rage

10.4 Drilling Wells 38

10.5 Producing Oil and Gas Wells 45

10.6 Oíl am.l Gas Processing ami Srorage E4uip111t:11l 49

10.7 Automatic Custody Transfer (ACT) Units 51

10.8 Flammable Gas-Blanketed Equipment and Produced/Processed Water

Handling Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

10.9 Compressor or Pump Handling Flammable Liquids, Gases, or Vapors 52

10 . 1 0 DripPans 52

1 0 .1 1 Instruments 53

10.12 Sumps 54

10.13 Drains 56

10 . 1 4 Reserved for Future Use 58

10 . 1 5 Screwed Connections, Flanges, Valves, and Valve Operators 58

10.16 Control Panels Containing lnstrumentation Utilizing or Measuring

Flammable Liquids, Gases or Vapors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

11 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DETERMINING DEGREE AND EXTENT OF

CLASSIFIED LOCA TIONS ON MOBILE OFFSHORE DRILLING UNITS

(MODUS) 60

11.l General 60

11.2 Definitions Specific to MODUS 60

11.3 Reserved for Future Use 61

1 1 .4 Classified Locations on Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODUS) 61

1 1 .5 Basis for Area Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

11.6 Classification of Hazardous (Classified) Locations 62

11.7 Drill Floor and Derrick Areas 63

11.8 Substructure or Moonpool Areas 63

1 1. 9 Mud System Processing Equipment Overview 70

1 1 . 10 Mud Tanks (After Discharge of Final Degasser) 70

11.11 Mud Ditches or Troughs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

1 1. 1 2 Mud Pumps 75

1 1. 1 3 Mud Processing Equipment (Becween che Bel! Nipple and Mud Discharge

of Final Degasser) 75

1 1. 1 4 Desander or Desilter (Between Mud Discharge of Final Degasser and

thc Mud Pit) 76

1 1. 1 5 Vents 76

11.16 Diverter Line Outlet 77

11.17 Rlnwout Preventer (BOP) 77

11.18 Well Test Equipment Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

1 1.1 9 Rooms Used to Store Paint (Paint Lockers) 77

11.20 Battery Rooms 77

11.21 Reserved for Future Use 77

11.22 Helicopter Fue! Storage Areas 77

11.23 Classification of Adjacent Spaces 77

12 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DETERMINING DEGREE ANO EXTENT OF

CLASSIFIED LOCA TIONS AT DRILLING RIGS AND PRODUCTION

FACILITIES ON FLOATING PRODUCTION UNITS 78

12.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

12.2 Floating Production Storage and Offloading Units (FPSOs) 78

12.3 Tcnsion Lcg Platfonns (TLPs) 78

1 2 .4 Spars, Caissons, and Similar Units 78

vi
Recommended Practice for

Classification of Locations for

Electrical lnstallations at

Petroleum Facilities Classified as

Class 1 , D i v i s i o n 1 and D i v i s i o n 2

Exploration and Production Department

Manufacturing, Distribution and Marketing Department

API R E C O M M E N D E D PRACTICE 500

S E C O N D E DI T I O N , N O V E M B E R 1 9 9 7

American

1]? Petroleum

Institute
 Recommended Practice for Classification of Locations for Electrical lnstallations at

Petroleum Facilities Classified as Class 1 , Division 1 and Division 2

1 Scope d. classification of locations containing combustible dust,

ignitible fibers, or flyings.

1.1 PURPOSE

1.2.2 Recommendations for determining the degree and

1.1.1 The purpose of this recommended practice is to pro­
extent of classified locations for specific examples of situa­
vide guidelines for classifying locations Class I, Division 1
tions commonly encountered in petroleum facilities are given
and Class I, D i v i s i ó n 2 at petroleum facilities for the selection
i11 Sectious 8 through 1 4 . Whik it is important for arca c lassi­

and installation of electrical equipment Basic definitions

fications at refineries, production and drilling facilities, and
given in the 1996 edition of NFPA 70, the National Electrical
pipeline facilities to agree to sorne extent, there are differ­
Code (NEC), have been followed in developing this recom­
ences in production, drilling, transportation and refining facil­

mended practice. This publication is only a guide and

ities. Sorne differences include the process conditions, types
requires the application of sound engineering judgment.
and quantities of products handled, the physical size of typi­

cal facilities. and varying housing and sheltering practices.

