Hazardous Locations
Intrinsically Safe Devices
The best rugged gear certified for complex hazardous environments.
ANSI • ATEX • IECEx
What is considered a hazardous location?
- Flammable gases: propane, methane or hydrogen.
- Combustible liquid vapors: like those generated by gasoline or lighter fluids.
- Combustible dusts from organic materials: such as flour, sugar or grains.
- Ignitable fibers: such as cotton lint.
Classes, divisions and zones.
Hazardous locations are classified by either classes and divisions, or zones, depending on the country and standards. Rugged Depot specializes in Class 1 Division 1 and 2 equipment. Class 1 locations are those where flammable gases and vapors may be present, either continuously, or sporadically. Prime examples for such events are typically oil refineries, chemical or petrochemical plants, oil rigs or fields, public infrastructure for natural gas distribution, gas station tanks, among many others.
Class 1 Division 1
- Concentrations of flammable gases or vapors may exist during normal operating conditions, in concentrations high enough to cause an explosion.
- Such gases or vapors may also exist because of maintenance or repair operations, or because of leakages.
- Faulty operation of equipment may release flammable vapors or gases, and there’s a chance that electrical equipment will be in the proximities with a chance of simulatenous failure.
Class 1 Division 2
- Flammable gases or combustible liquids that generate flammable vapors are handled, processed or used, but they will typically reside inside a container or in a sealed system, only coming in contact with atmospheric air during abnormal operations or failure of the equipment or system.
- Concentrations of gases or vapors are kept low by means of mechanical ventilation, but such concentrations can increase to ignitable levels if the ventilation system were to fail.
- This location is adjacent to a Class 1 Division 1 location, therefore ignitable concentrations may be present, unless kept low enough by ventilation systems with proper safeguards against failure.
What is considered a hazardous location?
From a safety standpoint, it prevents accidents that can lead to a loss of life, or health disabilities. By ensuring that the device is intrinsically safe, crew members, engineers or staff can work in hazardous environments without having to worry about accidents that may be caused by the device itself or any peripherals that may be connected to it.
From a business perspective, certification can be the deciding factor on whether the regulatory bodies allow the product to be sold in given market and industry. Since hazloc electronic devices are ruggedized by construction, they last longer and require less replacement and re-setups, in addition to offering integrated options and third-party accessories targeted to their specific usage.
Major Certification Standards
UL 913
CSA 22.2 No. 157
ATEX IECEx
IECEx IECEE CB
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