The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 70) has created a National Electrical Code (NEC) to safeguard people and property from electrical systems and the hazards that can arise from them. The NFPA is a widely utilized model and system, used for the installation of electrical components and systems.
The National Electrical Code (NEC) defines hazardous locations and areas “where fire or explosion hazards may exist due to flammable gases or vapors, flammable liquids, combustible dust, or ignitable fibers.” The NEC code is a regionally adoptable standard for the safe installation of electrical wiring and equipment in the United States.
Industrial Solar with Dragonfly Energy
Dragonfly Energy offers Class-I Division-II certified industrial off-grid solar components, which are compliant with these standards. We will discuss a brief summary of Class-I and Division-II solar systems in this article.
The Class-I locations are created by the presence of flammable gases or vapors in the air, such as natural gas or gasoline vapor. When these materials are found in the air, an explosion is possible via any source of ignition.
Examples of typical Class-I locations are:
- Gas Well Head Monitoring
- Pipeline Monitoring
- Offshore Platforms
- Hazardous Lighting
- Tank gauges
Solar Equipment Classifications
All of the areas listed above are Class-I hazardous locations and require Class-I rated equipment, such as Dragonfly Energy industrial solar components. These components can be paired with NEMA 3R durable powder-coated white aluminum battery control/component enclosure and are lockable. All parts include stickers with specific Class-I Division-II certifications.
There are several types of gases that may contaminate these areas. The types of hazardous materials are listed below:
- Acetyline
- Hydrogen, etc.
- Ether, etc.
- Hydrocarbons, fuels, solvents, etc.
These materials are normally explosive and hazardous, making them Division-I. However, when these gases are not normally present in a hazardous environment this is abnormal and considered Division-II.
One of the world’s leading safety testing labs, CSA, test and independently certify the Industrial Solar components provided by Dragonfly Energy with the following certifications:
- Class-I
- Division-II
- A, B, C, and D
Industrial Solar Installation Styles
Dragonfly Energy offers several different options for industrial solar installation that are applicable to different designs. Each system is certified to meet rigorous testing standards.
Skid-Mount (or Ground Mount) Solar Systems:
Skid-Mount or Ground Mount Solar Systems are free-standing solar panels. They are invaluable for construction needs, as well as off-grid systems that have specific spacing and sun needs. They can be built and disassembled with relative ease.
Pole Mount Solar Systems:
When industrial space doesn’t allow for roof-mounted solar panel installation, pole-mount solar panels are a great option. Pole Mount Solar Systems are excellent at maximizing sunlight exposure, but they do need a large amount of land to be utilized correctly.
Final Thoughts | Dragonfly Energy for Industrial Solar Applications
Our components are the highest standard to meet CSA’s thorough testing standards. Regardless of the cause of a hazardous location, it is necessary that every precaution be taken to guard against explosions. Regardless of the hazardous, and or complicated area of installation, Dragonfly Energy systems will safely deliver quality, and reliable electricity, wherever the sun shines.
Shop Dragonfly Energy non-C1D2 off-grid solar systems today.