Nvtc. Rc ....ouunendatiuns fer dctcnnining the degree and extent of Iocations

classified Class I, Zone O, Zone 1 , and Zone 2 are addressed in API RP 505,
1.2.3 Section 8 includes applications that are common to
Recommended Practice for Classification of Locations for Electrical Installa­

tions at Petroleum Facilities Classified as Class 1, Zone O, Zone 1, and severa) of the facility types described in Sections 9
Zone 2.
tluough 1 4 .

1.1.2 Electrical installations in areas where flammable

1.2.4 Section 9 is applicable to locations in which flamma­
l i q u i d s , gases, or vapors are produced, processed, stored or
ble petroleum gases and vapors and volatile flammable liq­
otherwise handled can be suitably desigued if the lucatiuns
uids are processed, stored, loaded, unloaded, or otherwise
of potential sources of release and accumulation are
handled in petroleum refineries.
clearly defined. Once a location has been classified,

requirements for electrical equipment and associated wir­ 1.2.5 Section 10 is applicable to locations surrounding oil

ing should be determined from applicable publications. and gas drilling and workover rigs and production facilities

Applicable publications may include NFPA 70 (NEC) or on land and on marine fixed (bottom-founded, non-floating)

API RP l 4F. Reference Section 2 for publications for other platforms where flammable petroleum gas and volatile liq­

possible applications. uids are produced, processed (for example, compressed),

stored, transferred (for example, pumped), or otherwise han­

1.2 SCOPE dled prior to entering the transportation facilities.

1.2.1 This document applies to the classification of loca­ 1.2.6 Section 1 1 is applicable to locations on Mobile Off­

tions for both temporarily and permanently installed elec­ shore Drilling Units (MODUs).

trical equipment. It is intended to be applied where there

1.2.7 Section 1 2 is applicable to locations surrounding oil
may be a risk of ignition due to the presence of flammable
and gas drilling and workover rigs and production facilities
gas or vapor, mixed with air, under normal atmospheric
on floating production units (FPUs) such as, but not limited
c o n d i ti o n s . Normal atmospheric conditions are defined as
to, tensíon leg plarfonns (lLPs), floating producrion sysrems
conditions that vary above and below reference levels of
(FPSs), floating production systems with off-loading
10 1. 3 kPa (1 4 . 7 psia) and 20ºC (68ºF) provided that the
(FPSOs), single anchor leg mooring buoys (SALMs), caisson
variations have a negligible effect on the explosion proper­
structurcs, spars, and othcr fíoating structurcs whcrc flnmmn­
ties of the flammable material s.
ble petroleum gas and volatile liquids are produced, pro­

The following items are beyond the scope ofthis document:

cessed (for example, compressed), stored, transferred (for

example, pumped) or orherwise handled prior to entering the

a. Piping systems used for odorized natural gas used as fuel transportation facilities.

for cooking, heating, air conditioning, laundry and similar

1.2.8 Section 1 3 is reserved for future use.
appliances;

b. catastrophes such as well blowouts or process vessel rup­ 1.2.9 Section 1 4 is applicable to onshore and offshore facil­

tures. Such extreme conditions require emergency measures ities handling the delivery of flammable or combustible petro­

at the time of occurrence; leum liquids or flammable gases. Pipeline facilities may

c. the suitability of locations for the placement of non-elec­ include pump and compressor stations, storage facilities,

trical equipment; and manifold areas, valve sites and pipeline right-of-way areas.
2 References AGA'

XF0277 Ciassification a
j Gas Utility Areas far
2.1 INDUSTRY CODES, G U I D E S ANO
Electrical lnstallations
STANDARDS

ANSP
Various organizations have developed numerous codes,

guides and standards that have substantial acceptance by C2 National Electrical Safety Code (NESC)

i n d ns r r y and enve:mme:ntlll hodies. Corles, guides and stan­

ASHKAE"
dards useful in the classification of locations and in the design
ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook
and installation of electrical systems are listed below. These

references are not to be considered a part of this recom­ 5

ASTl\1
mended practice except for those specifically referenced.
D-323-82 Standard Test Method for Vapor Pressure

API Of Petroleum Products (Reid Method)

