Date: 6/15/2021
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R&M now has the capability to offer the Spacemaster® EX hazardous location hoist in both Class I, Div 2 rating and Class I, Div 1 rating. This exciting expansion gives a broader range of product options for facility managers who need to protect against explosive gases in their operations. To dig into the differences, advantages, and features of these two ratings, we talked to George Berner, Systems Manager at R&M, to hear his take.
How is Class I, Division 1 different from Class I, Division 2?
Class defines the type of hazardous material, and Class I indicates ignitable gasses. Division ratings, on the other hand, are assigned based on how often that ignitable substance is present. “An exhaustive study of the particular site must be undertaken by a third party before any decisions can be made as to what class or division can be assigned,” Berner says.
A. Class I, Division 1
Ignitable gas exists some of the time or always under normal operating conditions. The new Class I, Div 1 Spacemaster EX hoist meets gas groups C & D with a temperature class of T4.
B. Class I, Division 2
Ignitable concentrations of gas are normally found in closed containers or closed systems from which they can only escape through abnormal processes, such as the accidental rupture or breakdown of such containers or systems. The Class I, Div 2 Spacemaster EX hoist meets gas groups B, C & D with a temperature class of T3.
Here’s a chart of the differences in the Classes and Divisions, and a comparison of the Zone ratings. R&M’s offering covers the highlighted items.
|
Division / Zones |
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|
Atmosphere |
Class * |
Division * |
Zone ** |
Area Classification |
|
Gas |
Class I |
Div. 1 |
Zone 0 |
Continuous Hazard |
|
Zone 1 |
Intermittent Hazard |
|||
|
Div. 2 |
Zone 2 |
Abnormal Conditions Hazard |
||
|
Dust |
Class II |
Div. 1 |
Zone 20 |
Continuous Hazard |
|
Zone 21 |
Intermittent Hazard |
|||
|
Div. 2 |
Zone 22 |
Abnormal Conditions Hazard |
||
|
Fiber |
Class III |
Div. 1 |
Zone 20 |
Continuous Hazard |
|
Zone 21 |
Intermittent Hazard |
|||
|
Div. 2 |
Zone 22 |
Abnormal Conditions Hazard |
||
|
*according to NEC 500 / CEC Annex J; ** according to IEC/ NEC 505 / CEC 18 |
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|
Groups |
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|
Atmosphere |
Class* |
Group* |
Group** |
Representative Element |
|
Gas |
Class I |
- |
Group I |
Methane |
|
Group D |
Group IIA |
Propane |
||
|
Group C |
Group IIB |
Ethylene |
||
|
Group B |
Group IIC |
Hydrogen |
||
|
Group B |
Group IIB+H2 |
Hydrogen |
||
|
Group A |
Group IIC |
Acetylene |
||
|
Dust |
Class II |
Group G |
Group IIB |
Non-conductive dusts |
|
Group F |
Group IIIB |
Carbonaceous dusts |
||
|
Group E |
Group IIIC |
Metal dusts |
||
|
Fiber |
Class III |
- |
Group IIIA |
Fibers or flyings |
|
*according to NEC 500 / CEC Annex J; ** according to IEC/ NEC 505 / CEC 18 |
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Features
R&M offers top-tier protection with several standard features, including low voltage controls using intrinsically safe barrier relays and non-sparking options included as standard that are specific to the environments for the Class I, Division 1 explosion-proof rating. Additional features are offered to increase overall safety, like stainless steel wire ropes and bronze coated hooks.
The new hoist is also designed to be used in conjunction with a pendant controller with intrinsically safe barrier relay. Berner explains this pendant design offers a lighter-weight and more ergonomic operator experience, while still maintaining the required level of safety.
Benefits: How does our Class I, Div 1 Spacemaster EX provide a competitive edge for facilities?
R&M offers the complete hoist package with the operating pendant included. This helps cut down on installation costs and time by offering a turnkey lifting solution.
“Being able to have everything they need to get their equipment up and running right away is going to save customers money on engineering, procurement, and labor time – it also makes installation go more smoothly,” says Berner.
In addition, the R&M hoist offers 3rd party CSA certification with Canada and US markings – for many facilities, this is an important distinction that can ensure quality and regulatory compliance.
Looking Forward
R&M is continuing to introduce the Class I, Division 1 Spacemaster EX offering to its team and customers, and can’t wait to see how this technology helps facilities rise above the competition and provide even better service to their customers.
You deserve the safest performance possible. If you’re interested in learning more about the Class I, Div 1 hoist, contact us online or give us a call at 800-955-9967.