Introduction to Hazardous Area Classification (HAC)
A hazardous area is defined as a location where its atmosphere contains, or may contain, in sufficient quantities, flammable or explosive gases, dusts or vapor. In such an atmosphere a fire or explosion is possible when three basic conditions are met. —Omazaki Engineering is a HAC or HazLoc consultant, as business unit in Omazaki Group, who serves IECeX, ATEX or NEC electrical hazardous area classification or hazardous (classified) location classifications consulting services in Indonesia. We are to study plan, classify and design hazardous classified area or locations, Contact us if you are looking for HAC or HazLoc Consultants in Indonesia by filling in the form in contact, or email us to cs@omazaki.co.id.
This article is first part (Part 1) of a series of articles:
- Part 1 – Hazardous Area Classification (HAC)
- Part 2 – IECEX Hazardous Area Classification
- Part 3 – ATEX Hazardous Area Classification
- Part 4 – North America Hazardous Location Classification
- Part 5 – Electrical Equipment in Hazardous Area
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What is Hazardous Area Classification?
Hazardous Area Classification (HAC) is the process of classifying areas where flammable gas or vapor or mist hazards may arise. The results may then be used as a basis to support the proper selection and installation of equipment for use in an hazardous area.
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Objectives of Hazardous Area Classifications
The objectives of creating a hazardous location classifications includes:
- For environmental analysis and classification based on hazard level
- The ultimate goal of the classification relates to the selection and installation of electrical equipment in accordance with the intended hazard classification
- So that the operation of electrical equipment and the like can be done safely
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Hazardous Location Classifications Standard
There are at least 2 (two) most common standards applied in the hazardous areas or location classification. They are:
- European Standard
- North American Standard
European Method
The European standard for classifying hazardous areas refers to the International Electrotechnical Commission IEC 60079 Explosive Atmospheres. Classification of hazardous areas is based on zones and groups. So often this European standard is called the Zone System. This system is not only implemented in Europe but also in many countries outside North America.
- Zones – defines the general nature of the hazardous substance – if it is a gas or dust, and the potential for hazardous materials in the surrounding atmosphere
- Groups – defines the type of hazardous material and (some) location of the surrounding atmosphere
This Zone System will be discussed in more detail in the next article.
North American Method
The North American standard (North America) classifies hazardous locations based on Article 500 of the National Electrical Code (NEC). Classification of hazardous locations or HazLoc based on classes, divisions and groups. So often this North American standard is called the Class/Division System.
- Classes — defines the general properties of hazardous materials in the atmosphere
- Divisions — defines the probability of a hazardous substance being present in the atmosphere
- Groups — defines the types of hazardous materials in the atmosphere
Class/Division System will be discussed in more detail in the next article.
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Regulations and Reference Standards
- IEC 60529 – Degrees of Protection Provided by Enclosures (IP Code)
- IEC 60079 Series – Explosive Atmospheres
- National Electrical Code, NFPA 70, Chapter 5, Article 500
- NFPA 70E, Chapter 5, “Hazardous (Classified) Locations”
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Contact Omazaki Engineering if you look for electrical hazardous area classifications (HAC) or hazardous location classification (HazLoc) service consultants in study, designing and classifying hazardous classified area based on IECeX, ATEX or NEC for your industrial facility and and systems in Indonesia.
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