Hazardous locations in the Midwest are areas where a combination of electrical equipment and the presence of flammable/ignitable gasses, liquids, vapors, or combustible dust creates a risk of fire or explosion. In such areas, the need for explosion-proof and fireproof equipment from Mid-West Instrument is essential.

The National Electrical Code (NEC) along with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) has published a guide that classifies hazardous areas, divisions, and zones. These are as follows:

CLASS I

Class I locations in the Midwest consist of areas where gasses, vapors, or liquids may exist that have the potential to become flammable or ignitable. Two different divisions exist in Class I, along with three zones. Locations considered to be Class I include petroleum refineries, gasoline storage areas, dry-cleaning plants, spray-finishing areas, and fuel-servicing areas.

Division 1 is a subset of Class I and is classified as an area where the explosive or flammable gasses, vapors, or liquids can exist under normal operating conditions. Division 2 is also a subset of Class I and is classified as an area where the explosive or flammable gasses, vapors, or liquids mentioned above are not likely to exist during regular operation.

Zone 0 is described as the presence of explosive or flammable gasses, vapors, or liquids for long periods during operating conditions or a large portion of the operating conditions. Zone 1 is described as the presence of explosive or flammable gasses, vapors, or liquids for some of the time during normal operating conditions. Zone 2 is described as there not being a likelihood of explosive or flammable gasses, vapors, or liquids present during normal operating conditions.

CLASS II

Class II locations in the Midwest are those where combustible dust may exist which have the potential to become flammable or ignitable.  Locations considered to be Class II include grain elevators, flour and feed mills, metal powder manufacturers, and coal plants.

Division 1 is a subset of Class II and is classified as an area where the explosive or flammable combustible dust mentioned above can exist under normal operating conditions. Division 2 is also a subset of Class II and is classified as an area where the explosive or flammable combustible dust mentioned above is not likely to exist during regular operation.

CLASS III

Class III locations in the Midwest consist of locations where fibers and filings may exist that have the potential to become flammable or ignitable. Locations considered to be Class III include cotton gins, cottonseed mills, sawdust or filing plants, and textile mills.

Division 1 is a subset of Class III and is classified as an area where ignitable fibers or filings may be manufactured, stored, or handled. Division 2 is also a subset of Class III and is classified as an area where ignitable fibers or filings may be stored or handled.

Contact Us Today

For more than 30 years, Mid-West Instrument has developed top-quality differential pressure gauges for use in hazardous locations. All of our products are certified via the CSA, UL, KOSHA, and/or IECEx, as well as being LVD RoHS-compliant. Contact us today and let’s discuss your application and how our solutions can best meet your needs.