EXP isolator

[Bacon]

Carrying out a PIR at the moment and i've come across an EXP isolator i need to get into.

Upon having a look at it,It say's do not remove cover while it is in the OFF position any reason for that it's a new one on me.

 

[Revved Up Sparky]

I've been a spark for 20 years and cannot think what EXP stands for ! would you care to elaborate/ amplify please ?

 

[Bacon]

I've been a spark for 20 years and cannot think what EXP stands for ! would you care to elaborate/ amplify please ?

explosive proof isolator

 

[benji]

are we in a hazardous area

---------- Post Auto-Merged at 18:56 ---------- Previous post was made at 18:49 ----------

if it is a hazardous area do you have the the qualifactions this

 

[Bacon]

are we in a hazardous area---------- Post Auto-Merged at 18:56 ---------- Previous post was made at 18:49 ----------

if it is a hazardous area do you have the the qualifactions this

It outside supply for some lights to illuminate a gas tank lights are EXP proof

Qualifications for what removing a cover?

I could understand if i was installing the stuff.

 

[benji]

it does not matter wether your installing or removing it your still working on it ,who is responsible for the installation ?

 

[Bacon]

The company were it's installed.

So what happens when a lamp fails you replace it or phone for some person with qualification?

 

[Andy™]

depends on location but id probably not get involved with it

 

[benji]

if its a designated hazardous area only people with the correct quals. ie compEX should be working in the area . so does the company that own the site state wether its hazardous or nonhazardous ,

 

[steptoe]

The company were it's installed.So what happens when a lamp fails you replace it or phone for some person with qualification?

YES,

if it comes under hazardous areas,

 

[Bacon]

if its a designated hazardous area only people with the correct quals. ie compEX should be working in the area . so does the company that own the site state wether its hazardous or nonhazardous ,

Good question i will ask tomorrow.

 

[roys]

CompEx is for the Selection, Installation and Maitainence of electrical equipment in a Haxardous Area.

 

[roys]

Upon having a look at it,It say's do not remove cover while it is in the OFF position any reason for that it's a new one on me.

I had to have a think about that one and even ask one of my mates, as I have seen that as well many years ago, from what we can work out it means that the cover will not open in the OFF position, reason being is that they don't want you opening the isolator which could have live terminals in it, in an Ex area. So an isolation has to to be carried out further back in the circuit (safe area) that way there will be no live terminals in your Ex rated enclosure when it is opened.

Now the next obvious point is, so it can't be opened in the OFF position so it can only be opened in the ON position, true but only when the power is knocked off further back as there is a electric locking solenoid that interlocks the cover and prevents you opening the lid in the energised ON position, this will de-energise and allow the cover to be opened only in the ON de-energised position.

I persume it is either an Ex e or Ex d type enclosure. If you look closely at the label it will read something like EExeIICT4.

Hope this makes sense and I think I am correct but can't say so 100%, it has been many years since I have seen one of that type.

 

[Bacon]

Spoke to the head of engineering today about it and asked if it's classed as hazardous area and it is.

So I explained about the complex quals and have agreed to put this down as a limitation on the cert.

 

[Sidewinder]

Bacon,

You need to ensure that you steer clear of any works on hazardous areas unless you are competent & certified so by an independent body.

Also that your insurer covers these works.

Please remember that "Ex" areas are not under 7671, thus you cannot inspect them to 7671.

Making a 7671 worthless.