TECHNICAL REPORT

ANSI/ISATR12.06.011999

Electrical Equipment in a
Class I, Division 2/Zone 2
Hazardous Location

NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT
This is a copyrighted document and may not be copied or distributed in any
form or manner without the permission of ISA. This copy of the document was
made for the sole use of the person to whom ISA provided it and is subject to
the restrictions stated in ISAs license to that person. It may not be provided to
any other person in print, electronic, or any other form. Violations of ISAs
copyright will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and may result in
substantial civil and criminal penalties.

Approved 1 January 2000

TM

ISAThe Instrumentation,
Systems, and
Automation Society

ANSI/ISATR12.06.011999
Electrical Equipment in a Class I, Division 2/Zone 2 Hazardous Location

ISBN: 1-55617-706-2
Copyright 1999 by the Instrument Society of America. All rights reserved. Printed in the United
States of America. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or
otherwise), without the prior written permission of the Publisher.
ISA
67 Alexander Drive
P.O. Box 12277
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709

ANSI/ISATR12.06.011999

Preface
This preface, as well as all footnotes, is included for informational purposes and is not part of
ANSI/ISA-TR12.06.01-1999.
This technical report has been prepared as part of the service of ISA, the international society for
measurement and control, toward a goal of uniformity in the field of instrumentation. To be of real value,
this document should not be static, but should be subject to periodic review. Toward this end, the Society
welcomes all comments and criticisms and asks that they be addressed to the Standards and Practices
Board Secretary; ISA; 67 Alexander Drive; P.O. Box 12277; Research Triangle Park, NC 27709; Telephone
(919) 549-8411; Fax (919) 549-8288; Internet: standards@isa.org.
The ISA Standards and Practices Department is aware of the growing need for attention to the metric
system of units in general, and the International System of Units (SI) in particular, in the preparation of
instrumentation standards, recommended practices, and technical reports. The Department is further
aware of the benefits to USA users of ISA Standards of incorporating suitable references to the SI (and the
metric system) in their business and professional dealings with other countries. Toward this end, this
Department will endeavor to introduce SI and acceptable metric units as optional alternatives to English
units in all new and revised standards, recommended practices, and technical reports to the greatest
extent possible. Standard for Use of the International System of Units (SI): The Modern Metric System,
published by the American Society for Testing & Materials as IEEE/ASTM SI 10-97, and future revisions,
will be the reference guide for definitions, symbols, abbreviations, and conversion factors.
It is the policy of ISA to encourage and welcome the participation of all concerned individuals and interests
in the development of ISA standards, recommended practices, and technical reports. Participation in the
ISA standards-making process by an individual in no way constitutes endorsement by the employer of that
individual, of ISA, or of any of the standards that ISA develops.
CAUTION ISA ADHERES TO THE POLICY OF THE AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARDS
INSTITUTE WITH REGARD TO PATENTS. IF ISA IS INFORMED OF AN EXISTING PATENT THAT IS
REQUIRED FOR USE OF THE STANDARD, IT WILL REQUIRE THE OWNER OF THE PATENT TO
EITHER GRANT A ROYALTY-FREE LICENSE FOR USE OF THE PATENT BY USERS COMPLYING
WITH THE STANDARD OR A LICENSE ON REASONABLE TERMS AND CONDITIONS THAT ARE
FREE FROM UNFAIR DISCRIMINATION.
EVEN IF ISA IS UNAWARE OF ANY PATENT COVERING THIS STANDARD, THE USER IS
CAUTIONED THAT IMPLEMENTATION OF THE STANDARD MAY REQUIRE USE OF TECHNIQUES,
PROCESSES, OR MATERIALS COVERED BY PATENT RIGHTS. ISA TAKES NO POSITION ON THE
EXISTENCE OR VALIDITY OF ANY PATENT RIGHTS THAT MAY BE INVOLVED IN IMPLEMENTING
THE STANDARD. ISA IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR IDENTIFYING ALL PATENTS THAT MAY
REQUIRE A LICENSE BEFORE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE STANDARD OR FOR INVESTIGATING
THE VALIDITY OR SCOPE OF ANY PATENTS BROUGHT TO ITS ATTENTION. THE USER SHOULD
CAREFULLY INVESTIGATE RELEVANT PATENTS BEFORE USING THE STANDARD FOR THE
USERS INTENDED APPLICATION.
HOWEVER, ISA ASKS THAT ANYONE REVIEWING THIS STANDARD WHO IS AWARE OF ANY
PATENTS THAT MAY IMPACT IMPLEMENTATION OF THE STANDARD NOTIFY THE ISA
STANDARDS AND PRACTICES DEPARTMENT OF THE PATENT AND ITS OWNER.
ADDITIONALLY, THE USE OF THIS STANDARD MAY INVOLVE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS,
OPERATIONS OR EQUIPMENT. THE STANDARD CANNOT ANTICIPATE ALL POSSIBLE
APPLICATIONS OR ADDRESS ALL POSSIBLE SAFETY ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH USE IN
HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS. THE USER OF THIS STANDARD MUST EXERCISE SOUND

