Intrinsic Safety

[Sparkette]

This statement is found in one of our specifications for a diesel generator fuel oil transfer system. I am checking the spec. out to find omissions, errors, etc.

We are using NO. 2 fuel. The equipment, not including the day tank, is to be outside, in the yard. The day tank will be inside of a building.

'Electrical equipment used in the system shall be in accordance with NFPA 30, section 5-7, wherein it states "For areas where Class II or Class III liquids only are stored or handled at a temperature below their flash points, the electrical equipment may be installed in accordance with provisions of NFPA 70, National Electric Code, for ordinary locations..."'

Since I am not an intrensic safety expert I am just checking my facts. Does the above statement allow the exclusion of intrensically safe circuitry (including instrumentation)?

Thank you, everyone.

 

[dpc]

AFAIK, NFPA and NEC do not consider #2 fuel oil tanks to be hazardous locations. I worked for a consulting firm that specified Class 1, Div 1 for float switch inside diesel fuel day tank. Suppliers invariably took exception to this, citing that it was not required by any code.

This has been a few(?) years ago, so maybe someone else can verify.

If you don't get a better answer here in a day or so, you might post this question on the NFPA Code forum. Or you can red-flag your own post and ask that it be moved.