Low-voltage circuit protection in hazardous locations — A comparison of codes and standards within IEC, CEC and NEC

As economies become more global in scope, the ability to satisfy different markets with a single or basic product is attaining an increased focus. For protection and distribution in low-voltage installations in hazardous (classified) locations and harsh environments, this is made somewhat difficult due to the difference in codes and standards (NEC, CEC and IEC), and market expectations in different parts of the world. The paper will discuss and compare low-voltage circuit protection devices and systems to IEC, CEC and NEC codes and standards, to assist users in finding a technically and economically optimized solution to the application problem, without compromising the integrity, reliability and safety of electrical installations and systems. It will show solutions used in applications in Europe, Canada and USA. Global solutions can reduce installation time of safe and reliable systems in inclement weather conditions and enhance the integrity of the electrical system. Innovative equipment designs in heat tracing and lighting breaker panel boards incorporate the best of world technologies utilizing North American environmentally protected housings and IEC explosion protected encapsulation component technology to provide a cost effective and reliable solution compared to costly historical designed approaches.