Class 1 Division 2 Solar Panels
Class 1 Division 2 (C1D2) solar panels are designed to be used safely in environments where flammable gases, vapors, or liquids may occasionally be present in sufficient quantities to produce an explosion or fire. This classification is in accordance with the standards of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and National Electric Code (NEC) in the United States.
These environments are commonly found in industries such as oil and gas, petrochemical, and certain areas of pharmaceutical and food processing industries. The C1D2 certification ensures that the electrical and thermal properties of the solar panels, along with their installation and maintenance procedures, won't ignite these volatile substances.
C1D2 solar panels have specific design and construction features that reduce the risk of ignition. This may include specialized junction boxes, wiring, and encapsulants to withstand harsh and hazardous conditions. However, despite these design features, they operate on the same basic principles as regular solar panels, converting sunlight into electricity.