What Does
Explosion Proof Protection Mean?
Explosion Proof Protection originated from the techniques or equipment defined by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The NFPA started publishing the National Electric Code (NEC®) which has several definitions for different kinds of protection methods to be used if designing productions that will be used in a hazardous environment. These are dust ignition proof, dust tight, purged/pressurized, hermetically sealed, intrinsically safe and explosion proof. All of the components added to a hazardous environment must meet the criteria set by these definitions.
Safeopedia Explains Explosion Proof Protection
For an enclosure to meet the requirements for an explosion proof rating it must be able to contain an explosion that happens inside it's external housing and not allow any sparks outside where they can start fires or ignite materials in the surrounding environment. Explosion proof is used when dealing with electrical enclosures. So explosion proof does not mean that something can withstand and explosion from the outside. This safety precaution can stop an explosion from an electrical enclosure creating a much larger blast.