API RP 20 Recommeruled Practice for Production

CSA6
Facilities on Ojfshore Structures
Hazardaus Locations-Guide for the
API RP 1 1 S3 Recommended Practice for Electric Sub­
Design, Testing, Construction, and lnstalla­
mcrsiblc Pump lnstallations
tion of Equipment in Explosive Atmospheres,
API RP 14C Recommended Practice for Analysis
John A. Bossert
Design Installation and Testing of Basic
C22.l Canadian Electrical Code, Part I
Surface Safety Systems on Offshore Pro­

duction Platforms 7
IEC

API RP 14F Recommended Practice for Design and

IEC 7 9 - 10 Electrical apparatus for explosive gas
lnstnllntion of Electrical Systems for Off­
atmosphcrcs, Part 10: Classifications of

shore Production Platforms

hazardous areas

APIRP14G Recommended Practice for Fire Preven­

tion and Control on Open Type Offshore IEEE8

Production Platforms Std. 45 Recommended Practice for Electrical

API RP 505 Recommended Practice for Classification lnstallations on Shipboard

of Locations for Electrical Jnstallations at

IMOº
Petroleum Facilities Classijied as Class 1,
I989MODU Code for the Construction and Equipment
Zone O, Zone 1, or Zone 2

Code aj Mobil Ojfshore Drilling Units

API RP 5 2 1 Guide far Pressure-Relieving and Depres­

suring Systems
IP'°
API RP 540 Recommended Practice far Electrical
IP 1 5 Model Code of Safe Practice in the Petro­
Jnstallations in Petroleum Processing
leum Industry. Part 15: Area Classification
Plants
Code for Petroleum Installations
API Pub 4322 Fugitive Hydrocarbon Emissions from

11
Petroleum Production Operations. Valume ISA

l and votume 11 ISA RP 1 2 .1 Definitions and lnformation Pertaining to

API Pub 4589 Fugitive Hydrocarbon Emissions from Oil Electrical lnstruments in Hazardous

and Gas Production Operations Locations

API Pub 4 6 1 5 Emission Factors for Oil and Gas Produc­

2
tion Operations American Gas Association, 1 5 1 5 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22209
'American National Standards Institute, 1 1 West 42 Street, New York, New
API PSD 2 2 1 6 Ignition Risk of Hot Surfaces in the Open York 10036.
4
American Socie!Y of Heating,_ Refrigerating and Air Conditioninz Engi­
Air
neers, lnc., 1 7 9 1 Tullie Circle, NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30329.
5
American Society of Testing and Materíals, 1 00 Barr Harbor Drive, West
1 Conshohocken, Pennsylvania 19428.
ABS
"Canadian Standards Association, 178 Rexdale Boulevard, Etobicoke (Tor­
onto), Canada, M9W I R 3 .
Rules far Building and Classing Mobile
"Iutematiuual Elcctrotcchnical Cornmission, J ruc de Varcrnbé, P.O. Box

Ojfshore Drilling Units 1 3 1 , 1 2 1 1 Geneva20, Switzerland

8
1nstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, lnc., 445 Hoes Lane, Pis­
Rules for Building and Classing Steel cataway, New Jersey 0 8 8 5 5 - 1 3 3 1
9
lntemational Maritime Organization, 4 Albert Embankment, London, UK
Vessels
SEi 7SR
"The Institute of Petroleum, London, 61 New Cavendish Street, London
W I M &AR, England.
'American Bureau of Shipping, Two World Trade Center, 106th Floor, New "lnstrument Society of America, 67 Alexander Drive, Research Tríangle
York, NewYork 10048. Park, North Carolina 27709
 ISA S 1 2 _ 4 lnstrument Purging fnr Reduction nf Haz­ An lnvestigation of Flammahle Gases or

ardous Area [Link] Vapors with Respect to Explosionproof

ISA RP 12 .6 Jnstallation of Intrinsically Safe Systems Electrical Equipment

for Hazardous (Classified) locations Stnnrlnrrl fnr lntrinsirally SnfP Apparatus

ISA S 1 2 . 1 3 Part 1, Performance Requirements, Com­ and Associated Apparatus for Use in Class

bustible Gas Detectors l, JJ, and lll Division 1 Hazardous (Classi­

ISA RP 1 2 . 1 3 Part JJ. lnstallation Operation and Mainte­ fied) Locations

nance of Combustible Gas Detection

lnstruments. NOTE: Includes fonner

2.2 GOVERNMENT CODES, RULES, ANO
Bureau of Mines Bulletin 627, Flammabil­
REGULATIONS
ity Characteristics of Combustible Gases

and Vapors (no longer in print) Federal regulatory agencies have established certain

ISA S l 2 . 2 4 . 0 l Electrical Apparatus for Explosive Gas requirements for the design, installation, and operation of

Atmospheres, [Link] of Hazardous petroleum facilities. These requirements may inttuence the

([Link]) locations design, installation and operation of the electrical systems. In

ISA S 5 1.l Process lnstrumentation Technology addition to federal regulations, certain state, municipal, and

local regulations may be applicable. The documents ídentí­

Electrical Systems for Oil and Gas Pro­

duction Facilities, David N. Bishop fied below may pertain to petroleum operations and should be

referenced when applicable.

