Class 1 Division 2, or C1D2, is one of the most important factors to understand if you’re looking for a mobile tablet for a hazardous industry. Not only are there regulations to follow, but when it comes to C1D2, people's lives are on the line. The last thing anyone wants to happen is a technological failure that leads to injury or loss of life.

What is C1D2?

Simply put, C1D2 is part of a classification system that dictates the level of dangerous or explosive vapors, gas, dust, or fibers and what kind of technology is permissible in those areas.  

This system is divided into three different classes and two different divisions, based upon what kind of hazards are present and how often.

• Class 1 - Flammable vapors or gases are the present hazard
• Class 2 - Combustible dust is present
• Class 3 - Easily ignitable fibers or flyings in air

The divisions signify how often those hazards are present: 

• Division 1 – Hazard is present during normal operating conditions. This can be caused due to frequent maintenance or equipment failure.  
• Division 2 – Hazard is present, but in closed canisters or systems, and are only exposed through system failures or ruptures.  

These classes and divisions are paired, depending on what the hazard is and how often it’s present. For example, C1D1 represents hazardous gas that’s present during normal working conditions, while C1D2 is hazardous gases that are present but remain in a container or system under normal circumstances. 

Where is C1D2 needed?

The short answer is anywhere that potentially explosive gasses, vapors, dust, or fibers are present or potentially present. That would include chemical plants, oil/gas refineries, paint shops, cleaning facilities, mills, flour silos, mining, and loading facilities for flammable gases, liquids, and solids. Now, this isn’t a complete list, and you’ll want to make sure whether your work environment requires C1D2, or any other rating for their equipment. 

MobileDemand can Help

MobileDemand offers a tablet that’s C1D2 certified. The xTablet xTablet T1600 is our heavy-duty rugged tablet designed specifically for work in such environments. What this means is that our tablet is designed so that it won't cause an explosion, even if the hazard is present. The unit is sealed against water and dust so that any electrical spark or heat cannot come in contact with the explosive substance on the outside of the tablet. 

Class and Division Ratings are complex and possibly confusing situations, yet it’s vital to know what these ratings mean and how they affect the technology in your workplace. The ratings are further broken down into Groups and Temperature Classes. If you are interested in learning more about Class and Division Ratings, a more in-depth resource can be found here. 

We all want to keep our employees safe. By knowing your Class and Division Rating and by adhering to the technology designed specifically for that rating you can keep everyone in your workplace safe and productive.