To ensure electrical installations are designed so as to minimize the risk of fire and
explosion from flammable products, and to ensure availability of electrical generation
and distribution systems relating to the safe carriage, handling and conditioning of
cargoes.
8.1 General requirements
8.1.1 The provisions of this chapter are applicable to vessels carrying cargoes which
are inherently, or due to their reaction with other substances, flammable or corrosive
to the electrical equipment, and should be applied in conjunction with applicable
electrical requirements of part D of chapter II-1 of SOLAS.
8.1.2 Electrical installations should be such as to minimize the risk of fire and
explosion from flammable products. Appropriate precautions should be taken to recognize
the risks that might be associated with deterioration of the electrical system and
equipment on account of the environment created by the products.
8.1.3 Electrical installation should be in accordance with standards acceptable to the
Organization.footnote
8.1.4 Electrical equipment or wiring should not be installed in hazardous areas unless
essential for operational purposes or safety enhancement.
8.1.5 Where electrical equipment is installed in hazardous areas as provided for in
8.1.4, it should be selected, installed and maintained in accordance with standards not
inferior to those acceptable to the Organization.footnote Equipment for hazardous areas should be evaluated and
certified or listed by an accredited testing authority or notified body recognized by
the Administration. Automatic isolation of non-certified equipment on detection of a
flammable gas should not be accepted as an alternative to the use of certified
equipment.
8.1.6 To facilitate the selection of appropriate electrical apparatus and the design of
suitable electrical installations, hazardous areas are divided into zones in accordance
with recognized standards.footnote
8.1.7 The lighting system in hazardous areas should be divided between at least two
branch circuits. All switches and protective devices should interrupt all poles or
phases and should be located in a non-hazardous area.
8.2 Electrical requirements for individual products
Electrical requirements for individual products are shown in column i in the table of
chapter
17 of the IBC Code.