion, and avert a much larger detonation. The intrinsically safe rating means the electronics cannot spark or create sufficient energy to ignite. In both cases, the equipment’s surface temperature cannot meet or ignite the gas or vapor ignition temperatures of the group it is rated in.
Common Class locations:
| Class I Locations | Class II Locations | Class III Locations |
| · Petroleum refineries, and gasoline storage and dispensing areas · Dry cleaning facilities where vapors from cleaning fluids are present · Spray finishing areas · Aircraft hangars and fuel servicing areas · Utility gas plants and operations involving the storage and handling of liquefied petroleum gas or natural gas | · Grain elevators · Flour and feed mills · Plants that manufacture, use or store magnesium or aluminum powders · Plastic, medicine, and firework manufacturers · Starch or candy producers · Spice-grinding plants, sugar plants and cocoa plants; and · Coal preparation plants and other carbon handling or processing areas | · Textile mills, cotton gins; · Cotton seed mills, flax processing plants; and · Plants that shape, pulverize, or cut wood and create sawdust or flyings. |
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Very informative.