The eLearning Center for Gatlin Education Services

Overview

Area classification is based on the properties of the flammable substances that may be present in an area and the likelihood that the flammable substance will be present. Area classification is used to determine the type of equipment that can safely be located in an area. Since facilities in a wide variety of industries involve the use of flammable substances, it is necessary for industry to have rules to guide engineers in the design and selection of equipment necessary to safely operate the facilities.

Article 500 of the National Electric Code (NEC) defines area classification based on Classes, Divisions and Groups. The Class designates in broad terms the type of flammable substance that may be present in an area (i.e. flammable gas vs. combustible dust). The Division designates the likelihood of the flammable substance being present. Finally, the Group further defines the Class by designating the specific substance (or range of ignition properties) that may be present (i.e. acetylene vs. propane). Article 505 of the NEC is similar to Article 500, but it uses Zones instead of Divisions to designate the likelihood that a flammable substance may be present. Additionally, Article 505 uses different character designations (Roman numerals combined with alphabetic letters) for Groups relative to Article 500, which uses Alphabetic letters.

This course covers the basics of NEC 500 and NEC 505. The student will learn the different types of Class, Division, Zone and Group designations used by the code. This course is relevant to electrical engineers looking for a refresher course on area classification, as well engineers in other disciplines who are involved in the design, specification, selection or location of commercial or industrial equipment, including mechanical equipment, electrical equipment and controls and instrumentation.

The student must take a multiple-choice quiz consisting of ten questions at the end of this course to obtain PDH credits.

Specific Knowledge or Skill Attained

This course teaches the following specific knowledge and skills:

  · The purpose and need for area classification
  · The fire triangle - three elements required for a fire to start and sustain itself
  · Class, Division and Group designations used in NEC 500
  · Class, Zone and Group designations used in NEC 505
  · Industry examples of area classification designations
  · Equipment protection techniques associated with area classifications
  · Equipment marking for area classification

State Board Acceptance

This course can be used by professional engineers to fulfill PDH requirements mandated by state and provincial licensing boards. Decatur Professional Development is an approved provider of continuing education in all states that pre-approve course providers. In all other states that mandate continuing education for engineers, it is the individual engineer's responsibility to determine the suitability of activities for PDH credit. The state boards typically accept online* courses that cover technical, managerial** or ethical content and which are relevant to the practice of engineering. The course must have a clear purpose or objective with a content that will maintain, improve or expand the skills and knowledge of the licensee's field of practice. For questions about your mandatory PDH requirements, visit the website of your state licensing board.

*Online courses are accepted by all state licensing boards that mandate continuing education. Other than New York (which limits online courses to 18 PDH) and Iowa (which limits online courses to 6 PDH), there are no limits placed by other states on the number of hours that can be earned through online continuing education. Consult with your state licensing board if you have any questions about the acceptability of online courses.

**The New York State Board of Engineers does not accept general office management courses, but will accept project management courses that are offered by an approved provider and that are technical in nature and contribute to the engineer's professional practice.