Electrical lnstruments in Hazardous Loca­

tions, Emest C. Magison 14

D01

12
NFPA 30 Code of Federal Regulations Part 250, Oil and Gas and

NFPA30 Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code Sulphur Operation in the Outer Continental Shelf

NFPA 37 Standard for Stationary Combustion

15
DOT
Engines and Gas Turbines
49 Code of Federal Regulations Parts 190, 1 9 1 , 192, 193,
NFPA54 Fue/ Gas Code
and 195
NFPA69 Explosion Prevention System

6
NFPA 70 National Electrical Code OSHA1

NFPA 70B Rccommcndcd Practicc for Elcctrical 29 Codc of Federal Rcgulations Part 1 9 1 0 , Subpart H. Pro

Equipment Maintenance cess Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals

NFPA 70E Electrical Safety Requirements for 29 Code of Federal Regulations Part 1 9 10 , Subpart K.

Employee Workplace Elcctrical Construction (Occupational Safcty and Hcalth

NFPA90A Standard for the Jnstallation of Air Condi­ Administration)

tioning and Ventilating Systems

29 Code of Federal Regulations Part 1910, Subpart S,

NFPA 9 1 Standard for Exhaust Systems for Air Con­ Electrical (Occupational Safety and Health Administra­

veying of Materials tion)

NFPA 325 Guide to Fire Hazard Properties of Flam­

17

mable liquids, nnsPs, anrl VnlntilP Solids USCG

33 Code of Federal Regulations Parts 140-147, Subchapter

NFPA496 Standard for Purged and Pressurized

Enclosures for Electrical Equipment N, Outer Continental Shelf Activities

NFPA497 Recommended Practice for Classification 46 Code of Federal Regulations Parts 107-108. Shipping

of Class l Hazardaus ( [Link]) Loca­ Subchapter 1-A, Mobile Offshore Drilling Units

tions For Electrical Installations In 46 Code of Federal Regulations Parts 1 1 0- 1 1 3 , Shipping

Chemical Process Areas Suhchapter J, Electrical Engineering

Electrical Jnstallations in Hazardous

14
Locations, P. J. Schram and M. W Earley U.S. Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service. The Code
of Federal Regulations is available from the U.S. Government Printing
Office. Washington. D.C. 20402.
lJLD 15
U.S. Departrnent of Transportation. The Code of Federal Regulations is
available from the U.S. Govemment Printing Office, Washington, O.C.
UL Technica] Report No. 58
20402.
1
60ccupational Safety and Health Administration, U. S. Department of
Labor. The Code o
f Federal Regulations is available from the U.S. Govern­
"Naliumtl Firc Prurecuon Associauon, 1 Baueryrnarch Paik, Quiucy, Massa­ mcnt Printing ornee, Washington, D.C. 20402.

chusens 02269. "United States Coast Guard, U.S. Departrnent of Defense. The Code of Fed­
13
Undeiwriters Laboratories Inc., 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, lllinois eral Regulations is available from fhe U.S. Government Printing Office,

60062-2096. Washington, o.e. 20402.

3 Acronyms and Abbreviated Definitions intrinsically safe- circuits and are relied upon to maintain

intrinsic safety. Reference NEC Article 504-2 for additional

3.1 ACRONVMS
details.

This recommended practice includes acronyms within the

3.2.4 Reserved for future use.
text. These acronyms are defined as follows:

3.2.5 Reserved for future use.

ABS American Bureau of Shipping

ACT Automatic Custody Transfer 3.2.6 Reserved for future use.

ANSI American National Standards Institute

3.2.7 Reserved for future use.
API American Petroleum Institute

ASHRAE American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and

3.2.8 Reserved for future use.

Air Conditioning Engineers

ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials 3.2.9 building, purged: See enclosure, purged.

BOP Blow Out Prevemer

3.2.1 O Classification
CSA Canadian Standards Association

DOT Department ofTransportation [Link] Class l location: A location in which flamrna­

FM Factory Mutual Rcscarch Corporation ble gases or vapors are, or may be, present in the air in quanti­

FPS Floating Production System ties sufficient to produce explosive or ignitible mixtures.

