Hazardous Location Enclosures

More Information about Hazardous Location Enclosures

It's essential for these enclosures to offer protection not only from explosions but also from other environmental factors such as corrosion from chemicals or hose directed water. Their design often incorporates features like increased safety to ensure that any potential ignition sources, like a spark, are either eliminated or safely contained.

Given the risks associated with hazardous areas, it's crucial for such enclosures to meet the specific standards set by bodies like the National Electrical Manufacturers Association. This guarantees that the equipment housed within these enclosures remains safe, and the surrounding environment is protected from potential fires or explosions. Junction boxes, specifically designed for these locations, often fall under the category of hazardous location enclosures.

In industrial settings, ensuring the safety of workers and equipment becomes paramount, especially when dealing with explosive gases or vapors. Utilizing hazardous area enclosures is a proactive measure, ensuring that the equipment functions optimally without posing any threat to its surroundings.

FAQs

What are considered hazardous substances?

Hazardous substances are any chemicals or materials that have the potential to cause harm to human health or the environment.

What are considered hazardous locations?

Hazardous locations are areas where flammable liquids, gases, vapors, or dusts are present, either continuously, intermittently, or during normal operations, in quantities sufficient to produce explosive or ignitable mixtures. When these mixtures come into contact with an ignition source, there's potential for an explosion or fire. Due to these risks, special precautions are taken in these areas regarding the design, installation, and use of electrical equipment.

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.