ANSI/ISATR12.06.011999

PROFESSIONAL JUDGMENT CONCERNING ITS USE AND APPLICABILITY UNDER THE USERS
PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES. THE USER MUST ALSO CONSIDER THE APPLICABILITY OF ANY
GOVERNMENTAL REGULATORY LIMITATIONS AND ESTABLISHED SAFETY AND HEALTH
PRACTICES BEFORE IMPLEMENTING THIS STANDARD.
The following people served as members of ISA SP12.6:
NAME

COMPANY

R. Masek, Chairman
D. Bishop, Managing Director
N. Abbatiello
P. Austen
J. Bossert
R. Cardinal
S. Czaniecki
T. Dubaniewicz
A. Engler
T. Feindel
W. Fiske
L. Goettsche
D. Hohenstein
F. Kent
B. Larson
F. McGowan
J. Miller
A. Mobley*
E. Olson*
C. Oudar
A. Page
C. Sawyer
B. Schaefer
T. Schnaare
W. Shao
D. Wechsler
R. Weinzler

Bailey Controls Company

Chevron Petroleum Technology Company
Eastman Kodak Company
Electronic Controls Design, Inc.
Hazloc, Inc.
Bently Nevada Corporation
Intrinsic Safety Concepts, Inc.
Pittsburgh Research Laboratory
EGS Electrical Group
R. Stahl, Inc.
Intertek Testing Services
Consultant
Pepperl+Fuchs, Inc.
Honeywell, Inc.
Turck, Inc.
Factory Mutual Research Corp.
Detector Electronics Corporation
3M Company
3M Company
ExLoc Corporation
MSHA Certification Center
MI Cable Company, Inc.
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.
Rosemount, Inc.
Canadian Standards Association
Union Carbide Corporation
Consultant

The following people served as members of ISA Committee SP12:

NAME

COMPANY

F. McGowan, Chairman*
D. Bishop, Managing Director*
N. Abbatiello*
S. Arnold
P. Babiarz*
A. Ballard*
G. Bentinck
R. Berthold*
K. Blayden
H. Bockle

Factory Mutual Research Corp.

Chevron Petroleum Technology Company
Eastman Kodak Company
Drexelbrook Engineering Company
Crouse-Hinds Company
Crouse-Hinds Company
E.I. du Pont
Chevron Petroleum Technology Company
Upjohn Company
Killark-Stahl, Inc.

______
* One vote per company.

J. Bossert
R. Brodin
M. Buettner
R. Buschart
W. Calder III*
R. Cardinal
R. Castillo
H. Conner
M. Coppler
J. Cospolich
J. Costello
E. Cranch*
A. Czyz
W. Dill
U. Dugar
A. Engler*
T. Feindel
W. Fiske
S. Florence
G. Garcha
B. Gibson
J. Greenwald
E. Henning
D. Hohenstein
D. Jagger
X. Jianping
P. Kelly*
F. Kent*
J. Kuczka
T. Lagana
R. Landman
B. Larson*
W. Lawrence*
W. Leber*
T. Lewis, Jr.
D. Li
V. Maggioli
E. Magison
F. Maltby*
R. Masek
D. McDermott
I. McMurchie
R. McNeal
J. Miller
A. Mobley*
W Mueller*
E. Nesvig
E. Olson*
A. Page III
J. Propst
C. Sandberg
______
* One vote per company.