FPSO Floating Production Storage Offloading

[Link] Class 1, Division 1 location: A location in
FPU Floating Production Unit
which ignitible concentrations of flammable gases or vapors
HVL Highly Volatile Liquid
are expected to exist under normal operating conditions or in
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
which faulty operation of equipment or processes rnight sirnul­
IMO lntemational Maritime Orzanization
taneously release ttammable gases or vapors and also cause
ISA lnstrument Society of America
failure of electrical equipment. Reference Section 6.2. l . l .a and
LEL Lower Explosive Limit (LFL preferred)
NEC Article 500-5(a) for a more complete definition.
LFL Lower Flammable Limit

MESG Maximum Experimental Safe Gap

[Link] Class 1, Division 2 location: A location in

MIC Mínimum lgnition Current

which flammable gases or vapors may be present, but nor­

MODU Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit

mally are confined within closed systems; are prevented from
MMS Minerals Management Service, U.S. Depart­
accumulating by adequate ventilation; or the location is adja­

ment of the Interior

cent to a Division I Jocation from which ignitible concentra­

NEC National Electrical Code

tions might occasionally be communicated. Reference

NT'PA National Pire Protcction Association

Section 6.2. J . l .b and NEC Article 500-5(b) for a more com­

NRTL Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory

plete definition.

NPL Neutral Pressure Level

SALM Single Anchor Leg Mooring (buoy) Group A-Atmospheres containing acetylene. Refer to

NEC Article 500- 3(a)(l ).

TFL Through Flow Line

TLP Tension Leg Platform Group B-Atmospheres containing hydrogen and other

UEL Upper Explosive Limit (UFL preferred) gases. Refer to Section 5.5 and NEC Article 500-3 (a)(2).

UFL Upper Flammable Limit Group C-Atmospherés containing ethyl ·ether, ethylene,

UL Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. hydrogen sulfide and other gases or vapors. Refer to Section

USCG United States Coast Guard 5.5 and NEC Article 500-3(a)(3).

Group D-Atmospheres containing butane, gasoline, hex­

3.2 DEFINITIONS
ane, methane, natural gas. propane and most other hydrocar­

For the purposes of this recommended practice the follow­ bon gases and vapors encountered in oil and gas production,

ing abbreviated definitions apply: refining and pipeline operations. Refer to Section 5.5 and

NEC Article 500-3(a)(4).

3.2.1 approved: Acceptable to the authority having juris­

diction. [Link] hazardous (classified) location: A location

where fire or explosion hazards may exist due to flammable

3.2.2 area: See "location."
gases or vapors, flammable liquids, combustible dust, or

3.2.3 associated apparatus: Apparatus used in intrinsi­ ignitible fibers or flyings. Unless specifically indicated other­

cally safe systems in which the circuits are not necessarily wise, locations containing combustible dust, ignitible fibers

intrinsically safe themselves, but affect the energy in the or flyings are outside the scope of this recommended practice.
[Link] unclassified location (non-hazardous 3.2.18 flammable: Capable of igniting easily, burning

location): A Iocation not classified as Division 1 or intensely or spreading flame rapidly.

Division 2.
3.2.19 flammable (explosive) limits: Toe lower and

3.2.11 Reserved tor future use. upper percentages by volume of concentration of gas in a gas­

air mixture that will forrn an ignitible mixture. (Reference

3.2.12 combustible liquid (Class 11, IIIA, and 111B

NFPA 325).
Liquids): Any liquid that has a clnsed-cup flash point at or

above 37.8ºC (IOOºF), as determined by the test procedures 3.2.20 flammable, highly volatile liquid: See "highly

volatile liquid."
and apparatus outlined in NFPA 30. Combustible liquids are

subdivided as follows:
3.2.21 flammable liquid (Class I Liquid); Any liquid

that has a closed-cup flash point below 37.8ºC (IOOºF), as

[Link] Class II liquids-liquids having flash points ar or
determined by the test procedures and apparatus specified in
above 37.8ºC (lOOºF) and below 60ºC (140ºF).
NFPA 30. Flammable (Class I) liquids are subdivided into

[Link] Class IIIA liquids-liquids having flash points at Classes IA, IB , and IC. (Reference Section 5.2 and

or above 60ºC ( l 40ºF) and below 93 ºC (200ºF). NFPA 30).

