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Difference between an Fork Lift EE and EX

Number of messages: 7

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Brocko
Ontario, Canada

Would someone be possible to explaine to me the differences between a Fork LifT EE and EX.
Thank you
PS: Please e-mail me at [url/email removed]

Posted 18 May 2006 09:31 PM

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vic_k
Ayrshire, United Kingdom

These relate to different levels of flame protection applied to the forklift to enable them to work within hazardoous environments.
EE is for operation in mildly hazardous and EX is explosion proof.
Your factory should be zoned if hazards are present. Suggest you contact your local health & safety authorities for advice.

Posted 23 May 2006 07:17 PM

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Brocko
Ontario, Canada

Thank you for your reply Vic, I will look into that. Have a great day.

Posted 24 May 2006 03:54 AM

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duodeluxe
New Hampshire, United States

More specifically an EE rating means spark enclosed. Meaning that any electrical component that creates a spark is enclosed, such as the motors and contactors.
An EX rating designates that the machine is spark proof. An EX truck is not only spark enclosed but also any part of the forklift truck CAN NOT create a spark. The chassis of the truck has a bronze band around it so that if it were to rub against steel there would not be any spark created. The forks are bronze as well and all the wiring is protected in conduit.
The add on price for an EE rated truck is relatively small- probably around $1500 where as only specialty manufacturers make EX trucks and they carry a hefty price tag. If a standard 5000# sit down electric were priced at $30,000.00 a similarly spec'ed EX version would probably be around $80,000.
As far as who would tell you which you would need, EE or EX, as far as I know your insurance carrier is the only one that has that authority.

-------------------------
gitrucks@adelphia.net

Posted 24 May 2006 07:21 AM

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joseph_h
Michigan, United States

Brocko:

In Ontario, Canada the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal (OFM) has established the Ontario Fire Code (OFC). Section 3.4.1.1. covers forklift designations: “The designation, use, maintenance and operation of  industrial trucks, including fork lifts, tractors, sweepers and motorized hand trucks, shall conform to NFPA 505, "Powered Industrial Trucks Including Type Designations, Areas of Use, Maintenance, and Operation".

A Type EE rating does not protect against explosive mixtures of gases/vapors or dusts in the atmosphere.

A type EX rating protects against some, but not all, explosive mixtures of gases/vapors or dusts in the atmosphere.

For more detailed EX information Google - AMERICAN SPECIALTY EQUIPMENT or EXFORKLIFTS.COM and click on the various information links or refer to a copy of NFPA 505 (National Fire Protection Association).

For assistance in determining your rating needs, or for any additional information, contact the engineering department of your property insurance carrier or contact your local Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal (OFM).

Modified 25 May 2006 12:56 AM
by poster.

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joseph_h
Michigan, United States

Richard:

Here is an excerpt from the exforklifts.com FAQ section that you may find useful regarding deciding authority.

7. Do I need an EX Forklift?
The Authority Having Jurisdiction determines if you are required to have an EX Forklift. As defined in the NFPA 505(2002) A.3.2.2: “The phrase ‘authority having jurisdiction,’ or its acronym AHJ, is used in NFPA documents in a broad manner, since jurisdictions and approval agencies vary, as do their responsibilities. Where public safety is primary, the authority having jurisdiction may be a federal, state, local or other regional department or individual such as a fire chief; fire marshal; chief of a fire prevention bureau, labor department, or health department; building official; electrical inspector; or others having statutory authority. For insurance purposes, an insurance inspection department, rating bureau, or other insurance company representative may be the authority having jurisdiction. In many circumstances, the property owner or his or her designated agent assumes the role of the authority having jurisdiction; at government installations, the commanding officer or departmental official may be the authority having jurisdiction.” Factors to consider in purchasing an EX Forklift are: NFPA and OSHA requirements, employee and facility safety, liability and corporate responsibility.

Posted 25 May 2006 03:56 PM

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john_l
New Jersey, United States

The definitions speak for themselves:
The Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories-(NRTL's) Factory Mutual and Underwriters Labs-

• UL on EX- “This category covers electric battery operated trucks provided with safeguards against fire, electric shock and explosion hazards.  The trucks are intended to be used in hazardous classified locations.”
• UL on EE- “Type E, ES and EE industrial trucks have been classified only as to fire and electric shock hazards incident to their use in ordinary locations.  No tests have been conducted to determine their suitability for use in hazardous locations as defined by the NEC.” (National Electric Code)
• FM on EX – “Type EX trucks are electric-battery operated units which differ from the types E, ES, EE units.  The electrical fittings and equipment are designed, constructed and assembled to permit use in atmospheres containing specifically named flammable vapors”
• FM on EE – ““Type EE trucks can be considered spark-enclosed but they are not explosion proof or dust tight and must not be used in hazardous locations requiring such equipment.”
“Careful maintenance is a more than ordinary requirement for type EE trucks”

Division Definitions: (simplified)
• Division 1 –Where concentrations of hazardous material can exist or may exist.
• Division 2 –Where concentrations of hazardous material is not likely to exist.

When determining whether to use an EX or EE truck in Division 2 environments-(EE trucks are not allowed in Division 1) your customer should consider the consequences.  Sample Scenario - a forklift operator using an EE truck punctures a drum in the Division 2 area.  The drum begins to leak hazardous material.  By virtue of the above definitions, the Division 2 area instantaneously becomes Division 1 area.  As per the NFPA, the operator is supposed to turn off the EE truck and leave the area.  He is to get an EX truck to remove the EE unit.  In reality though, the operator will instinctively throw the truck in reverse and try to remove the forks from the punctured drum-BOOM.  This is where the explosions occur, because the EE truck does not have the protective systems needed to operate in the “now” Division 1 hazardous environment.

Posted 3 Aug 2006 10:38 PM

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