ANSI/ISATR12.06.011999

Hazloc, Inc.
Fisher Controls International, Inc.
Ralston Purina Company
PC & E, Inc.
Factory Mutual Research Corp.
Bently Nevada Corp.
Corpoven SA
Consultant
Ametek, Inc.
Waldemar S. Nelson & Company, Inc.
Henkel Corp.
Drexelbrook Engineering Company
INERIS
DMT
Mobil Chemical Company
EGS Electrical Group
R. Stahl, Inc.
Inchcape Testing Services
Motorola Inc.
PCS Engineering
ABB Kent-Taylor, Inc.
Rexene Corp.
Fischer & Porter Company
Pepperl + Fuchs
Hawke America
Shanghai Inst. of Process Automation Instr.
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.
Honeywell, Inc.
Killark
BE&K Inc.
International Marine Products Inc.
Turck Inc.
Factory Mutual Research Corp.
EGS Electrical Group
Applied Automation
Canadian Standards Association
Feltronics Corp.
Consultant
Drexelbrook Engineering Company
Bailey Controls Company
Dexion House
OPC Engineering Inc.
Weidmuller Inc.
Detector Electronics Corp.
3M Company
Pepperl + Fuchs, Inc.
Erdco Engineering Corp.
3M Company
MSHA Certification Center
Shell Development Company
Raychem Corp.

ANSI/ISATR12.06.011999

J. Schaffer
P. Schimmoeller
T. Schnaare
A. Stafford
D. Stevens*
D. Styrcula*
J. Thomason
P. Thurnherr
L. Truscott
P. Turner*
T. Vu
D. Wechsler
R. Weinzler*
Z. Zborovszky

Endress & Hauser

Weidmuller Inc.
Rosemount, Inc.
Foxboro Company
Chevron Petroleum Technology Company
Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
OMNI Industrial Systems, Inc.
Thuba, Ltd.
Motorola, Inc.
3M Company
Milltronics Inc.
Union Carbide Corp.
Eastman Kodak Company
U.S. Bureau of Mines

This technical report was approved for publication by the ISA Standards and Practices Board on
15 June 1999.
NAME

COMPANY

H. Dammeyer
H. Baumann
D. Bishop
P. Brett
M. Cohen
M. Coppler
W. Holland
A. Iverson
R. Jones
V. Maggioli
T. McAvinew
A. McCauley, Jr.
R. McFarland
R. Reimer
J. Rennie
R. Webb
W. Weidman
J. Weiss
J. Whetstone
M. Widmeyer
R. Wiegle
C. Williams
G. Wood
M. Zielinski

The Ohio State University

H. D. Baumann, Inc.
Chevron Petroleum Technology Co.
Honeywell, Inc.
Senior Flexonics, Inc.
Ametek, Inc.
Southern Company
Ivy Optiks
Dow Chemical Co.
Feltronics Corp.
Instrumentation & Control Engineering LLC
Chagrin Valley Controls, Inc.
Honeywell, Inc.
Rockwell Automation
Factory Mutual Research Corp.
Altran Corp.
Parsons Energy & Chemicals Group
EPRI
National Institute of Standards & Technology
Consultant
CANUS Corp.
Eastman Kodak Co.
Graeme Wood Consulting
Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc.

______
* One vote per company.

ANSI/ISATR12.06.011999

CONTENTS

1 Introduction........................................................................................................................................ 9
2 Hazardous locations .......................................................................................................................... 9
3 The nonincendive equipment technique.......................................................................................... 11
4 Nonincendive terminology ............................................................................................................... 11
5 Related terminology......................................................................................................................... 13
6 General design requirements .......................................................................................................... 14
7 Field wiring ...................................................................................................................................... 14
8 Maintenance .................................................................................................................................... 15
9 References ...................................................................................................................................... 15

This page intentionally left blank.

ANSI/ISATR12.06.011999

Introduction

1.1
When electrical equipment is used in locations in which fire or explosion hazards may exist due to
flammable gases or vapors, flammable liquids, combustible dust, or ignitible fibers or flyings, the National
Electrical Code (NEC), ANSI/NFPA 70 requires special precautions to be taken in equipment construction
and installation to minimize risks of fire and explosions. There are several protection techniques in common
use, each of which has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Other countries, including Canada,
utilize varying wiring methods, so the contents of this report may not be applicable to countries other than
the United States.
1.2
A location in which the fire or explosion hazard exists infrequently and for short periods is designated
as a Division 2/Zone 2 location. One suitable protection technique for a Division 2/Zone 2 location is
Nonincendive Equipment. This Technical Report is intended to explain this protection technique and to
clarify the associated terminology. Clarification of the term Nonincendive Equipment is very important since
it has been used in two different ways. This Technical Report also addresses field wiring for
Division 2/Zone 2 locations.
1.3
The term flammable material will be used throughout this Technical Report to refer to any of the
materials mentioned above, i.e., flammable gases or vapors, flammable liquids, combustible dusts, or ignitible
fibers or flyings. Similarly, the term hazardous location will be used in place of the phrase hazardous
(classified) location used in the NEC. Finally, although flammable materials pose a fire hazard, the primary
concern is an explosion.

