Certification Framework

Classification of Hazardous Locations

In the US the National Electrical Code® (NEC®) expresses the degree of hazard presented by flammable materials in the form of a "Division" classification. The European system is based upon an International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Zone classification. In order to present a globally consistent approach the US adopted the IEC Zone system into the 1996 edition of the NEC®.

Article 505 of the 1996 edition of the NEC® now provides parallel classification systems of the US Class I Division system and the US Class I Zone system.

There are some differences between the US and IEC classification systems, however these are not relevant to the Eflare as they relate more to grounding and electric shock hazards not associated with sealed portable equipment.

Terminology

Explosive Atmosphere
A mixture of flammable gas, vapour, mist or dust in air in the proportions which, if ignited, will continue to burn with explosive speed and force.

Hazardous Area
An area where an explosive atmosphere is or may be expected to be present at a level that requires special precautions to be taken in the construction, installation and operation of electrical equipment.

Explosion Proof Device
The term "Explosion Proof" is a term used to describe the construction of devices such as switchgear, motors, outlet boxes etc where there is some connection to the outside world. This may be applied to a cable gland as in the case of an explosion proof switch, or to a specially sealed motor shaft.

The design and construction methods are used prevent a spark, arc or other hot spot inside the device from causing an explosion outside of the device when it is surrounded by a flammable gas, vapour or dust atmosphere.

Intrinsically Safe Device
One where any spark or hot spot that may occur during normal use inside or outside the device, or under any fault likely to occur in normal operation of the device, will not cause ignition of the surrounding flammable gas, vapour or dust.

Non-incendive Device
The design and construction is such that any switch or contact either cannot cause a spark or arc or it is enclosed so that it is not accessible to the explosive atmosphere. Thus the device as a whole is not capable of igniting the explosive atmosphere even though the device may be open to the explosive atmosphere.

The EflareTM is a battery powered, portable device that will not generate dangerous sparks in the normal conditions of use or even in failure mode. It is designed to comply with the requirements of the following standards:

• FCC Pt 15: Radio Interference from Portable Apparatus
• EN55011 AS/NZS 2064: Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)
• EN50082-1: Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)