Integrating global electrical design practices in hazardous locations-a philosophy change

The adaptation of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Zone system into North American electrical codes brings with it a number of new products and design options to the engineering community. Designers now have the choice of using IEC equipment, traditional North American equipment or a combination of the two. This also means designers inherit the task of determining which system or combination of systems, is the most cost effective for an installation. For the purposes of clarity, this paper refers only to Class 1 locations. The term IEC system is commonly used when referring to the European Union's CENELEC requirements, although the group acknowledges there are differences between the two.