Hazardous locations

2.1
To understand this Technical Report, it is necessary to know the terminology associated with
hazardous locations as defined in the NEC. Although there are numerous hazards such as high voltages,
carcinogens and moving objects, the term hazardous locations only refers to areas made hazardous by
the presence of a flammable material that may create an explosion hazard when mixed with air.
2.2
A much fuller discussion of hazardous locations can be found in numerous publications, including ISA
standard S12.1.01, Definitions and Information Pertaining to Electrical Apparatus in Hazardous (Classified)
Locations. The following is provided as an overview. In some cases, terms have been defined in a simplified
manner to ease understanding. There are three general terms used to describe a hazardous location in
North American terminology: class, division, and group. The international terminology primarily uses only
two terms: zone and group. The term zone has been adopted in the National Electrical Code as Article 505.
2.3

Class - Hazardous locations are divided into three classes:

Class I for flammable gases or vapors.

Class II for combustible dusts.

Class III for ignitible fibers.

2.4

Division - Each class is further divided into two divisions:

Division 1 hazardous locations, for the most part, are areas in which the flammable atmosphere occurs
during normal operation. Examples of Division 1 areas are locations in which paint-spraying
operations occur or in which flammable liquids could escape from open tanks, and inadequately
ventilated locations containing pumps handling flammable fluids.

ANSI/ISATR12.06.011999

2.5

10

Division 2 hazardous locations are areas in which the flammable atmosphere only occurs because of
abnormal operation of equipment, such as leakage from pump and valve packings or failure of
pressurizing or ventilating systems.
Group - The flammable materials are divided into groups to describe the nature of the material.

Gases are divided into four groups:

Group A for acetylene,

Group B for hydrogen and similar gases,

Group C for ethylene and similar gases,

Group D for propane and similar gases.

Dusts are divided into three groups:

Group E for metal dusts,

Group F for carbonaceous dusts,

Group G for chemical and agricultural dusts.

Fibers are not divided into groups.

2.6
The classification for a specific material can be found in ANSI/NFPA 497 for gases and liquids that
may evolve a flammable gas and in ANSI/NFPA 499 for dusts.
2.7
In the international vocabulary, the zone concept is essentially equivalent to the division concept,
except that Division 1 has been subdivided into Zone 0 and Zone 1. For practical purposes, Zone 2 and
Division 2 are equivalent. The Zones are defined as follows:

Zone 0 locations are areas in which the flammable atmosphere is present continuously or for long
periods.

Zone 1 locations are areas in which the flammable atmosphere is likely to occur in normal operation.

Zone 2 locations are areas in which the flammable atmosphere is not likely to occur in normal
operation and, if it does occur, is likely to do so only infrequently and will exist for short periods only.

2.8

In the international vocabulary, Group covers the gas groupings as follows:

Group I - underground mines (such as coal mines) where methane may be present

Group IIC - hydrogen or similar gases (similar to the combination of North American Groups A and B)

Group IIB - ethylene or similar gases (equivalent to North American Group C)

Group IIA - propane or similar gases (equivalent to North American Group D)

 11

ANSI/ISATR12.06.011999

2.9
A temperature identification or temperature code is assigned based on the hottest surface of the
equipment. The equipment may not be used where the flammable material has an ignition temperature less
than the temperature indicated by the temperature code.

