How to determine and select explosion-proof types
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Dear everyone, in accordance with the regulatory requirements: electrical equipment with explosion protection types “e”, “m”, “o”, “p” and “q” can be used in Zone I. In practical use, owners often stipulate that only a specific type among them may be used in their factories and workshops. How is this specific design determined? Is there any specific standard, or is it chosen by the owner themselves?
While meeting safety requirements, economic considerations and the breadth of applicability are generally taken into account when selecting an explosion-proof type
So there is no standard specifying which type of explosion protection must be used; it’s up to the owner to decide?
They each have their own scope of application. For example, intrinsically safe systems are only available for instruments with low voltages; if you need 220/380V, you can’t use an intrinsically safe system. Explosion-proof designs have a relatively wide range of applications, but sometimes they need to be used in combination with enhanced safety designs; otherwise, it may lead to high manufacturing costs or difficulties in maintenance. For larger devices, such as floor-mounted electrical cabinets or even entire rooms/compartmentes, it’s not very feasible to make them explosion-proof; in such cases, a positive-pressure explosion protection system might have to be used. For other various explosion-proof types, please refer to GB3836. Generally, larger devices are not of an explosion-proof type. It is still necessary to meet the explosion-proof requirements of the area in question, and then take into account the purchase cost and maintenance costs. As for other aspects, the equipment manufacturers usually determine what can be achieved; if you request an explosion-proof version that they are not able to produce, it’s pointless anyway.
I’m dealing with a client who has specified that only explosion-proof types can be used, and that encapsulation or positive pressure systems are not permitted. I’m wondering if there are any regulations that dictate that, when certain conditions are met in a particular area (not the conditions related to classifying areas as explosion-proof), only specific explosion-proof types can be used, and no other types are allowed.