Explosion-Proof Refrigerators
and Freezers
Overview
Conventional refrigerators and freezers are not suitable for storing flammable
materials. Such units have components in their electrical and refrigeration systems
that can trigger explosions of flammable air-vapor mixtures inside the unit and/or in
the immediate surrounding area.
The Authority having Jurisdiction (AHJ) determines if work areas are
designated as a
hazardous location with respect to the presence of flammable gases or vapors. Such
locations are defined in (National Fire Protection Agency) NFPA 70 Articles
500-501 and OSHA 29 CFR1910.307. Some of these classified areas are expected to
experience concentrations of flammable gases and/or vapors at or above their lower
flammability limits for extended periods of time.
The
construction
of
our explosion-proof
units
has
been
evaluated by Underwriters
Laboratories
(UL)
are
suitable for use in classified
are
as
requiring
Class
I, Groups C
and
D* protected equipment.
The electrical
components
such as thermostats, wiring,
splices, relays
and compressor
motors on explosion-proof
units
are safely
housed
within explosion-proof enclosures
and
conduit.
Compressor
surface temperatures
have been
evaluated
and
determined
to remain
below
the flash point of materials
found
in Class
I, Groups C and
D.
All models have heavy-gauge, rigid, steel construction with a durable enamel finish.
Interiors have epoxy coated steel construction. Each unit is insulated throughout for
energy-efficient operation.
These units are ideal for storing ethyl ether, acetone, alcohol, benzene, gasoline,
hexane, lacquer solvent vapors, naphtha, along with many other potentially hazardous
materials.
WARNING
:
For FMS and EXP units where flammable materials are stored
in the cooling chamber, the cooling chamber is considered a Class I Div1 or
Class I Zone 1 hazardous location. Any monitoring devices placed in the
cooling chamber must have an intrinsically safe rating from an appropriate
certification body, such as UL, CSA, FM etc. (this includes battery or solar
powered devices).
Thermocouples for building monitoring systems must be wired through an
electrical barrier designed to provide isolation against voltage and current
spikes, which could cause a spark resulting in fire or explosion. It is the
end user's responsibility to meet these requirements.
Thermo
Fisher
Scientific c
annot assist with the selection of devices, recommend, approve
or design any device or monitoring circuit.
* The notation Class 1, Groups C and D is an accepted abbreviation for
Class I,
Div 1, Groups C and D; Class I Zone 1 Group IIB.
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