The nonincendive equipment technique

3.1
Locations in which explosion hazards may exist are classified, in part, based on how frequently the
hazard may be present. The hazard occurs because of the presence of a flammable material-in-air mixture
that is within the flammable limits. A Division 2/Zone 2 Hazardous Location is defined as a location in which
the flammable material is only a hazard because of an abnormal occurrence such as failure of ventilation
equipment or damage to a container. Therefore, the hazard will only exist infrequently and for short periods.
3.2
Ordinary location equipment that does not contain make/break components or components that have
surface temperatures in excess of the ignition temperature of the flammable material is generally considered
acceptable. Equipment that contains make/break components would also be considered acceptable if these
components were prevented from causing ignition by a Division2/Zone 2 protection technique. Equipment
that has been verified to not present an ignition hazard in normal operation is frequently referred to as
Nonincendive Equipment. This equipment is evaluated to standards such as ANSI/ISA S12.12.
3.3
A nonincendive evaluation verifies that such equipment does not contain unprotected make/break
components such as relays, motor brushes and switches. The evaluation also determines the maximum
surface temperature of components during normal operation. A number of other factors also must be
evaluated. These factors include the ability of connectors to resist vibration and the evaluation of components
(for example, fuses or lamps) that could become an ignition source during replacement.
3.4
External wiring of nonincendive equipment may consist of conductors in conduit or certain types of
metallic and nonmetallic cables [see NEC Section 501-4(b)]. These wiring methods provide adequate
mechanical protection; thus the opening, shorting and grounding of the conductors is considered abnormal
and is not considered in evaluating the safety of the system.
3.5
Under very limited circumstances, external wiring of nonincendive equipment may consist of certain
types of cables that do not provide the level of mechanical protection afforded by wiring methods described
in 3.4. These circumstances require that the energy be limited to levels that will not cause an ignition hazard
when the external wiring is opened, shorted, or grounded. This type of wiring may be connected only to
terminals that are identified as being suitable for Nonincendive Field Wiring. These terminals will be marked
on the equipment or identified in the manufacturers literature. The terminal markings or literature also will
include electrical parameters for the circuit connected to the terminals.
3.6
The manufacturer of Division 2/Zone 2 equipment may provide cables or wiring harnesses for
interconnecting parts of the system. These cables and wiring harnesses must be installed in accordance
with Division 2/Zone 2 wiring methods unless the circuits have been evaluated and determined to be
nonincendive.

Nonincendive terminology

4.1
The term nonincendive, coined by ISA in the 1960s, often is confusing for installers and
manufacturers due to its broad application. The confusion has resulted from the use of this term to mean
energy limited when referring to a circuit, but not energy limited when referring to a component. The terms
nonincendive component and nonincendive circuit were created to describe concepts that allow the use

ANSI/ISATR12.06.011999

12

of switches in Division 2/Zone 2 hazardous locations. The definition of nonincendive is broad enough to
cover high-energy components that do not have make/break contacts. A bus bar is an example of such a
component. The following text will clarify the meaning of the terms nonincendive circuit, nonincendive
component, nonincendive equipment, and nonincendive field wiring.
4.2
The nonincendive circuit concept relies on limiting energy based on voltage, current, capacitance,
and inductance. See ANSI/ISA S12.12 for additional information. The 1999 NEC definition for a nonincendive
circuit follows:
nonincendive circuit:
a circuit, other than field wiring, in which any arc or thermal effect produced, under intended operating
conditions of the equipment, is not capable, under specified test conditions, of igniting the flammable
gas-, vapor-, or dust-air mixture.
4.3
Nonincendive components have been tested and found not to cause ignition of the relevant test-gas
mixture (see ANSI/ISA-S12.12). Switching devices that are nonincendive components may be used in
circuits that are otherwise ignition capable. The definition for a nonincendive component from
ANSI/ISAS12.1.01 follows:
nonincendive component:
a component having contacts for making or breaking an ignition-capable circuit and in which the contacting
mechanism is constructed so that the component is incapable of igniting the specified explosive
atmosphere. The housing of a nonincendive component is not intended to (1) exclude the flammable
atmosphere or (2) contain an explosion.
NOTE Ignition is prevented because of the geometry of the contacts, the contact material, speed of contact mechanism, or
combinations of these factors.

4.4
In the late 1970s, ISA SP12.12 was formed to create a standard for nonincendive equipment. This
standard permitted equipment to be assembled using make/break components that were individually
protected with various techniques. These techniques included limiting energy, sealing, and restricting access
to the component.
4.5
As discussed previously, the term nonincendive equipment has been used by some in a very
restricted sense to apply only to equipment used in a nonincendive circuit. The correct usage also includes
equipment that has some circuits that are not energy-limited, but where make/break components have been
protected so that the equipment is not an ignition source in normal operation. The 1999 NEC definition for
nonincendive equipment follows:
nonincendive equipment:
equipment having electrical/electronic circuitry that is incapable, under normal operating conditions, of
causing ignition of a specified flammable gas or vapor or dust-air mixture due to arcing or thermal means.
4.6
Circuits internal and external to nonincendive equipment may operate at ignition-capable energy
levels. Where the energy has been limited to non-ignition-capable levels in an external circuit, the fieldinstalled wiring is referred to as nonincendive field wiring. The 1999 NEC definition for nonincendive field
wiring follows:
nonincendive field wiring:
wiring that enters or leaves an equipment enclosure and, under normal operating conditions of the
equipment, is not capable, due to arcing or thermal effect, of igniting a specified flammable gas, vapor-inair mixture, dust, fibers, or flyings. Normal operating conditions include opening, shorting, or grounding the
field wiring.

