What Flexible Conduit Is Allowed In Hazardous Locations?
Hazardous Locations are areas that expose flammable material to possible ignition. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) publishes NFPA 70, the (US) National Electrical Code (NEC) defining Hazardous Locations.
Can flexible liquid tight conduit systems meet safety requirements for NEC Hazardous Locations? Yes, within the limit of Class I Division 2.
Today, Class I Division 1 Hazardous Location regulations (NEC Article 501) only allow rigid conduit or liquid tight cable or wiring to be installed. No flexible liquid tight conduit should be installed in Class I Division 1 Hazardous Locations.
We’re proud to offer a range of ANACONDA SEALTITE® electrical conduit systems to connect and protect wiring where combustible materials must be safely handled.
What Are Hazardous Locations?
In NFPA 70, the National Electrical Code (NEC), hazardous locations are defined as “where fire or explosion hazards may exist due to flammable gases or vapors, flammable liquids, combustible dust or ignitable fibers or flyings.”
Hazardous Locations are areas where the presence of material could create a fire, explosion or other safety issues for electrical components and those working with them. In these settings, it’s essential to take precautions to make sure that electrical wiring, conduit and fittings are properly connected to avoid risk.
Different Classes of Hazardous Location
NEC (NFPA 70 2023) divides hazardous locations among three classes:
- Class I (Class I in NEC Article 501): This class is dedicated to locations in which inflammable gases or vapors may be present in large enough quantities to raise risks of explosion or other flammable mixtures. It is split into Division 1 and Division 2; the former refers to locations where hazardous atmosphere might be present during normal operations, while the latter speaks to locations where volatile flammable liquids or gases are handled, processed or used (these will typically be confined to closed containers or systems).
- Class II (Class II in NEC Article 502): Class II hazardous locations are marked as such due to the presence of combustible dust. This class is also split into two divisions: Division 1 includes areas where combustible dust may be in suspension in the air under normal conditions in large enough quantities to create explosive or ignitable mixtures, or where equipment malfunction may cause a hazardous location to exist due to creating an ignition source; Division 2 is for locations where combustible dust will not normally be seen in suspension, but where accumulation may interfere with heat dissipation from electrical equipment.
- Class III (Class III in NEC Article 503): Class III hazardous locations are those where the presence of easily ignitable fibers of flyings are present, in high enough quantities to produce ignitable mixtures. Class III Division 1 is where easily ignitable fibers or materials producing combustible flyings are handled or manufactured, while Division 2 is where easily ignitable fibers are stored or handled.
Why Use Flexible Conduit Systems in Hazardous Locations?
ANACONDA SEALTITE® flexible liquid tight conduit systems provide a flexible solution that can save time and labor in installation and maintenance. The liquid tight jacket and fitting seals of the system are a reliable barrier between electrical components and the volatile substances in the environment. Liquid tight conduit systems prevent sparks or hot wiring from igniting flammable material.
- In addition to providing a safety barrier, conduit and fittings are corrosion, oil and flame resistant.
- The conduit systems are suitable for protecting wiring in harsh environments where frequent maintenance may not be feasible.
- Liquid tight seals keep out corrosive atmosphere, spray and dirt to protect critical electrical connections from corrosion
ANACONDA SEALTITE® conduit systems are approved for installation in Class I Division 2, Class II and Class III Hazardous Locations. Look for the Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL) mark on our conduit and the cULus mark on SEALTITE® fittings that show compliance with safety standards.
When approved conduit is installed with liquid tight SEALTITE® fittings, the IP (ingress protection) rating for the seal is 66 to 67. The conduit and fittings keep out dust and water spray.
Five UL listed conduit system options can be installed in a variety of Hazardous Locations.
- Halogen Free conduit (Type ZHUA and SS-ZHUA) and fittings are suitable for installation in confined spaces, tunnels and under raised floors.
- High temperature conduit (Type HTUA and SS-HTUA) are suitable for locations with a wide operating temperature range from below freezing to beyond the boiling point of water.
- Ant-Static conduit (Type ASUA) and fittings are suitable for locations where airborne dust may be a hazard.
- Food Grade (Type FGUA) and Food Grade AISI-316 fittings are suitable for installation in food and pharmaceutical production areas.
- Non-metallic (Type CNP) conduit and Type A Nickel-Plated Brass fittings are suitable for applications of frequent bending and need to bounce back from impact.
Anamet Electrical Extends Wiring Protection Options
When you need to flexibly protect wiring, specify ANACONDA SEALTITE conduit systems.
- Hazardous Location conduit fittings
- Flexible conduit for Hazardous Locations
- Flexible Conduit Systems for NEC Class I Division 2 Hazardous Locations
Anamet Electrical extends its services and product lines to meet and exceed customers’ expectations. You benefit from over 100 years of experience in flexible wiring protection in all applications.
Contact us today if you need to flexibly connect and protect wiring in Hazardous Locations.