Safety is crucial in industrial environments. This is especially true in hazardous areas where flammable gases, vapors, or combustible dust may be present. Utilizing IoT devices in industrial applications requires careful use of devices with hazardous area classifications, certifications, and protection to prevent accidents and comply with safety regulations.
Volley Boast’s VoBo HL-1 and VoBo TC endpoints provide a certified solution for industrial applications in hazardous locations. By integrating VoBo endpoints and LoRaWAN® technology, robust, long-range connectivity is realized without compromising safety.
In this article, we’ll explore the importance of hazardous area classifications and see how a VoBo ensures safe operation in hazardous industrial settings.
Hazardous Area Classifications
Industrial environments with hazardous areas in the US and Canada require stringent certifications for electrical and electronic equipment. Industries operating in hazardous environments must adhere to regulations set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the National Electrical Code (NEC).
In North America, hazardous area classifications are defined by the National Electrical Code (NEC) in the U.S. and the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) in Canada.
Several classifications specify certain areas and conditions. The classification system is divided into:
- Class I – Areas with flammable gases or vapors.
- Class II – Areas with combustible dust.
- Class III – Areas with fibers and flyings.
- Division 1 – Hazardous materials are present under normal conditions.
- Division 2 – Hazardous materials are present only under abnormal conditions, such as leaks or equipment failure.
- Groups – Define the type of hazardous material in the atmosphere.
For Volley Boast customers, Class 1, Division 2 (C1D2) is a common hazardous area classification requirement. Understanding the classification is critical for ensuring safety and certification compliance in industrial settings.
What is C1D2?
Class 1, Division 2 refers to locations where flammable materials exist but are normally contained within closed systems. They’re only a hazard if there are leaks, failures, or other abnormal conditions.
- Class 1: Locations where flammable gases, vapors, or liquids are present
- Division 2: They’re not typically in high enough concentrations to be ignitable unless there is an accident. They can be a problem under abnormal conditions
Equipment Certification for Industrial IoT Devices
Devices operating in C1D2 locations must meet strict safety standards to prevent ignition or sparks. VoBo HL-1 and VoBo TC are certified, so they’re ideal for use with hazardous area regulations.
VoBo is Certified for Hazardous Areas
Choosing the right products for hazardous areas is crucial for safety and meeting regulatory requirements. The VoBo HL-1 and VoBo TC endpoint bridges are specifically designed for hazardous C1D2 industrial environments. They provide safe and reliable endpoint communication for LoRaWAN® networks in hazardous areas. They’re ideal solutions where safety and compliance are critical.
Key Characteristics of VoBo HL-1
- Class I, Division 2, Groups C, D T4
- Class II, Division 2, Groups F, G T135°C
- Class III, Division 1
- IP66/NEMA 4X-rated enclosures for use in extreme weather and harsh environments. The NEMA 4X enclosure includes a gasket designed to protect against liquid and solid ingress. Suitable for indoor or outdoor use. Resistant to corrosion.
- Operating temperature from -35°C to 80°C.
- Integrated Internal Antenna for communication in hazardous environments.
Key Characteristics of VoBo TC
- Class I, Division 2, Groups B, C, D T4
- Class II, Division 2, Groups F, G T135°C
- Class III, Division 1
- IP66/NEMA 4X-rated enclosures for use in extreme weather and harsh environments. The NEMA 4X enclosure includes a gasket designed to protect against liquid and solid ingress. Suitable for indoor or outdoor use. Resistant to corrosion.
- Operating temperature from -40°C to 80°C.
- Integrated Internal Antenna for communication in hazardous environments.
Can a VoBo be used in a C1D1 Hazardous Area?
A VoBo can, in certain situations, and with certain precautions, be used to read sensors in a C1D1 hazardous area, but the VoBo must be installed outside of the C1D1 area, typically in the C1D2 or safe area as allowed by its certifications. The electrical connection from a sensor in C1D1 to the VoBo in C1D2 depends on the type of sensor being used. It is common for an intrinsically safe barrier, such as a Zener barrier, to be used between the VoBo and sensor to limit the amount of energy that can be transmitted to the C1D1 area.
The NEC defines how devices should be connected in hazardous areas and should always be followed.
Hazardous Areas Where VoBos can be Found
There are many real-world use cases of VoBos in hazardous environments. VoBos can be found collecting the critical data needed to digitalize and improve:
- Process quality
- Equipment condition monitoring
- Efficiency
- Safety
- Compliance and recordkeeping
A few of the industries that often have hazardous environments where VoBo endpoints excel include:
- Oil & Gas facilities, upstream, midstream, and downstream
- Chemical plants
- Polymer and plastic manufacturing
- Fuel and chemical storage
Conclusion
Ensuring proper certifications, protection techniques, and equipment selection is critical for hazardous industrial environments. Equipment must meet all safety regulations. The VoBo HL-1 and VoBo TC are ideal for Class 1, Division 2 industrial applications. It is safe, compliant, and reliable, making it a great choice for efficient, cost-effective data collection in hazardous environments.
For more information, visit the VoBoAnalytics page or contact info@volleyboast.com.