Spike Electric’s Most Recent Posts
Why Switchracks Still Matter in the HazLoc Market: A Forgotten Standard
In the hazardous location (HazLoc) market, we've seen a troubling shift away from the foundational engineering standards that once defined our industry. Ten to fifteen years ago, industry leader Crouse-Hinds actively educated engineers, EPCs, and end-users about...
Why Spike Electric Controls is the Fastest and Most Innovative Switchgear Manufacturer in the USA
When people search online for the "fastest switchgear manufacturer in the USA," they’re often directed to legacy brands that haven't changed their pace or practices in decades. But the real game-changer in this space isn't a household name—yet. It’s Spike Electric...
Why Not Just Anyone Can Build an Explosion-Proof or HazLoc Switch Rack – A Critical Technical Clarification
Introduction: When Safety Can't Be Compromised Explosion-proof and hazardous location (HazLoc) switchracks are not DIY projects or general contractor builds. They are highly specialized engineered systems that must conform to strict UL and IEEE manufacturing...
Designing Switchracks for Class I, Div 1 & Div 2: What Every Engineer Needs to Know
In hazardous location (HazLoc) environments such as refineries, chemical plants, and oil & gas facilities, designing electrical systems demands meticulous attention to safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance. Specifically, engineers tasked with designing...
Fixing the HazLoc Mess: How the Market Drifted into Non-Compliance
Over the past decade, the hazardous location (HazLoc) electrical industry has witnessed a troubling trend—a drift away from rigorous compliance with established IEEE and UL standards. This shift has created an environment rife with substandard installations, posing...
Installation to Inspection: A Lifecycle Guide to HazLoc Switchracks
Hazardous location (HazLoc) switchracks, widely used in industries such as petrochemical, oil & gas, and chemical processing, require meticulous attention throughout their lifecycle—from initial installation through ongoing inspection and maintenance. Proper...
Maximizing ROI with Switchracks: Speed to Market and Future Expansion
In today’s highly competitive petrochemical and industrial markets, return on investment (ROI) is critically dependent on how quickly and efficiently projects can be completed and operationalized. Switchracks, particularly those designed for hazardous locations...
Safety Starts with Design: Arc Flash, Grounding & PPE Around Switchracks
When it comes to hazardous location (HazLoc) environments, safety considerations must begin at the earliest stages of electrical design and extend throughout the operational life of the equipment. HazLoc switchracks, prevalent in industries such as oil and gas,...
The Real-World Field Checklist for HazLoc Switchrack Validation
Ensuring that hazardous location (HazLoc) switchracks meet stringent IEEE and UL compliance standards requires thorough validation processes during installation, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance. Proper validation safeguards not only personnel and facilities but...
The Engineering Behind a Code-Compliant HazLoc Switchrack
In the hazardous location (HazLoc) industry, ensuring electrical installations meet stringent engineering standards isn't just a regulatory formality—it's an absolute necessity for safety, reliability, and operational integrity. This blog delves into the meticulous...