Fireproof

The term fireproof is used mainly in Europe. Usually, it covers hazloc articles that are certified for international use only according to the regional system of IEC guidelines. Either that or they have been certified by a US certification body for use in the US or Canada. These fireproof articles always tend to be certified by the regional system. Also, you may come across different standards that use fireproof.

IEC 60079-1 is a standard that focuses on ex db marking technical requirements and is IEC certified with the help of fireproof technology. UL 60079-1 is another standard, but it focuses on products that require regional certification and is only for use in the United States. CSA C22.2 No. 60079-1 is similar to the previous one, but it is only for Canada.

Based on this regional division method, IIA, IIB, and IIC gas groups can be found. Group IIC is the group where gases are the most flammable.

Explosion-proof

When we talk about explosion-proof articles, this is mainly focused on the articles approved by North American certification bodies. They use a class/division system and focus on articles that are only used in the United States. When you install any certified system for hazardous locations, it can have its own class and division. It is well known that those with class and division one use protection techniques that are explosion proof.

You will notice that the North American standards are set by ANSI, FM, U, and CSA. In order to get class and division one, this means that you must comply with the Canadian CSA C22.2 Article 30 or the UL 1203 standard in the United States.

Another important aspect to consider here is that all American electrical products must comply with specialized general safety standards. This is one of the key elements if you want to get hazardous location certification in the country. You will come across different gas groups, ranging from A to D, where D is the least flammable and A is the less flammable.

Although there are differences between fireproof and explosion proof equipment, they are equally important to avoid fires and explosions in commercial and industrial environments. Businesses must recognize these differences and ensure that the right tools are used to protect employees and property.

To summarize, fireproof and explosion proof are not the same thing. These two different equipment play different roles in preventing explosions and fires. Maintaining a safe work environment in commercial and industrial settings requires understanding the difference and using the right tools.