[Link] Class IIIB liquids-liquids having flash points at 3.2.22 flash poínt: The mínimum temperature ot a liquid

or above 93ºC (200ºF). at which sufficient vapor is given off to forrn an ignitible mix­

ture with air, near the surface ofthe liquid or within the vessel
3.2.13 drilling areas: Those areas in which wells are
uscd, as dctcrmincd by the test proccdurc and apparatus spcc­

being drilled, recompleted, or reworked for the purpose of

ified in NFPA 30.

exploring for or producing oíl or gas. Wells meeting any of

the conditions of the above are referred to as "drilling wells." 3.2.23 floor area: The maximum area of any horizontal

plane intersecting an enclosed area

Toe term "drilling wells" does not include wells on which

wireline work is being performed through a lubricator or

3.2.24 fugitive emissions: Continuous flammable gas
wells into which, or from which, pumping equipment is being
and vapor releases thar are rehitively srnall compared to
installed or removed.
releases due to equipment failures. These releases occur dur­

ing normal operation of closed systems from components

3.2.14 enclosed area (room, building, or space ): A
such as pump seals, valve packing and flange gaskets. (Refer­
three-dirnensional space. [Link] hy more than two-thirds
ence Appendix B , API 4 6 1 5 , API 4589 and NFPA 30).
(2/3) of the possible projected plane surface area and of

sufficient size to allow the entry of personnel. For a typical

3.2.25 gases, heavier-than-air: Gases with a specific
building, this would require that more than two-thirds (2/3)
gravity greater than 1 . 0 . See Section 7 . 2 . 2 .

of the walls, ceiling, and/or floor be present.

3.2.26 gases, lighter-than-air: Gases with a specific

3.2.15 enclosure, electrical: Toe case or housing of gravity less than 1 . 0 . See Sections 5.4 and 7.2.2.

clcctrical apparatus providcd to prcvent per sonuel Jrurn acci­

3.2.27 high temperature device: A device whose rnax­

dentally contacting energized parts and to protect the equip­
imum operating temperature exceeds 80 percent of the igni­
ment from physical damage. Certain enclosures also serve to
tion temperature. expressed in degrees Celsius (ºC). of the
prevent electrical equipment from being a source of ignition
gas or vapor involved.
of flammable mixtures outside the enclosure.

3.2.28 highly volatile liquid (HVL): A liquid whose

3.2.16 enclosure, explosionproof: An enclosure that
vapor prcssurc cxceeds 276 kilopascals (40 psia) al 37.8"C
is capable of withstanding an explosion of a specific gas or
(IOOºF). See Section 5 .3 .
vapor within it and of preventing the subsequent ignition of a

flammable gas or vapor that may surround it, and which oper­ 3.2.29 ignitible (flammable) mixture: A gas-air mix­
ates at such an external temperature mar a surrounding flam­ ture that is capable of being ignited by an open flame, electric

mable gas or vapor will not be ignited. are or spark, or device operating at or above the ignition tem­

perature of the gas air mixture. See "flammable (explosive)

3.2.17 enclosure, purged: An enclosure or building
limits."
supplied with clean air or an inert gas at sufficient flow and

positive pressure to reduce the concentration of any flamma­ 3.2.30 ignition (autoignition) temperature: Toe mín­

ble gases or vapors initially present to an acceptably safe leve) imum temperature required, at normal atmospheric pressure,

and to maintain this safe leve! by positive pressure with or to initiate or cause self-sustained combustion (independent of

with out continuous flow. (Reference NFPA 496). any extemally heated element).
3_2_31 Reserved for future use.. the atrnosphere such that an ignitible gas atmosphere cou l d be

formed.

3.2.32 intrinsically safe system: An assembly of inter­

connected intrinsically safe apparatus, associated apparatus, 3.2.43 space: See "location",

and interconnecring cables in which those pans of ihe systern

3.2.44 unclassified location: See "classification".
that may be used in hazardous (classified) locations are intrin­

sically safe circuits. An intrinsically safe system may include

3.2.45 vapor pressure: Toe pressure, measured in
more than onc intrinsically safc circuit.
pounds per square inch, absolute (psia), exerted by a Iiquid, as

3.2.33 intrinsically safe circuit: A circuit in which any determined by ASTM D 323, Standard Method of Test for

spark or therrnal effect is incapable of causing ignition of a Vapor Pressure of Petroleum Products (Reid Me t hod).

