Class 1 Division 2 Exit Signs

It’s bad enough trying to get out of a building, especially a large building, which one is unfamiliar with. This problem is made all that much worse by having to do so in an emergency. For this reason, OSHA and other regulations require that all commercial and public facilities have lighted exit signs; showing the way to the closest egress point.

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In facilities where hazardous materials are used and stored, special care must be taken in the selection and installation of these exit signs, to insure that they don’t create a hazard. Specifically, the hazard to be considered is that exit signs, like any other electrical item, can produce sparks, igniting a fire.

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The National Electric Code (NEC) provides very specific requirements for exit signs that are used in environments where flammable materials are used and stored. These signs must be designed to insure that no spark can escape from the unit, and that no fumes can enter the unit; insuring that they not be the source of a fire.

There are several grades of severity that the NEC identifies for exit signs that are designed to be used in these hazardous environments. The grading system uses two different numbers, a “class” which refers to the flammability of the materials used in the environment; and a “division” which refers to the likelihood of that material being present as a normal part of the business’ operations. Between the two, a large number of contingencies are covered.

When we refer to exit signs that are “class 1” we are referring to signs that are designed to be used in areas where flammable vapors or gases are present. This can be anything from painting operations, to mechanics shops, to areas where gas welding is taking place to dry cleaning plants. Even commercial kitchens, where gas stoves are in use would qualify for class 1 lighting.

Class 1 is the most stringent of the three classes of lighting, mostly because gases and vapors can leech into areas where dust and fibers can’t. Signs and lighting designed for use in these areas must be designed with the case and lamp heads fully sealed to prevent the introduction of those flammable gases and vapors.

Class 1 is further divided into two divisions, called division 1 and division 2. Places where these flammable gases and vapors occur as a normal part of business operations are categorized as division 1. In those areas, the signs are expected to be exposed to said gases and vapors all through the day. Because of this, the signs must be designed to an extremely stringent requirement.

However, the whole facility probably won’t have this same risk. There will be other parts of the facility where these flammable gases and vapors may only exist occasionally; and then, only as an aberration to the operation. The terminology used is “exist as an abnormal part of operations.” This can include anywhere that these flammable materials have to pass through, or any area adjacent to the areas where they are used. Common areas would include: storage areas, receiving docks, passageways where these materials are used and rooms on either side of the one where the materials are in use.

In these cases, Class 1 Division 2 Exit Signs provide for adequate protection. It is understood that they would not be subject to the flammable gases and vapors, except upon an occasional basis. This could be a container rupture, material spill, opening a connecting door between the two areas or the failure of ventilation systems to properly move the air out of the area where those materials are in use.

By Jonathan Carter