 13

ANSI/ISATR12.06.011999

Related terminology

5.1
Type n is the protection technique designation used by standards such as ISA dS12.12.02
(IEC 60079-15 Mod). The "n" designation was based on the word non-sparking. The terms "non-sparking"
and "non-arcing" are considered by some as synonymous, but others use the terms to designate such factors
as
a) the absence of an ignition-capable arc;
b) the absence of ignition-capable particles; and
c) the absence of make/break contacts.
5.2
Standards describing equipment suitable for Division 2/Zone 2 generally use a term to designate the
components that must be investigated because they have "arcing" contacts. The term used in the ISA SP12
series of standards is make/break component. The ANSI/ISA-S12.12 definition follows:
make/break components:
components having contacts that can interrupt a circuit (even if the interrupting is transient in nature).
Examples of make/break components are relays, circuit breakers, servo potentiometers, adjustable
resistors, switches, and connectors.
5.3
It is necessary to determine and evaluate the amount of inductance and capacitance added to
nonincendive field-wiring circuits when adding components, cable, or equipment. Components defined as
simple apparatus are known to have insignificant energy storage and may be added to these circuits without
further analysis. The 1999 NEC definition follows:
simple apparatus:
a device that will neither generate nor store more than 1.2 V, 0.1 A, 25 mW, or 20 uJ.
Examples are switches, thermocouples, light-emitting diodes, connectors, and resistance temperature
detectors (RTDs).
5.4
Certain types of make/break components only present an ignition hazard during maintenance. These
components include most connectors, lamp holders and fuse holders. For each of these components, a
decision must be made as to whether it could be an ignition source under normal operation. A significant
factor is operator accessibility. If an item can be replaced by an operator because it is both readily accessible
and does not require a tool to replace, then its replacement should be considered normal. However, if an
item is not readily accessible or if it requires a tool for its removal, its replacement should be considered
maintenance and not normal.
Similarly, if operators have ready access to connectors and the connector may be separated without using
a tool, then disconnecting or connecting the connectors should be considered normal. Even if a
connector is not readily accessible, an evaluation must be made to determine if it may separate due to
vibration. Connectors that have a latch or other means to prevent separation, or connectors that require a
separating force of at least 15 N, are considered not likely to separate. Low-mass components plugged
into sockets are exempt from the 15 N separating force requirement.
Connectors, fuse holders and lamp holders that are made non-arcing by the methods described above and
are marked (when applicable) to prevent disconnection while powered are referred to as normally
nonarcing components.

ANSI/ISATR12.06.011999

14

General design requirements

6.1
The following is provided as a simplification of the design and testing required for nonincendive
equipment by standards such as ANSI/ISAS12.12, UL 1604, and FM Class 3611.
6.2
These standards focus on components that may be either a thermal ignition source or an arc ignition
source. The design standards permit using a system of temperature identification numbers referred to as
T Codes. As examples, for equipment with which the hottest component is less than 85C, the T code is
T6. If the hottest component is less than 135C, the T code is T4. Most process control equipment will have
a T4, T5, or T6 rating.
The complete sets of T codes can be found in Table 500-5(d) and Table 505-10(b)(3) of the 1999 NEC. It
is also important to note that the T Codes marked on equipment are generally based on a 40C ambient
temperature. Equipment may have ambient temperature/T Code ratings at more than one ambient
temperature or a T Code based on a higher temperature.
6.3
After determining the hottest component, the next step is to find all the components capable of creating
an arc, even if only in transient conditions. Some components with arcing contacts are relays, switches,
circuit breakers, thermostats, thermal protectors, motor brushes, servo potentiometers, wire-wound
potentiometers, adjustable resistors, and automatic counter resets. Other make/break components that
may arc when maintenance is performed include connectors, fuse holders and lamp holders. Once this list
of components capable of creating an arc is compiled, each component must be examined to see if it is
protected.
6.4

Typical methods of protecting a make/break component are as follows:

a) Limiting the energy in the circuit connected to the component (a nonincendive circuit).
b) Using a solid-state component instead of one with mechanical contacts.
c) Using a component that renders the arc incapable of igniting the flammable atmosphere (a
nonincendive component).
d) Preventing the flammable atmosphere from reaching the arc (a sealed component).
e) Preventing the arc from occurring during normal operation (a normally nonarcing component).

