Explosion-proof panel boards are a valuable addition to any industry as they offer significant protection and decrease the probability of malfunctions and risks. Explosion-proof panel boards are offered by several brands. In the electrical market, there is a wide range of Square D panel boards, Eaton panelboards, Siemens Panelboards, and more. One can choose an explosion-proof panelboard that meets specific preferences and requirements.
Spike Electric also provides a wide range of explosion-proof panelboards that are of premium quality, factory sealed, and 100% tested for full functionality. Industrial and manufacturing units that work in hazardous environments often employ explosion-proof panelboards for complete safety.
What are the applications of explosion-proof panelboards? These pieces of electric equipment are primarily used for branch power distribution and to provide circuit protection for motors, valves, pumps, lighting, heat tracing machinery, and likewise.
Explosion-proof panelboards are certified for usage in Class I, Division 1, and Zone 1 hazardous areas. The explosion-proof panelboard design is compatible and suitable for complete safety in hazardous locations. This piece of electrical equipment has been engineered and manufactured to suit the ever evolving and demanding environment of industrial units that function in hazardous area locations.
Why are explosion-proof panelboards important for industrial safety?
Safety is a primary concern for any industrial unit. When it comes to industries that function in hazardous area locations, the operating machinery and the industry personnel should have the highest degree of safety and protection.
Globally, engineers are consistently putting efforts to improve and enhance the existing safety standards and regulations for industrial units. Their efforts are aimed at improving the operational efficiency of machines in industrial units. This will help industries to function with better safety protective gear in both regular situations and emergencies.
To help technicians and engineers around the world accomplish this goal, The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) started publishing the National Electric Code (NEC) in 1897.
The NEC code is also referred to as NFPA 70 and ANSI/NFPA 70. This code defines various standards and regulations concerning safety measures and protection techniques that must be employed while designing electrical pieces of equipment and machinery that is intended for use in hazardous area locations.
For such products to be used in hazardous area locations, they also must comply with the safety protocols and regulations defined under the ATEX Directive and IECEx. It is an international system for certification of equipment that is meant for use in hazardous area locations and explosive atmospheres as defined by the International Electro-technical Commission (IEC).
Products, components, and machinery designed and engineered to be used in such locations should have the following characteristics:
- Dust-tight
- Dust ignition proof
- Intrinsically safe
- Purged and Pressurized
- Hermetically sealed and explosion-proof
Explosion-Proof Standards Followed By Panelboards
What properties and characteristics should be satisfied by an explosion-proof panelboard as per the standards and regulations set by the NEC and IEC. An explosion-proof enclosure or an explosion-proof panelboard in specific should be capable of containing any possible explosions originating from its housing. The panelboard should also be able to prevent sparks from the interior that might ignite vapours, gases, dust, and fibres in the surrounding environment and cause a devastating explosion.
What does the term “Explosion-proof” denote? It refers to not only the ability to withstand an external explosion in the industrial unit, but it also means that it should be robust enough to contain an internal one. Doing so will help prevent any internal damages that will pose a threat or risk the safety of the surrounding machinery and the people.
According to the NEC, explosion-proof equipment, which includes explosion-proof panelboards, must also meet certain specific temperature requirements. It depends on the specific application that the explosion-proof panelboard is meant for. Eaton panelboards, Square D panelboards, and a lot of other leading brands design and engineer explosion-proof panelboards that meet specific temperature requirements. The operating temperature of a certain device should not be greater than the lowest ignition temperature of the dust or gases in the environment where the product will be installed and be operating.
According to the NEC, panelboards that have been classified as explosion-proof are means to be used in locations divided as Class I, Division 1 or 2. The explosion-proof equipment that has been listed for use in a higher classification exceeds the needs for lower classifications.
What does that mean? According to the NEC, products that have been identified for use in a Division 1 location are also permitted in a Division 2 location that belongs to the same class, group, and temperature class.
Why Should You Employ Explosion-Proof Technology For Your Industrial Unit?
When it comes to running projects and operations in hazardous area locations, engineers and industry personnel have two choices. They can either choose to employ electrical equipment that is intrinsically safe or can use explosion-proof enclosures to ensure maximum safety.
Many industrial and manufacturing plants often use intrinsically safe equipment. Why? Intrinsically safe products are a cost-effective option. But they come with significant disadvantages also. These types of products usually have low voltages and currents. They haven’t been designed or engineered to not supply enough energy to arc under failure conditions or malfunctions.
However, some industrial operations require electrical equipment that has higher voltages and/or currents. This is where the industrial unit or application will need an explosion-proof enclosure like an explosion-proof panelboard. While it is true that they are an expensive option, they offer effective solutions.
Equipment that is meant for use in hazardous and volatile conditions does not come with a lot of restrictions and limitations. Hence, they offer complete safety and protection.
Explosion-proof Panelboards- Get Them for Competitive Prices in Spike Electric
Spike Electric provides a wide range of explosion-proof panel boards for diverse industrial applications. We deal with several leading brands. Square D panelboards, Eaton panelboards, and Siemens panelboards are a few to name. If you need any kind of customization to the explosion-proof panel board, we have the best industry experts to do it for you. We also offer several types of explosion-proof panelboards, which include front panel boards, circuit breaker operating handles panel boards, and lighting and distribution panelboards. Our wide array of explosion-proof panelboards will match the requirements of your unique application. Our dust-tight, explosion-proof panelboards offer high performance, durability, and safety. They are easy to install and to maintain.
Are you in search of an explosion-proof panelboard for your industrial application? Does your heavy industrial project require a premium quality explosion-proof panelboard? Then, Spike Electric is where you need to be. Get in touch with us for more information.
Written by: Cole Attaway
Cole Attaway is the founder and CEO of Spike Electric Controls. Spike's mission is to improve the accessibility and delivery of industrial electrical gear for clients nationwide. Spike solutions result in reduced unplanned downtime, less overtime, and greater operational efficiencies.