mixture of tlammable or combustible material in arr under

3.2.46 vapor-tight barrier: A barrier that will not allow
test conditions prescribed by UL 9 13 .
the passage of s ig nificant quantities of gas or vapor at armo­

3.2.34 intrinsically safe apparatus: Apparatus in spheric pressure.

which all the circuits are intrinsically safe,

3.2.47 ventilation, adequate: Ventilation (natural or

3.2.35 location: Throughout this recommended practice, artificial) that is s u fficient to prevent the accumulation of sig­

reference is made to arcas, spaccs, and locations. Thcsc tcrms nificant quantities of vapor-air or gas-air mixtures in concen­

should be considered interchangeable terrns designating a trations above 25 percent of their lower flammable

three-dimensional space. (explosive) limit, LFL (LEL). Reference also Section 6.3.2.

3.2.36 maximum experimental sare gap (MESG): 3.2.48 ventilation, inadequate: Ventilation that is les s

Toe maximum gap of the joint between the two parts of the than adequate. See S ection 6.3.3.

interior chamber of a test apparatus which, when the interna!

gas mixture is igníted and undei specified couditious, pre­ 3.2.49 volatile flammable liquid: A fl amm a ble liquid

whose temperature is above its flash point, or a Class II com­

vents ignition of the extemal gas mixture by flame propaga­

bustible li qu id h a vin g a vapor pressure not exceeding 276 kPa

tion through a 25 mm (1 inch) long joint, for ali

concentrations of the tested gas or vapor in air, (40 p sia) at 3 7 . 8 º C (IOOºF) whose temperature is above its

flash p oint.

3.2.37 mínimum ignition current (MIC): The míni­

mum current that, in a specified spark test apparatus and 3.2.50 wireline work areas: Those areas in which wire­

under specified condit ions, is capable of ígníung the mosr line work is being pt:1fu11111;;u u11 e1 wcll tluough a l u bricator.

easily ignitible mixture

4 Basic Conditions for a Fire or Explosion

3.2.38 petroleum refinery: A facility within which

petroleum liq uids or vapors are continuously processed at ele­

4.1 Toree basic cond i tions must exist in order for a fire or

vated temperatures and pressures to effect both chemical and explosion to occur as a result of an electrical installat i on:

physical changes.

a. A flammable gas or vapor must be preseru. In classifyiug e1

3.2.39 pipeline transportation facility: A facility han­

particular location, the likelihood of the presence of a flam­
dling the delivery of flammable or combustible petroleum liq­
mable gas or vapor is a s i g ni fi cant factor in deterrnining the
u id s or flammable g ases : may include pump and compressor
division classification. Toe decision is based p rincipally on
stations, storage fa cil i ties , mani fo ld areas, valve siles, and
whether the fl ammable mixture may be present (1 ) under nor­
pipeline right-of-way areas.
mal conditions, or (2) only under abnorrnal conditi o ns

(including equipment hreakdown).

3.2.40 production Ellreas: Thosc arcas whcrc flammablc

petroleum gas and volatile liquids are produced, processed b. The gas or vapor must be mixed with air or oxygen in the

(e . g . , compressed), stored, transferred ( e . g. , pumped), or oth­ proportions and quantities required to produce a flammable or

erwise handled prior to e nt eri n g the transportation fac ilit ies ignitible mixture. This condition is important in determining

the limit or extent of the classified location. The quantity of the

3.2.41 protected fired vessel: Any fired vessel that is
substance that might be liberated, its physical characteristics,
provided with e q uipment (such as flame arresters, stack tern­
the operating pressure, and the natural tendency of gases and
perature shutdowns, forced draft burners wíth sarety controls,
vapors to disperse in the atmosphere should be considered.
and spark arresters) designed to eliminate the air intake and
c. Toe mixture must be ignited. When classifying locations,
exhaust as sources of i gnition.
the potential source of ignition is understood to be an electri­

3.2.42 source of release: A point or location from cal installation operating at energy levels or at temperatures

which a flammable gas, vapor, or liquid may be released into sufficient to cause i g nition.
5 Flammable and Combustible Liquids, 5.2.3 Class II Liquids

Gases and Vapors

[Link] With Class II liquids, the probability of an ignitible

5.1 GENERAL vapor-air mixture is low because the liquids typically are han­

dled at temperatures below their flash point and, conse­

Substances handled by petroleum facilities include ñ am ­
quently, do not produce sufficient vapors to form an ignitible
mable and combustible liquids, flammable highly volatile liq­
mixture. When these liquids are heated above their flash
uids (HVLs). and flammahle gases and v:iprn, When
point, additional vapors are generated, and the probability of
classifying locations for electrical installations, the appropri­
ignition is increased.
ate NEC Group(s) (A, B, C, or D) should be determined for

ali flarnmable liquids, gases, and vapors present. [Link] The chanc e of ignition of vapors of Class II liquids

is not as great as ignition of the vapors of Class I liquids.

