What NEMA Rating Is Explosion Proof & What Is NEMA

With the various ratings used to define hazard protection, it can be difficult to differentiate or understand what NEMA rating is Explosion-Proof for hazardous areas. By understanding what the NEMA rating is, you can better coordinate with your engineer to make smart business moves that bolster the safety of the workforce while adhering to the safety needs of the area.

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What Is the NEMA Rating

Who They Are

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association is a standards rating organization in North America for industrial gear. Specifically, NEMA rates equipment on a scale from 1-13 that denotes the appropriate usage for the tool. For example, “NEMA 1” means the product is best used for general purposing and withstands small amounts of falling debris.

The Purpose of the Rating

NEMA ratings help indicate a protective enclosure’s ability to tolerate harsh conditions. Additionally, the rating may specify supplementary ratings such as NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) for fire tolerability and resistance. Depending on your site location and industry, each specification will have its pros and cons. For instance, in an aqueous environment, where dangers besides solely explosions are present, it may be better to employ NEMA 4X lighting that’s resistant to water, dust, wind, and more.

While many ratings aren’t Explosion-Proof, each category rate contains specified classes and divisions of hazardous zones that define the appropriate gear. Again, the NEMA 4X lighting may not be Explosion-Proof; however, the lighting is suitable for class 1 division 2 hazardous areas.

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Explosion-Proof Rating

What NEMA Rating is Explosion-Proof?

Explosion-Proof protection specializes in preventing intrinsic explosions from spreading and propagating flammable substances while also surviving extrinsic explosions. Equipment deemed as Ex-Proof are often bulkier and heavier enclosures made from cast aluminum or stainless steel. Read more about what Explosion-Proof is here.

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association rates Explosion-Proof equipment as NEMA 7 on their scale. Moreover, NEMA 7 and Ex-Proof have become synonymous because of the attributes detailed in the rating.

Explosion-Proof NEMA 7, Classification & Details

NEMA 7 Contains the following features:

• Class 1 Division 1

   – The equipment or enclosure is suitable for hazardous areas where flammable substances are present at all times.

• Groups A, B, C, and D 

  – The protection is effective in hazard environments that exhibit gases under one of these four categories.

• Indoor Usage 

  – Equipment with a NEMA 7 rating signifies that the intended use is for indoor environments.

Is NEMA 4X Explosion-Proof? What about NEMA 8 or NEMA 12?

Unfortunately, NEMA 4X isn’t Ex-Proof, though it is resistant to some environments. Similarly, NEMA 12 is similar to NEMA 4X; however, it is resistant to circulating dust and other weather patterns and less so to the water.

Contrarily, NEMA 8 equipment prevents combustions from occurring by immersing itself in oil. For “Explosion-Proof” protection, it’s recommended to use NEMA 7 rated equipment as it is truly resistant. All other ratings will be suitable for other purposing and hazardous area classifications aside from Ex-resistance.

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Where to Find NEMA Rated Equipment

Check in with your site engineers and overseers to find a suitable rating for your worksite. Also, here at the Intrinsically Safe Store, we provide preferable equipment for many different hazardous zone needs. Feel free to comment below for more information on NEMA ratings. Or, reach out to us directly to receive a quote on Explosion-Proof equipment today. Our phone number is 832-699-6726, and you can chat with us live in the bottom right of your browser.

Sep. 13, 2023

Explosion-proof lights, also known as hazardous location lights or hazardous area lights, are designed to be used in environments where there is a risk of explosion due to the presence of flammable gases, vapors, dust, or combustible fibers. These lights are constructed to prevent the ignition of potentially explosive atmospheres by containing any sparks, arcs, or heat generated by the lighting equipment. The rating or classification of an explosion-proof light typically follows various standards and classifications depending on the specific hazardous location.

The most common standards and classifications for explosion-proof lights include:

Class/Division System (North America):

In North America, explosion-proof lights are classified based on the Class/Division system defined by the National Electrical Code (NEC). The classification consists of Class (the type of hazardous material) and Division (the likelihood and duration of the hazardous material's presence). For example, Class I, Division 1 (CI/D1) indicates that the light is suitable for use in areas where flammable gases or vapors are present continuously or frequently.

Explosion-proof Pilot light

Zone System (International):

In many international standards, such as the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) standards, explosion-proof lights are classified using a Zone system. Zones are designated based on the likelihood and duration of the presence of explosive atmospheres. For example, Zone 0 is an area where an explosive atmosphere is present continuously, while Zone 1 is an area where it is likely to occur occasionally.

ATEX Directive (European Union):

In the European Union, explosion-proof equipment, including lighting, is often certified under the ATEX Directive. ATEX certification specifies that the equipment is suitable for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. It includes two categories: Category 1 (for Zone 0) and Category 2 (for Zone 1).

IP (Ingress Protection) Rating:

Explosion-proof lights may also have IP ratings, which indicate their degree of protection against the intrusion of solids and liquids. For hazardous locations, these lights typically have a high IP rating to prevent the entry of dust and moisture.

Temperature Class:

Explosion-proof lights are assigned a temperature class, which specifies the maximum surface temperature the equipment can reach without causing ignition. Common temperature classes include T1 (the lowest maximum surface temperature) to T6 (the highest maximum surface temperature).

It's important to note that the specific rating or classification of an explosion-proof light will vary depending on its intended use and the hazardous materials present in the environment. When selecting an explosion-proof light, it is crucial to consult the relevant safety standards and regulations applicable to your region and industry to ensure compliance and safety. Additionally, these lights are typically certified by accredited organizations or agencies to confirm their compliance with safety standards.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Explosion-proof Breather. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.