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Review of Unit area previously classified Hazardous to meet code

Question asked by nat.horlavadi on Feb 14, 2019
Latest reply on Feb 21, 2019 by neubaueras

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Hello,

I'm an Electrical Engineer assigned with the responsibility of reviewing our site hazardous area classification with help from an expert. Would anyone help me find such help since the boundaries marked up on our drawings may not be current with recent codes, experience, etc.? Review of NFPA 497, etc. just leads to confusion since it mentions taking credit for experience, etc. and the boundaries are not clearly defined for a Class 1, Div 2, Groups C&D. Thanks for your help in advance. I have read about looking at OSHA & Other NFPA 500 articles for more details. Is this something the local Fire Marshal can help or are there experts in this field who can review existing drawings and provide a report doing a survey? Nat H. from Houston Texas.

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rcramereleceng Feb 15, 2019 9:21 AM

I believe in this case, I would start with the Insurance company. The Insurance company who wants the business would work with the Architects, Civil Engineers, etc. to identify worst case scenario. A hazardous area gets more premium. If you can demonstrate that it's no longer hazardous, your premium should go down.

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neubaueras Feb 21, 2019 2:32 PM

Hello Nat,

If your location is classified for the purpose of installing the correct electrical equipment in an area that contains flammable or combustible materials, the National Electric Code, Articles 500-516, is the document that is driving the need to classify these areas. Depending on the type of area that is being classified, the NEC may provide guidance on the extent of the classified areas, but may not cover all specific installations. Additional documents such as NFPA 30, NFPA 58, API RP500, API 505 or AGA XL1001 provide guidance how to classify typical installations that handle flammable materials. Many engineering/consulting companies that provide design services for the oil and gas industries have people that are familiar with these codes. If you need more specific information you can contact me at neubaueras@aol.com.

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rcramereleceng Feb 15, 2019 9:21 AM
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I believe in this case, I would start with the Insurance company. The Insurance company who wants the business would work with the Architects, Civil Engineers, etc. to identify worst case scenario. A hazardous area gets more premium. If you can demonstrate that it's no longer hazardous, your premium should go down.
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neubaueras Feb 21, 2019 2:32 PM
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Hello Nat,
If your location is classified for the purpose of installing the correct electrical equipment in an area that contains flammable or combustible materials, the National Electric Code, Articles 500-516, is the document that is driving the need to classify these areas. Depending on the type of area that is being classified, the NEC may provide guidance on the extent of the classified areas, but may not cover all specific installations. Additional documents such as NFPA 30, NFPA 58, API RP500, API 505 or AGA XL1001 provide guidance how to classify typical installations that handle flammable materials. Many engineering/consulting companies that provide design services for the oil and gas industries have people that are familiar with these codes. If you need more specific information you can contact me at neubaueras@aol.com.
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Review of Unit area previously classified Hazardous to meet code

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