Are rigid conduits suitable for isolating electrical cables in an explosive area? It is a new factory with machines making solvent-based ink. What do you recommend?
Depends on a lot of things. What do you mean by "explosive area"? The
purpose of conduit is not to isolate cables.
Is this a US or IEC application?
If it is US, someone with the proper experience and knowledge would have classified the area. There will be a drawing that will document this. In many cases it will have a PE or architect's seal on it.
How the area is classified will determine just what can be used in the area.
There is not even any guarantee that the area would be classified at all.
Isolate from what? Each other (electrically or due to EMI) or from the solvents vapors? You need to be a bit more specific about the conduit's isolation technical requirements.
William (Bill) L. Mostia, Jr. PE
ISA Fellow, SIS-TECH Fellow,
FS Eng. (TUV Rheinland)
SIS-TECH Solutions, LP
713-909-2139 (o)
If it's an area containing flammable material, then there will be specific codes and standards that have to be followed. Find out which ones are applicable and make sure you comply with the requirements.
However, in general, metallic conduit is acceptable. Just remember that a conduit is a good way to get flammable fumes and possibly liquids from the flammable area right into the heart of your switchboard. Any conduit will generally need to be sealed unless there is some other provision to stop the flammable material getting into it.
