Demystifying Explosion Proof Submersible Pumps

By Kevin Clemons

When the discussion turns to requirements for “explosion-proof” pumps, many people rely on word of mouth, past practices or even old wives tales it seems. The requirements for “explosion-proof” pumps and systems are not really that difficult to understand, if you are willing to unlearn most of the myths most people take as truths.

The term “explosion-proof” may be one of the most common misnomers in the submersible wastewater pump industry. The appropriate term can be found in the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) publication 70, commonly known as the National Electric Code (NEC). The NEC applies the technical term “Hazardous Locations” to what is commonly know as “explosion-proof “