Importance of Temperature Class on Explosion proof Equipment

Maximum surface temperature of explosion-proof (Ex) equipment can be one of the sufficient causes of explosion if surface temperature is more than the ignition temperature of surrounding explosive atmosphere where Ex equipment installed. Temperature class is given for any Ex equipment/ system on the basis of maximum temperature of internal component or external surface of Ex equipment depends on the type of protection method attains during normal or and under specified abnormal working condition. The temperature class is very important and essential for those equipment which are designed for hazardous areas. Temperature is one of the important parameter for any environmental condition of the mines, petrochemicals, Pharmaceuticals etc. If the temperature is not defined or measured in case of the explosion-proof equipment, in the normal working condition, its use may become dangerous. If the apparatus temperature is greater than the ignition temperature of flammable atmosphere, it may cause an ignition. The write up deals with the temperature class and its importance in use of explosion-proof equipment in hazardous areas.