In the world of walk-in coolers and freezers, robust construction is essential under regular circumstances. However, when your equipment operates in a hazardous location, the stakes are even higher. At Polar King, we firmly believe that understanding the guidelines and definitions of hazardous conditions and locations is paramount in ensuring you select the right equipment for your specific needs.
Safeguarding Hazardous Locations: Why Polar King Units are the Ideal Choice
Defining Hazardous Locations
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the National Electrical Code (NEC) offer crucial definitions for hazardous locations:
NFPA defines hazardous locations as “areas of occupancy that have a degree of hazard greater than normal to the general occupancy of that building.”
NEC defines hazardous locations as areas where the risk of fire or explosion hazards is elevated due to the presence of “flammable gases or vapors, flammable liquids, combustible dust, or ignitable fibers or flyings.”
Understanding Classes and Divisions
To make informed decisions about the most suitable equipment for your specific requirements, your ultimate resource is NFPA’s Publication 70, particularly NEC Articles 500 to 506. These articles provide comprehensive classifications and zones for your equipment:
Class I: This class pertains to areas with flammable gases and vapors in sufficient quantities to cause ignition or explosive mixtures.
Class II: It covers areas with the presence of conductive or combustible dust.
Class III: This class involves fibers or flyings that are at risk of ignition but are unlikely to be suspended in enough volume to produce ignitable mixtures.
Divisions describe the probability that hazardous materials are present in concentrations sufficient to be flammable:
Division I: Hazardous materials mentioned in each class are present in normal operating conditions or ignitable quantities exist in normal operations. These materials can also be caused by frequent repairs, maintenance, or equipment failures.
Division II: Hazardous materials from each class are present in abnormal operating conditions. This includes failures or ruptures of systems or containers.
Defining Zones
Zones define the duration that hazardous materials remain in the air:
Zone 0: Indicates the presence of flammable, explosive, or hazardous materials for continuous or extended durations.
Zone I: Denotes areas where flammable, explosive, or hazardous materials are frequently or likely to be present under normal operating conditions.
Zone III: Refers to locations where flammable, explosive, or hazardous materials are present for short durations or in abnormal operating conditions.
Why Choose Polar King?
Polar King is dedicated to designing walk-in freezers and coolers that can endure the most challenging climates and conditions. Our explosion-proof units are engineered to withstand pressures exerted by internal explosions, and all our units are meticulously designed to prevent the ignition of gas-air mixtures.
We proudly cater to Class 1, 2, and 3, as well as Division 1 and 2 ratings for both our interior and exterior cooler and freezer units. Additionally, these units offer an integrated 500-gallon containment sump and/or gas detection system (LEL). Rest assured, our units are fully compliant with Chapter 5 of the National Electric Code.
Contact Us Today
For more information about our walk-in freezer and refrigeration units and to learn how we comply with the necessary regulations, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities.
