Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: georgeswe, Location: The Republic of Southern California
Asked on: Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at 7:24 pm EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 4:25 am EDT
Question: We are doing a project where the electrical engineer is installing explosion proof lighting in a car dealership new/used oil storage room. This raised a red flag as to the fact that we have never installed this type of fixture in these spaces before. I know that motor oil is a Class II liquid (flash-point is higher than 100 deg F) Typically a garage area is Class 1 Div II and we do not enter anywhere in the 18" off the floor. I looked at the code section 514.3(B)(1) under lubrication or service room - without dispensing. And it looks like the classification is the same Class I Div II, and by this, we would not need to install this type of fixture in the space as long as it it installed above 18". If anyone could help me out in finding out if we do need this type of lighting in this space. Or any code reference numbers so I can help challenge the use of a VERY expensive fixture where it is not needed.
Code References
NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code): 514.3(B)(1), 500.8(A)(2)Analysis
Classification of Oil Storage Room
Used/new oil storage rooms are considered "lubrication or service rooms" without dispensing. According to NFPA 70 514.3(B)(1), such rooms are classified as Class I, Division II, if they contain flammable or combustible liquids having a flashpoint higher than 100°F. Motor oil typically has a flashpoint higher than 100°F, making it a Class II liquid.
Lighting Requirements
NFPA 70 500.8(A)(2) requires lighting fixtures in Class I, Division II locations to be suitable for use in such locations. Explosion-proof fixtures are designed to prevent the passage of flame or explosion gases to the surrounding atmosphere.
Conclusion
Based on the code references and the classification of the oil storage room as Class I, Division II,
explosion-proof lighting fixtures are not required in this space as long as they are installed above 18 inches from the floor.
Challenging the Use of Explosion-Proof Fixtures
You can provide the following code references to support your challenge:
NFPA 70 514.3(B)(1): Classifies lubrication or service rooms without dispensing as Class I, Division II. NFPA 70 500.8(A)(2): Requires suitable lighting fixtures for Class I, Division II locations.Emphasize that the installation of explosion-proof fixtures is not explicitly required for Class II liquids, such as motor oil. Flag for review