Hazardous Location Enclosures

Hazardous location enclosures are engineered to protect electrical and electronic equipment in environments where flammable gases, vapors, combustible dust, or fibers may be present. These enclosures are designed to prevent internal electrical components from igniting the surrounding atmosphere, helping reduce the risk of fire or explosion in high-risk industrial settings. Common applications include oil and gas facilities, chemical plants, grain handling operations, and manufacturing environments with hazardous materials.
These enclosures are available in a wide range of NEMA ratings, typically from NEMA 3 through NEMA 12, as well as Class I, Class II, and Class III classifications. Class I enclosures are intended for areas with flammable gases or vapors, Class II for combustible dust, and Class III for ignitable fibers or flyings. Divisions and zones further define the likelihood and frequency of hazardous material presence, allowing engineers to select enclosures that match specific environmental conditions and compliance requirements.
Many hazardous location enclosures also include explosion-proof designs capable of containing and cooling an internal explosion so it does not ignite the external atmosphere. Some systems incorporate purge or pressurization solutions that displace hazardous gases using inert or clean air, maintaining a safe internal environment. Built from materials such as stainless steel or aluminum, these enclosures also provide protection against corrosion, moisture, dust, and hose-directed water, ensuring long-term durability in demanding industrial environments.
FAQs
Q: What are considered hazardous locations?
Hazardous locations are areas where flammable gases, vapors, combustible dust, or fibers are present in sufficient quantities to create a risk of fire or explosion during normal or abnormal operating conditions.
Q: What do Class I, Class II, and Class III mean?
Class I refers to environments with flammable gases or vapors, Class II applies to combustible dust, and Class III covers ignitable fibers or flyings. Each class may include divisions or zones indicating exposure frequency.
Q: What is an explosion-proof enclosure?
An explosion-proof enclosure is designed to contain an internal explosion and prevent flames or hot gases from escaping into the surrounding hazardous environment.
Q: Can purge systems be used with hazardous location enclosures?
Yes, purge systems maintain positive pressure inside an enclosure to prevent hazardous gases from entering, allowing certain enclosures to be used in hazardous areas without explosion-proof construction.
Q: What sizes are hazardous location enclosures available in?
Hazardous location enclosures are available in a wide range of sizes, commonly from approximately 3 inches up to 110 inches, depending on application and enclosure design.
Why Buy Hazardous Location Enclosures from RSP Supply
RSP Supply offers a broad selection of hazardous location enclosures designed to meet stringent industrial safety standards. Our inventory includes multiple NEMA ratings, Class I–III configurations, ATEX options, and a wide range of enclosure sizes to support diverse applications. Customers rely on RSP Supply for technical expertise, dependable sourcing, and enclosure solutions built to protect equipment and personnel in hazardous environments.