This self-paced online course covers how to select wiring methods and equipment for use in Class I, Division 1 and 2 areas. These are areas that are classified due to the presence of flammable liquids, gases, or vapors.

Upon completion you should be able to:

• Explain the difference between areas classified as Class I, Division 1 and Division 2
• List and explain a variety of Division 1 wiring methods
• List and explain a variety of Division 2 wiring methods
• Explain the difference between flexible wiring and flexible cord
• Explain when flexible cord and flexible conduit are permitted
• Name two types of limited energy circuits
• Explain the difference between explosionproof equipment and intrinsic energy methods
• Define key terms, including explosionproof, nonincendive and intrinsically safe

Who Will Benefit

Anyone whose job involves designing, reviewing, evaluating or installing fire protection systems, including: designers, installers, engineers, electrical contractors, technicians, project managers, fire marshals, and architects.

Course Summary

• Class I areas require the use of wiring methods and other electrical equipment that will not ignite the flammable gases, vapors, and liquids in the areas. Various methods may be used to keep the electrical equipment from becoming an ignition source. Only a few wiring methods, primarily RMC, IMC, and Type MI cable can be used with equipment that is required to be explosionproof. Some other methods and some alternatives to explosionproof equipment have limited applications.
• Explosion-proof equipment and wiring is also used in Division 2 areas, but is only required for equipment that produces arcs and sparks, otherwise additional methods, especially additional cable types are permitted.
• Where equipment must be wired with a flexible wiring method, special flexible fittings must generally be used. However, in Division 2 areas and for some equipment such as submersible pumps and portable equipment, extra heavy usage flexible cords are permitted.
• Limited energy applications such as intrinsically safe, and nonincendive circuits are permitted to use special cable types and methods. However, except for intrinsically safe wiring, explosionproof methods are still required in Division 1 areas. Intrinsically safe wiring can be installed using any of the methods permitted for unclassified areas, and the same is true for nonincendive circuits, but only in Division 2 areas.