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07.31.2025 |

Understanding Hazardous Area Classification

Hazardous locations aren't limited to petrochemical plants anymore. Today, a wide range of industries, from food processing to textiles, face combustible risks due to flammable gases, vapors, dust, or fibers.

This guide offers a practical overview of how hazardous areas are classified across different standards like NEC (U.S.), IEC/ATEX (Europe), and how these classifications impact equipment selection, safety, and compliance.

What You'll Learn:

  • Definitions of Classes I, II, and III hazardous locations
  • Differences between Division 1 and Division 2
  • IEC/ATEX Zones and temperature classifications
  • Gas groups and ignition sources
  • Explosion-proof vs. intrinsically safe systems
  • NEMA and IP ratings explained

Why This Matters

Correctly identifying hazardous areas is critical to protecting lives, meeting code, and ensuring the safe operation of valves, actuators, and control systems. Whether you work in manufacturing, energy, or processing, this guide will help you make informed decisions when selecting equipment for hazardous locations.

Download the Free PDF

Get access to the full guide with illustrations, gas grouping tables, temperature classification charts, and equipment recommendations.

 

Need Help with Compliance?

Contact our team to learn how SVF valves and automated systems can be safely integrated into hazardous locations.

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