When you think of Explosion Proof Control Panels, images of red locked doors, green buttons, and the phrase “double containment” probably come to mind. While all that is important to your safety, there’s a lot more to understanding explosion-proof control panels. There are several different types of explosion proof control panels with varying degrees of protection. Understanding which type is right for you and your application can help you make informed decisions when purchasing or retrofitting your system. Let’s take a look at 6 common types of explosion-proof control panels and what they do differently from one another.

What is an explosion proof control panel?

An explosion-proof control panel is a type of electrical control panel  that is designed to withstand the effects of a blast or other sudden pressure changes. Explosion-proof control panels are often used in industrial or mining applications that involve flammable or combustible materials.

They are also used in areas with high levels of dust or other contaminants that might clog or damage standard electrical control panels. Explosion-proof control panels are rated according to the amount of blast pressure they can withstand. The most common types are type 1, 2, 4, 8, and 15. Type 1 panels are the least protected and type 15 panels are the most protected.

Explosion proof type 2 panel

Type 2 explosion proof control panels are designed for areas where explosions are possible, but not highly likely. These panels are also great for areas where it’s possible to get a spark, but unlikely. They are used in areas where the most likely cause of an explosion is sparks from rotating equipment like motors and pumps.

Type 2 panels have no protection against harmful gasses like flammable vapors or gases that can cause asphyxiation. This means that type 2 panels can’t be used where there’s potential for a buildup of toxic fumes. Type 2 panels are extremely susceptible to dust because they have no means of filtering out contaminants. They are rated to NEMA 1, 1, and 2 Standards. Type 2 panels are also sometimes referred to as “dust resistant” panels.

2HP and 2GV panels

Hybrid type 2 panels are a combination of type 1 and 2 protections. They are dust resistant and can withstand minor pressure build-up caused by explosions like sparks or flying material. They cannot withstand a high-pressure blast though. Hybrid panels are rated to NEMA 1, 1, and 2 Standards. 2HP panels are 2GV panels with ground fault protection. 2GVs are rated to NEMA 1, 1, and 2 Standards. Many people use these terms interchangeably, but it’s important to understand that they are panel types that offer different levels of protection.

4D and 4DL panels

Type 4 panels are designed for moderate amounts of dust and can withstand some pressure changes caused by explosions. They are rated to NEMA 3 and 3 Standards. Type 4 panels are the most common explosion proof control panels used in industry. 4D panels are rated to NEMA 3, 3, and 11 Standards. 4DL panels are rated to NEMA 3, 3, 11, and 13 Standards. The difference between 4D and 4DL panels is that 4DL panels include a built-in ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). 4DLs are recommended for use in hazardous areas where an employee might come into contact with energized equipment. The GFCI will trip and shut off the circuit if an employee becomes grounded while in contact with the panel. This will help prevent an employee from being injured by an electrical shock.

8D and 8DL Panels

Type 8 panels are designed for areas with high amounts of dust and can withstand moderate amounts of pressure caused by explosions. They are rated to NEMA 4 and 4 Standards. Type 8 panels are the most commonly used panels in indoor mining applications. 8D panels are rated to NEMA 4 and 4 Standards. 8DL panels are rated to NEMA 4 and 13 Standards. The difference between 8D and 8DL panels is that 8DL panels include a built-in GFCI. 8DLs are recommended for use in hazardous areas where an employee might come into contact with energized equipment. The GFCI will trip and shut off the circuit if an employee becomes grounded while in contact with the panel. This will help prevent an employee from being injured by an electrical shock.

15D and 15DL Panels

Type 15 panels are designed for high amounts of dust and can withstand high amounts of pressure caused by explosions. They are rated to NEMA 5 and 5 Standards. Type 15 panels are commonly used in industrial applications where there are extremely high amounts of dust present. This type of panel is also used in mining applications in areas where there is potential for a large pressure change from a blast. 15D panels are rated to NEMA 5 and 5 Standards. 15DL panels are rated to NEMA 5 and 13 Standards. The difference between 15D and 15DL panels is that 15DL panels include a built-in GFCI. 15DLs are recommended for use in hazardous areas where an employee might come into contact with energized equipment. The GFCI will trip and shut off the circuit if an employee becomes grounded while in contact with the panel. This will help prevent an employee from being injured by an electrical shock.

30D Panel

Type 30 panels are designed for extremely high amounts of dust and can withstand high amounts of pressure caused by explosions. They are rated to NEMA 6 and 6 Standards. Type 30 panels are the most commonly used panels in indoor mining applications. 30D panels are rated to NEMA 6 and 6 Standards. 30DL panels are rated to NEMA 6 and 13 Standards. The difference between 30D and 30DL panels is that 30DL panels include a built-in GFCI. 30DLs are recommended for use in hazardous areas where an employee might come into contact with energized equipment. The GFCI will trip and shut off the circuit if an employee becomes grounded while in contact with the panel. This will help prevent an employee from being injured by an electrical shock. 30D and 30DL panels are used in areas where there is a potential for high levels of dust and pressure from an explosion. These panels are the most durable and long-lasting explosion proof control panels on the market..

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Conclusion

Explosion-proof control panels are rated according to their ability to withstand different levels of pressure caused by an explosion. Type 1 panels are the least protected and type 15 panels are the most protected. Hybrid panels combine the protections of type 1 and 2 panels. Type 4 panels are the most commonly used panel in industry. 15 panels are used in areas where there is a high potential for a pressure change from an explosion. 30 panels are recommended for use in areas with extremely high amounts of dust and pressure from an explosion. When choosing an explosion proof control panel, make sure it is rated for the level of protection you need.