Appleton Hazardous Location Enclosures
Appleton hazardous location enclosures are engineered to protect electrical components in environments where flammable gases, vapors, dust, or fibers may be present. These enclosures are built to meet rigorous standards such as NEC, CEC, UL, and ATEX, ensuring compliance for use in Class I, II, and III Division 1 and 2 hazardous areas. Constructed from materials like copper-free aluminum, stainless steel, or fiberglass-reinforced polyester, Appleton enclosures are resistant to corrosion, impact, and extreme temperatures, making them ideal for harsh industrial settings such as oil refineries, chemical plants, grain processing facilities, and offshore platforms.
The design of Appleton hazardous location enclosures prioritizes both safety and flexibility. They are available in a wide range of sizes and configurations, including junction boxes, control panels, and instrumentation enclosures. Features such as flamepath joints, watertight gaskets, and internal grounding points help maintain the integrity of explosion-proof or dust-ignition-proof protection. Some models come with factory-sealed options to eliminate the need for external conduit seals, streamlining installation and reducing the chance of field error. Appleton also provides options for drilled and tapped conduit entries, hinged or bolted covers, and pre-configured terminal blocks or operator devices for faster deployment.
Purge System Basics
3 common reasons to use purge systems
They allow electrical enclosures to be installed in hazardous areas without the need for explosion proof enclosures.
They recycle the air inside of an enclosure, reducing the internal temperature.
They help reduce the effects of corrosion on components housed within the enclosure.
How does a purge system work?
Purge systems use incoming air from a supply line, solenoid valves, pressure gauges and pumps, to constantly maintain a positive pressure inside an enclosure. This prevents any flammable gases from entering the enclosure potentially causing an ignition event to occur. By maintaining a positive pressure within the enclosure, moisture and corrosive gases are also prevented from entering the enclosure and damaging components. Most purge systems will ensure that the air inside the enclosure is recycled a certain amount of times within a given time period. This air recycle function assists in maintaining a cooler temperature within the enclosure.