explosion proof cabinet | PLCS.net - Interactive Q & A

Hi, I have a lot of doubts about this topic. Im used to perform typical automation systems using schneiders plc, altivar drives, and regular motors. Now I have to build an automation system for a paint filler, so the atmosphere is kind of explosive. The cabinets Ive seen in this industry are totally seal (they dont have automation equipments just a relay or contactor), so if I put inside a drive or plc it will fail because overheating. So whats the solution for venting a drive or plc inside a cabinet with an explosion atmosphere?
thank you very much

So whats the solution for venting a drive or plc inside a cabinet with an explosion atmosphere?
thank you very much

The recommended solution is always to move all possible electrical equipment to a non-explosive area. Put your drives and PLCs inside a nice clean ventilated electrical room.

For the electrical controls that have to remain in the hazardous area, put them in a positive-pressure filtered cabinet with a supply of fresh air from a duct and fan. Another tip:
Do as much as you can with pneumatic devices and mount the solenoid valves outside the hazardous area.
Yes.... I hate them too and they are slow, but you can put the pneumatic stuff anywhere. I have also seen PLC cabinets at gasoline loading racks that had a nitrogen purge on them. Of course this was in California where the temperature extremes are not too bad. Wouldn't be the best solution for places that get very cold or very hot.

Putting the PLC in a climate controlled area is the best. If that is not possible, What is the area classification? Class 1 Div. 1 or is it Div.2? I am pretty sure that the Micrologix line is rated for Class 1 Div.2 areas. Might be a way to go.

Q: I’ve been buying explosion-proof enclosures and devices from Kele, and I must say that the Hazardous Locations section of your catalog is a gold mine of hard-to-find products! Now I need an explosion-proof control panel with a few pilot lights and externally operable selector switches mounted on the door of the panel.

MAM supply professional and honest service.

Are you interested in learning more about explosion proof control panel? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

Can Kele help me with things like that too? Can I build such a panel in the field?

While explosion proof control stations can usually be field-fabricated, enclosure penetrations are subject to many restrictions. Remember that the goal is to maintain the integrity of the explosion-proof nature of the enclosure. These expensive, hunky boxes must contain an internal explosion without fail, and they must cool the resulting hot gases enough to prevent ignition of the atmosphere surrounding them. Careful planning and lots of time are involved in making certain that the integrity of the enclosure’s rating is maintained. The spacing between penetrations can be critical, and some devices may require a special boss (a thickened portion of the enclosure) to ensure adequate strength and proper gap geometry. The easiest solution is to send Kele your panel drawing, and let us take it from there. Our CXJ Series of custom explosion proof control stations includes factory-mounted operators and other thru-the-cover devices, wired per your specifications, at very competitive prices. Don’t risk a mistake in a hazardous location.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Explosion-proof Handle.