Existing Non-Classified vs. Classified Installation

[Asad Ullah]

Hi,

We have the following scenario at the field:

Existing old electrical (electrical panels, pull box, conduits etc.) installations
are for non-classified locations.
If we consider this location as a classified area do we need to
change the whole installation now.

We do not want to touch the existing system now
as it require major modification and planning to to so.

Is their any implication to add a new conduit/circuit from non
classified location to this existing panel through existing pull box
without changing the whole installation for the classified location.

One of our electrical contractor mentioned that without modification to the existing system to comply with the code (classified) we may not be able to add any circuit to the existing spare breaker panel.

Asad Ullah

 

[rbalex]

...If we[now]consider this location as a classified area do we need to
change the whole installation now.
...

Yes. If the area must be reclassifed, then the installation must also be made compatible with the new classification.

 

[petersonra]

Yes. If the area must be reclassifed, then the installation must also be made compatible with the new classification.

You might be able to wall off some areas that have existing non-classified equipment in them and keep them non classified.

 

[rbalex]

You might be able to wall off some areas that have existing non-classified equipment in them and keep them non classified.

Normally I wouldn’t comment on this because it is essentially correct; but, as we so often do on this site, I recommend you get someone who knows what they are doing to help you design the partition system. It is no trivial matter. New boundary conditions alone could cause significant installation changes.[Edit Add:] Even if there were no major equipment changes, the wiring at the newly created boundaries could be severly affected.

There may also be a potential application for gas detection if the situation is right.

The basic answer is still the same – if a location that has previously been unclassified becomes classified because new processes are involved, then the installation must be adjusted to reflect the new classification. There is no “grandfathering” an installation under these conditions.

 

[petersonra]

Good point.

 

[bobgorno]

If we consider this location as a classified area do we need to
change the whole installation now.

We do not want to touch the existing system now
as it require major modification and planning......

I might add to the other posts, planning to do the modification later because it costs too much now is a recipe for trouble. Money for infrastructure upgrades is never easy to find.

Non-rated equipment and wiring method issues must be addressed before adding the flammables to the area.