Oxygen generation and store room

[KasseemF]

A medical oxygen generation room (and enclosed room) is being constructed. This room will also store oxygen tanks.

how would a room like this be classified by NEC?
Is oxygen considered a flammable gas?
should electrical devices in this room be explosion proof or dust tight?

 

[kwired]

Oxygen isn't "flammable", but it is what flammable materials are reacting with when they "burn" for the most part - it is an "oxidizer".

Oxygen feeds fire, so it's more dangerous to use around something that is burning because it will help the fire burn much more quickly.

 

[GoldDigger]

Oxygen isn't "flammable", but it is what flammable materials are reacting with when they "burn" for the most part - it is an "oxidizer".

Oxygen feeds fire, so it's more dangerous to use around something that is burning because it will help the fire burn much more quickly.

And in a high enough oxygen concentration (like 100% oxygen at atmospheric pressure) things which would otherwise not otherwise burn can combust spontaneously and/or burn explosively. That is also why you never use oil or grease inside equipment handling high pressure oxygen.

 

[KasseemF]

According to NEC, can I use normal receptacles and boxes in this room .. or will they need to be explosion proof?

 

[gadfly56]

According to NEC, can I use normal receptacles and boxes in this room .. or will they need to be explosion proof?

I believe normal receptacles and boxes. It's up to the user to keep the fuel load down.

 

[rbalex]

See

According to NEC, can I use normal receptacles and boxes in this room .. or will they need to be explosion proof?

The NEC does not classify a location simply on the basis of the presence of concentrated oxygen. See the opening text Section 500.6. Oxygen enrichment can enhance the volatility of already flammable materials, but, by itself alone, will not require the location to be classified.