Do not mix the requirements of hazardous location areas when you order motors

Although the processes and types of gases are the same in refineries around globe; the design and installation of the electrical equipment will vary in order to comply with the selected installation requirements. There are essentially two major systems of installation requirements for hazardous areas commonly found in the oil and gas industry. The first is the North American system with hazardous area installations in accordance with either the National Electric Code^® (NEC^®)ANSI/NFPA70 [1] for the USA; or the Canadian Electric Code (CEC) CSA C22.1 [2] for Canada. The second is based on European or International codes and standards for the installations of concern. In Europe, the hazardous area installations are in accordance with HD 60364 and EN 60079-14[8]; and in many other parts of the world are in accordance with HD 60364 and IEC 60079 14[[8]. The European standards are essentially identical to the I EC standards. It is very confusing when one mixes the requirements or definition of hazardous areas since the systems vary to a degree in terms of design, third party certification requirements, marking etc. The authors will compare the "systems" and provide key differences between them to avoid confusion when selecting one versus other for the installation of electrical motors.