Basics of Hazardous Location - Classes, Divisions, & Groups - What is Hazardous Location?

In the context of hazardous locations and electrical equipment, classes, divisions, and groups are classifications used to describe the type and degree of danger present in specific environments. These classifications are primarily used in the United States, following the guidelines established by the National Electrical Code (NEC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), particularly in Article 500 of the NEC.

CLASSES Describes the general nature of the hazardous material present in a given location.

DIVISIONS Provides further classification based on the likelihood of hazardous materials being present and the potential for ignition.

GROUPS Specifies the specific type of hazardous material within each class.

You can find a brief two page Hazardous Location Fundamentals overview by clicking the link here.

Also, if you are a SONARAY agency, be on the lookout for more information via emails detailing our line of hazardous location lighting as well as more specific information on hazardous location classifications.

If you are not a SONARAY agency, but would like more information on how SONARAY products fit these specific applications, please reach out via the SONARAY website contact form.