Process electrical equipment (either designed or installed) as well as electrical system installation practices are compared against recognized Codes, Standards, and Recommended Practices to perform the Hazardous Area Classification (HAC) Compliance study. Compliance to the assigned HAC (class & division, Material Group, and Temperature Class/Ignition Temperature) can be evaluated at each key milestone during project implementation as described below:
Review Process Electrical Equipment Design Specs
Bath PSM compares the specifications for proposed process electrical equipment to the applicable company standards and Hazardous Area Classification (HAC) documentation to determine whether the Design Specs are correct. The result is an “Audit Proof” document containing the list of electrical equipment reviewed and specific discrepancies identified.
Review IFC Package For Compliance To Specs
Bath PSM compares the approved process electrical equipment design specifications to the related drawings in the “Issued For Construction (IFC)” package. This check prior to the IFC package being placed in the hands of Construction can reduce possible rework to install the equipment as designed at the production site.
Confirm Installation Compliance Before Startup (Post-Construction)
Bath PSM compares the drawings in the “Issued For Construction (IFC)” package to the field installation for the specific process electrical equipment. This check prior to the startup of the equipment ensures any corrections are made before the production unit is placed back in service reducing the impact on project cost and schedule and delays in output at the production site.
Confirm Compliance Post-Startup
Bath PSM compares the field installation of the specific process electrical equipment to Hazardous Area Classification (HAC) documentation and NFPA 70® National Electrical Code. This check confirms proper installation practices but more importantly identifies any discrepancies. Identification of these discrepancies can often catch systemic issues and prevent their replication in other production areas.
Remediation Recommendations For Compliance Findings
Bath PSM can recommend options to fix findings documented in a Hazardous Area Classification (HAC) compliance study. These recommendations can align with other improvements planned by the client but are always compliant with the assigned HAC and the National Electrical Code. Once new process electrical equipment is operating, our experience in common sense solutions can minimize the impact on the affected production area.