What Is Flameproof Equipment?

Flameproof Equipment is electrical equipment built so that it can be used where flammable gas or vapour may be present, without becoming the source of ignition.

The problem it solves

Switches, lamps, starters and terminal boxes can all produce sparks or hot surfaces. In a refinery, a paint spray area or a fuel depot, a flammable gas can find its way into any ordinary enclosure and be ignited by those sparks.

How a flameproof enclosure works

A flameproof enclosure does not try to keep gas out. It assumes gas may get in and ignite. The enclosure is built strong enough to withstand an internal explosion, and the joints between the body and the cover are made so that flame and hot gases are cooled as they pass through. Nothing hot enough to ignite the surrounding atmosphere gets out. This protection method is marked “Ex d” and its construction requirements are set out in IEC 60079-1.

Because the enclosure itself is the protection, covers must be fully closed and fasteners complete. Every cable entry must be sealed with a suitable certified cable gland, or closed with a blanking plug if unused.

What products are made flameproof

The same technique is used for lights, push-button control stations, switches, limit switches, junction boxes, starter enclosures, alarms, hooters and telephones. Srikara Technologies supplies Baliga-make products in each of these groups: see the full product list, flameproof lighting and cable glands and accessories.

Flameproof is not the only method

Other protection methods exist, such as increased safety and intrinsic safety. Each has its own marking. Flameproof is widely used for equipment that can arc or spark in normal operation, such as switches and starters, and for luminaires.

What to check before you buy

• The hazardous-area classification of your site.
• That the certificate names the exact model and that its marking suits the area. The marking also shows whether the equipment is certified for gas, dust or both.
• That glands, plugs and accessories are suitable and match your cable sizes.

See certifications and standards for the approvals we list, and Flameproof Equipment supply in Hyderabad for how to enquire.