5.2 FLAMMABLE ANO COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS
Their vapors normally do not travel as far as the vapors of

Class I liquids. Normally, except near points of release, Class

5.2.1 General
II liquids do not produce vapors of sufficient quantity to be

Refer to NFPA 325 for properties of specific flammable considered for electrical classification purposes.

Iiquids, flammable gases, and volatile solids. Flarnrnable and

combustible liquids vary in volatility and are defined in NFPA 5.2.4 Class III Liquids

30. Flarnmable (Class I) liquids, such as gasoline, are defined

as any liquids having a closed cup flash point below 37.8ºC [Link] Class III liquids normally do not produce vapors of

( IUUu .F), as determined by the test procedures and apparatus sutñcíent quantity to be considered for electrical classiñca­

described in NFPA 30. Combustible (Class II and Class III) tion purposes. Class III liquids will release vapor in the ñarn­

liquids, such as kerosene and diese} fuel, are defined as liq­ mable range at their surfaces if heated above their flash

uids having a closed 1.:uµ flash puint al ur above 37.8�C points, but thc cxtcnt of the classificd location ordinarily will

( l OOºF), as determined by the test procedures and apparatus be very small and near the point of release.

described in NFPA 30. Class II liquids are combustible liq­

uids having flash points at or above 37.&ºC (lOOºF) and 5.2.5 Crude Oils

below 60ºC (140ºF). Class III liquids are combustible liquids

[Link] A specific classification for crude oil is not possible
having flash points at or above 60ºC (140ºF).
since crude oil is a mixture of hydrocarbons of widely vary­
Note: Classes as used here to identify flammable and combustible liquids
ing composition. Sorne crude oils may include volatiles (e.g.,
should not be confused with the classes in the National Electrical Code that
butane, propane, or natural gasoline). However, crude oil usu­
identify specific types of flammable or explosive atmospheres. See Section 5.5.

ally is classified as a Class I flammable liquid, and its flash

point generally is accepted as -6.7 to 32.2ºC (20-90ºF).

5.2.2 Class I Liquids

[Link] Class I liquids usually are handled at temperatures 5.3 FLAMMABLE HIGHLY VOLATILE LIQUIDS

abovc thc liquids' flash point and, consequently, may produce

5.3.1 Highly volatile liquids (HVLs) include liquids such
a flammable atmosphere. Where released in appreciable
as butane, ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, liquefied nat­
quantities to the atmosphere, they may produce large volumes

of vapor. This is particularly true for the more volatile Class I ural zas, natural gas liquids, and mixtures of such. Vapor

liquids. Toe less volatile Class I liquids release vapors more pressures of these Iiquids exceed 276 kilopascals ( 40 psi a) at

slowly at normal temperatures and are ignitible only near the 37.SºC (IOOºF).

surfaces of the liquids. At elevated temperatures, however,

5.3.2 Highly volatile liquids vaporize at low temperatures
these heavier liquids give off large volumes of vapor that can
(have low flash points). When released to the atmosphere,
spread. These vapors, even when evolved rapidly, have a nat­
these liquids vaporize--creating large volumes of cooled
ural tendency to disperse into the atmosphere and, thus, rap­
gases whosc dcnsities excccd that of air. HVLs should be
idly become diluted to concentrations below their lower
treated very conservatively in considering the extent of the
flammable limit. This tendency is greatly accelerated by air
area affected, especially when released at or near ground
movement.
level. Under such conditions, the heavy gases can trove] along

[Link] Toe density of an atmosphere saturated with vapors the ground for great distances if air currents do not assist dis­

of flammable liquids at ordinary atmospheric temperatures persion. When HVLs are released at higher elevations, or are

usually is heavier than air. However, when these vilpor<; are directed upward lit suhstantial velocity, diffusion and dilution

diluted with sufficient air to create a flammable mixture, the of the upper-air mixture are faster, and the distance from the

density of the mixture approaches that of air. point of release where LFL concentrations are present is less.