simplified method of classification of Hazardous Ares

Hazardous locations services

Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is not only the leader in product safety testing and certification within the United States, but UL's involvement in the testing and certification of hazardous location equipment is recognized and respected around the world. Our long history of addressing safety issues around hazardous locations equipment dates back to the first hazardous locations-related UL Standard published in 1930. Today, our international team helps speed turnaround time for global market access.

Hazardous locations service categories

Within the hazardous locations services listed here, you will find product-specific information and resources, such as:

• U.S. and global codes and standards
• Canadian certification documents
• Programs and services
• Technical training and educational opportunities
• Related papers, presentations, and articles

IECEx Scheme accreditation

Ul is accredited as an IECEx Scheme Accepted Certification Body (ACB) and Ex Assessment & Testing Laboratory (ExTL) for IEC hazardous locations standards. With this accreditation, UL's Northbrook, Ill. office becomes the first and only hazardous locations certifier in the US to be accredited under the Scheme. This latest US accreditation under the IECEx Scheme complements UL's existing IECEx Scheme accreditation for UL International Demko A/S in Europe.  Learn more.

On-site safety evaluations

Hazardous locations technical staff members conduct on-site safety evaluations that include testing, examination and installation review of products that have already been installed in the field. If the product meets UL's hazardous locations safety requirements, UL's field evaluated product is applied to the product on site.  Learn more.

Hazardous locations definition

The definition of hazardous locations is based on three criteria: The possible presence of an explosive atmosphere such as flammable gases, vapors, or liquids (Class I), combustible dusts (Class II) or ignitable fibers & flyings (Class III); the likelihood that the explosive atmosphere is present when equipment is operating; or the ignition-related properties of the explosive atmosphere that is present.

An area may also be considered "hazardous" for other reasons, such as the use of electrical equipment in the vicinity of water, the risk of personal injury from moving or falling parts, or even the presence of biological hazards.

This approach to classifying hazardous locations is used by the United States(National Electrical Code), Canada (Canadian Electrical Code), Europe (CENELEC EN60079-10) and throughout the world (IEC 60079-10). The hazardous locations information provided on these pages is intended to answer questions associated with U.S., Canadian, IEC and European classified hazardous locations.

While hazards are associated with all of these conditions, areas are only considered hazardous (classified) locations under conditions defined by the NEC, CEC, IEC 60079-10, or CENELEC EN 60079-10, as applicable.

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