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Section 500.6(B) separates combustible dusts into three Class II groups — E, F, and G — depending on their properties.
Selected combustible dusts have been evaluated for the purpose of designating the appropriate dust group — E, F, or G, and this information is used to
properly select electrical equipment for use in Class II locations. These selected materials, with their group classification and relevant physical
properties, are listed in NFPA 499, Recommended Practice for the Classification of Combustible Dusts and of Hazardous (Classified) Locations for
Electrical Installations in Chemical Process Areas.
1. Normally, the minimum ignition temperature of a layer of a specific dust is lower than the minimum ignition temperature of a cloud of that dust. Since this is not universally
true, the lower of the two minimum ignition temperatures is listed. If no symbol appears in the “Code” column, then the layer ignition temperature is shown. “CL” means the cloud
ignition temperature is shown. “NL” means that no layer ignition temperature is available, and the cloud ignition temperature is shown. “M” signifies that the dust layer melts
before it ignites; the cloud ignition temperature is shown. “S” signifies that the dust layer sublimes before it ignites; the cloud ignition temperature is shown.
2. Certain metal dusts may have characteristics that require safeguards beyond those required for atmospheres containing the dusts of aluminum, magnesium, and their
commercial alloys. For example, zirconium and thorium dusts may ignite spontaneously in air, especially at elevated temperatures.
3. Due to the impurities found in coal, its ignition temperatures vary regionally and ignition temperatures are not available for all regions in which coal is mined.
Source: NFPA 499-2008, Recommended Practice for the Classification of Combustible Dusts and of Hazardous (Classified) Locations for Electrical Installations in Chemical Process
Areas, Table 4.5.2.
Flammable gases, flammable liquid–produced vapors, and combustible liquid–produced vapors are separated into four Class I groups — A, B, C, and D
(or three Class I zone groups — IIC, IIB, and IIA; see 505.6) depending on their properties. By grouping explosive mixtures that have similar igniting
current ratios and maximum safe clearances between parts of a joint in an enclosure, equipment can be designed for the entire group rather than an
individual chemical. The Code requirements for Class I locations do not vary for different kinds of gas or vapor contained in a group, except as in
Exceptions No. 1 and No. 2 to 500.6(A)(2). This method makes it easier to properly select equipment designed for use in the particular group involved.
Selected combustible materials have been evaluated for the purpose of designating the appropriate gas group — A, B, C, or D (or IIC, IIB, or IIA), and
this information is used to properly select electrical equipment for use in Class I locations. These materials, with their group classification and relevant
physical properties, are listed in NFPA 497, Recommended Practice for the Classification of Flammable Liquids, Gases, or Vapors and of Hazardous
(Classified) Locations for Electrical Installations in Chemical Process Areas.
Many documents used to determine an area’s classification do not require a hazardous classification unless the location contains a concentration over
25 percent of the material’s lower flammable limit (LFL).
Source: NFPA 497-2008, Recommended Practice for the Classification of Flammable Liquids, Gases, or Vapors and of Hazardous (Classified) Locations for Electrical
Installations in Chemical Process Areas, Table 4.4.2