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.
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.
Strobe Tomar Lighting that is rated NEMA 4X
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.
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.