A hazardous AREA classification is one in which concentrations of flammable substances are present or can be expected to be present. These concentrations are at a level which requires SPECIFIC safety standards and precautions to be taken in the construction, installation and maintenance of all electrical equipment.

A “hazardous area” is defined as an area in which the atmosphere contains, or may contain in sufficient quantities, flammable or explosive gases, dusts or vapours. In such an atmosphere a fire or explosion is possible when three basic CONDITIONS are met. This is often referred to as the “hazardous area” or “COMBUSTION” triangle.

In order to protect INSTALLATIONS from a potential explosion a method of analysing and classifying a potentially hazardous area is required. The purpose of this is to ensure the correct selection and installation of equipment to ultimately prevent an explosion and to ensure safety of life. The methods used to classify an installation can vary depending upon which part of the world it is located, but generally there are two main types of classification. In countries that have adopted the IEC (International Electro technical Commission) philosophy this is referred to as Zoning whilst in North American installations are classified by Classes, Divisions and Groups to ascertain the level of safety required.

A hazardous area classification is one in which concentrations of flammable substances are present or can be expected to be present. These concentrations are at a level which requires specific safety standards and precautions to be taken in the construction, installation and maintenance of all electrical equipment.

A “hazardous area” is defined as an area in which the atmosphere contains, or may contain in sufficient quantities, flammable or explosive gases, dusts or vapours. In such an atmosphere a fire or explosion is possible when three basic conditions are met. This is often referred to as the “hazardous area” or “combustion” triangle.

In order to protect installations from a potential explosion a method of analysing and classifying a potentially hazardous area is required. The purpose of this is to ensure the correct selection and installation of equipment to ultimately prevent an explosion and to ensure safety of life. The methods used to classify an installation can vary depending upon which part of the world it is located, but generally there are two main types of classification. In countries that have adopted the IEC (International Electro technical Commission) philosophy this is referred to as Zoning whilst in North American installations are classified by Classes, Divisions and Groups to ascertain the level of safety required.