Hazardous Location Classifications (Electric Motors)

A classification system used to define the hazards expected to exist around electrical equipment in an industrial environment. The most widely used hazardous location classification system in North America is defined by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Publication 70, National Electric Code (NEC) in Articles 500 through 506. The type of hazardous substances that may be present in the air in quantities sufficient to produce explosive or ignitable mixtures are specified. The NFPA establishes area classifications based on classes, divisions, and zones that when combined define the hazardous conditions of a specific area. This classification method provides a description of the hazardous material that may be present and the probability that it may be present so the appropriate equipment may be selected, and safe installation practices are followed.