Hazardous Locations - Class I, Division 1

Sometimes we need to construct, purchase, or install electrical equipment for a hazardous location where there is a risk of a fire or explosion. It is therefore critical that we have enough knowledge to address the risks involved.

Hazardous locations are classified in North America, using two different classification systems: the Class-division and Zone systems.
“Class I, Division 1”, and “Class I, Division 2” are two such classifications for gas explosive atmospheres. This animation focuses on “Class I, Division 1”.

Class I means that the location contains flammable gases, flammable liquid-produced vapours, or combustible liquid produced vapours.

Division 1 refers to an area in which these dangerous concentrations of flammable gases, vapors, or mists exists continuously, for long periods of time, or frequently under normal operating conditions.

Electrical devices must still be installed and used within these environments!
Let’s look together at an example of a Class I hazardous area. This illustration shows a gasoline tank with a fixed roof and vent. Both Division 1 and 2 locations are shown.

Notice that the Division 1 location is inside the tank above the flammable liquid where a gas vapour could exist and outside the storage tank, in the area immediately around the tank’s vent.

In order to be certified as compliant with safety Standards for Class I, Division 1, the product must be protected by one or more of the following three protection techniques: intrinsic safety, explosion proof, and purging and pressurization Type X or Y.

Please see our other videos to learn more about other classified areas, as well as the protection techniques that are specific to them.

If you are a product designer, or a buyer, and need an electrical device that has been certified for “Class I, Division 1”, the Hazloc Directory website can help!

Hazloc Directory is the world's most trusted source of information about hazardous location products & manufacturers.

Please visit our website for more details: https://www.hazlocdirectory.com

Background Music: https://www.bensound.com