Nonmetallic equipment for hazardous (classified) locations-the IEC approach

Despite the substantial effort brought to bear on the problem of hazardous locations, the effect of corrosion on traditional metallic materials can often undermine the integrity of the system. Most specialized techniques used to provide additional corrosion protection are cumbersome and often ineffective. The use of nonmetallics in hazardous locations offers significant benefits. However, this concept has rarely been used in traditional National Electrical Code (NEC) and Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) approaches toward hazardous locations. Technology developed through the application of International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards has more fully exploited the advantages of nonmetallics in hazardous locations, specifically when corrosive environments are present. The authors discuss the inherent benefits of combining IEC technology with nonmetallics in NEC applications