Field wiring

7.1
As previously stated, one of the confusing issues with Nonincendive Equipment is the field wiring.
Nonincendive equipment is quite varied and may be a simple switch, a thermocouple, a 4-20 mA two-wire
transmitter, a sensor with a coaxial cable, or a controller powered by 120 Vac. Section 501-4(b) of the NEC
specifies the type of wiring materials that may be used in Division 2 locations. Section 505-15(c) of the NEC
specifies the type of wiring materials that may be used in Zone 2 locations.
7.2
Installation of nonincendive equipment in a Division 2/Zone 2 hazardous location requires that specific
wiring methods be used. Explosionproof seals are not required at the entry to the nonincendive equipment
(conduit or cable). A seal is required at area classification boundaries if conduit leaves the Class I,
Division 2/Zone 2 location.
7.3
Metallic and nonmetallic cable constructions are permitted by the NEC. Examples include Types ITC,
MC, PLTC and TC. However, none of these constructions include coaxial cable, flat (ribbon) cable, or
modular phone cables. The use of Type PLTC cable is restricted to power-limited circuits in accordance
with Article 725 of the NEC.

 15

ANSI/ISATR12.06.011999

7.4
The NEC permits nonincendive field wiring to be installed using any of the methods suitable for wiring
in ordinary locations. It is essential to understand that very few terminals on equipment installed in a
Division 2/Zone 2 location are identified for use with nonincendive field wiring. Most equipment must be
connected using approved Division 2/Zone 2 wiring methods such as wiring in conduit or Types ITC, MC
or TC cable.
7.5
Equipment that may be connected with nonincendive field wiring must be identified with parameters
that specify the maximum open-circuit voltage, the maximum short-circuit current and the maximum-allowed
capacitance and inductance. The user must then investigate the wiring to be used, as well as equipment
intended to be connected (such as meters, solenoids, and transducers). The "effective" capacitance and
inductance of the equipment and cable must be obtained and calculations made to show that the allowed
values are not exceeded. Alternatively, the equipment manufacturer may specify the allowed cable and
associated equipment that may be connected to the nonincendive field wiring terminals.

Maintenance

8.1
Maintenance should only be executed in accordance with the safety guidelines and regulations of the
facility and the electrical equipment manufacturers instructions.

References

FMRC 3611

Electrical Equipment For Use In Class I, II Div. 2 & Class III, Division 1 & 2
Hazardous Locations

ISAS12.1.011999

Definitions and Information Pertaining to Electrical Instruments in Hazardous

(Classified) Locations

ANSI/ISAS12.121994

Electrical Equipment for Use in Class 1, Division 2 Hazardous (Classified)

Locations

ANSI/NFPA 70

National Electrical Code

NFPA 497

Recommended Practice For the Classification of Flammable Liquids, Gases,

or Vapors and of Hazardous (Classified) Locations for Electrical Installations
in Chemical Process Areas

NFPA 499

Recommended Practice for the Classification of Combustible Dusts and of

Hazardous (Classified) Locations for Electrical Installations in Chemical
Process Areas

UL 1604

Electrical Equipment for Use in Class I and Class II, Division 2, and Class III
Hazardous (Classified) Locations

This page intentionally left blank.

Developing and promulgating technically sound consensus standards, recommended practices, and
technical reports is one of ISAs primary goals. To achieve this goal, the Standards and Practices
Department relies on the technical expertise and efforts of volunteer committee members, chairmen,
and reviewers.
ISA is an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited organization. ISA administers
United States Technical Advisory Groups (USTAGs) and provides secretariat support for
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and International Organization for Standardization
(ISO) committees that develop process measurement and control standards. To obtain additional
information on the Societys standards program, please write:
ISA
Attn: Standards Department
67 Alexander Drive
P.O. Box 12277
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

ISBN 1-55617-706-2