GCtony
Silver Member
I need to write a spec for a couple light fixtures and a light switch for a small exterior structure that will give shelter from the weather while the people fuel vehicles. (gas) The building is somewhat enclosed on three sides, the open side has a large overhang 10' above grade that you would park the vehicle under while fueling. Kind of like a car port but three sides have walls that run from 18" off the ground to the roof so it will have good ventalation. (I think it looks like a goat barn) This structure will be built around an existing gas pump. When complete the pump will be under this shelter.
When researching "Explosion Proof" light fixtures and switches, different UL clasifications are mentioned. Class 1, Div. 1 and 2. They also mention Class 2, div. 1 and 2. I looked at the UL website that was pretty much worthless and a search under NFPA was just as helpful. I found a good page from OSHA that did a pretty good job explaining it to me but left me with even more questions. Hazardous (Classified) Locations
Quote:
Hazardous locations are classified in three ways by the National Electrical Code: TYPE, CONDITION, and NATURE.
There are three types of hazardous conditions: Class I - gas and vapor, Class II - dust, and Class III - fibers and flyings.
There are two kinds of hazardous conditions: Division 1 - normal, and Division 2 - abnormal.
And finally, there is the nature of the hazardous substance . . . where we find Groups A, B, C, and D in Class I locations, and, in Class II locations: Groups E, F, and G.
Now for my questions:
1) Am I correct in understanding that a gas pump area as described above would be Class 1 - Div. 2 - D
2) When I specify a light fixture and light switch, am I correct in specing "... required to be Class 1 Div. 2 explosion proof" ?
3) What is the difference between "vapor proof" and "explosion proof"?
4) These fixtures will be under cover so will they need to be moisture resistent along with conduit?
What did I miss? Anything special that needs to happen with raceways, wiring methods? NEC code section I should referance?
For the Sparky's, is there such a thing as a simple incandecent light fixture, Class 1 Div 2D that is also suitable for oudoor use? When I called the supply house, I got the "WTH are you talking about" silence from the sales expert.
For what it's worth; I can't call the friendly folks over at the building department and this project will not be inspected by our local building department. I may try to find an independent electrical inspector or engineer to have a look at it once the electrical contractor completes his work.
Thanks in advance for your help!
When researching "Explosion Proof" light fixtures and switches, different UL clasifications are mentioned. Class 1, Div. 1 and 2. They also mention Class 2, div. 1 and 2. I looked at the UL website that was pretty much worthless and a search under NFPA was just as helpful. I found a good page from OSHA that did a pretty good job explaining it to me but left me with even more questions. Hazardous (Classified) Locations
Quote:
Hazardous locations are classified in three ways by the National Electrical Code: TYPE, CONDITION, and NATURE.
There are three types of hazardous conditions: Class I - gas and vapor, Class II - dust, and Class III - fibers and flyings.
There are two kinds of hazardous conditions: Division 1 - normal, and Division 2 - abnormal.
And finally, there is the nature of the hazardous substance . . . where we find Groups A, B, C, and D in Class I locations, and, in Class II locations: Groups E, F, and G.
Now for my questions:
1) Am I correct in understanding that a gas pump area as described above would be Class 1 - Div. 2 - D
2) When I specify a light fixture and light switch, am I correct in specing "... required to be Class 1 Div. 2 explosion proof" ?
3) What is the difference between "vapor proof" and "explosion proof"?
4) These fixtures will be under cover so will they need to be moisture resistent along with conduit?
What did I miss? Anything special that needs to happen with raceways, wiring methods? NEC code section I should referance?
For the Sparky's, is there such a thing as a simple incandecent light fixture, Class 1 Div 2D that is also suitable for oudoor use? When I called the supply house, I got the "WTH are you talking about" silence from the sales expert.
For what it's worth; I can't call the friendly folks over at the building department and this project will not be inspected by our local building department. I may try to find an independent electrical inspector or engineer to have a look at it once the electrical contractor completes his work.
Thanks in advance for your help!