Oil & Gas Facilities Code

Preface

This Code is designed in the same format as the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I, hereinafter referred to as the CEC. The numbering system is equivalent to a separate Section of the CEC and this Code is intended to be supplementary to, or amendatory of, the CEC as indicated in the Scope. Appendix B19 is the equivalent of Appendix B in the CEC and formatted in the same way. Diagrams B19 form part of Appendix B19. Annex J19 is designed as an additional Annex to Appendix J of the CEC. Since this Code is supplementary to, or amendatory of, the CEC, all other Appendix B or Appendix J notes in the CEC are valid.

Changes from the last edition of the Code are expressed with a triangle where a requirement has been added or amended and a "no" symbol where requirements have been deleted.

Preamble

Some locations where flammable gases or vapours may occur are classified as Class I locations by Rule 18-004 of the CEC. The CEC further divides these locations into three Zones (Section 18) or two Divisions (Appendix J), depending on the frequency and duration of the occurrence of flammable quantities of these gases or vapours. Hazardous area classification is the process of determining which parts of a facility are hazardous and dividing them properly into zones or divisions to allow appropriate wiring methods and selection of electrical equipment. It is the responsibility of owners of facilities to ensure that the facilities are properly classified according to the definitions of the CEC. There are various industry-recommended practices that will help users in arriving at the proper area classification for their facilities. Some of these are referenced in Appendix B of the CEC.

It is the responsibility of the person doing the area classification on behalf of the owner to ensure that the result is consistent with CEC requirements. This Code allows for professional engineers, with adequate related experience, to set the proper area classification of facilities and to document them under their seal. Without professional involvement, the specific area classifications outlined in this code shall be the minimum requirements. It remains the responsibility of the facility owner to determine that these requirements are adequate for each installation.