2407 Electrostatic Apparatus — 2025 California Fire Code

Electrostatic apparatus and devices used in connection with paint-spraying and paint-detearing operations shall be of an approved type.

A space of not less than twice the sparking distance shall be maintained between goods being painted or deteared and electrodes, electrostatic atomizing heads or conductors. The equipment manufacturer’s operating instruc- tions shall be consulted to determine the sparking distance of the equipment involved. A sign stating the sparking distance shall be conspicuously posted near the assembly.

Exception: Portable electrostatic paint-spraying apparatus listed for use in Class I, Division 1, locations.

Electrodes and electrostatic atomizing heads shall be of approved construction, rigidly supported in permanent locations and effectively insulated from ground. Insulators shall be nonporous and noncombustible.

Exception: Portable electrostatic paint-spraying apparatus listed for use in Class I, Division 1, locations.

2407.3.1 Barriers. Booths, fencing, railings or guards shall be placed about the equipment such that either by their location or character, or both, isolation of the process is maintained from plant storage and personnel. Railings, fencing and guards shall be of conductive material, adequately grounded, and not less than 5 feet (1524 mm) from processing equipment.

Exception: Portable electrostatic paint-spraying apparatus listed for use in Class I, Division 1, locations.

Areas used for electrostatic spray finishing with fixed equipment shall be protected with an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system complying with Chapter 9 and Section 2407.4.1.

2407.4.1 Protection for automated liquid electrostatic spray application equipment. Automated liquid electrostatic spray application equipment shall be protected by the installation of an approved, supervised flame detection apparatus that shall, in the event of ignition, react to the presence of flame within 0.5 second and shall accomplish all of the following:

1. Activation of a local alarm in the vicinity of the spraying operation and activation of the building alarm system, if such a system is provided.
2. Shutting down of the coating material delivery system.
3. Termination of all spray application operations.
4. Stopping of conveyors into and out of the flammable vapor areas.
5. Disconnection of power to the high-voltage elements in the flammable vapor areas and disconnection of power to the system.

Housekeeping, maintenance, storage and use of hazardous materials shall be in accordance with Sections 2403.3, 2403.4 and Sections 2407.5.1 and 2407.5.2.

2407.5.1 Maintenance. Insulators shall be kept clean and dry. Drip plates and screens subject to paint deposits shall be removable and taken to a safe place for cleaning. Grounds and bonding means for the paint-spraying apparatus and all associated equipment shall be periodically cleaned and maintained free of overspray.

2407.5.2 Signs. Signs shall be posted to provide the following information:

1. Designate the process zone as dangerous with respect to fire and accident.

FLAMMABLE FINISHES

2. Identify the grounding requirements for all electrically conductive objects in the flammable vapor area, including

persons. 3. Restrict access to qualified personnel only.

Transformers, power packs, control apparatus and all other electrical portions of the equipment, except high-voltage grids and electrostatic atomizing heads and connections, shall be located outside of the flammable vapor areas or shall comply with Section 2403.2.

The flammable vapor area shall be ventilated in accordance with Section 2404.9.

Electrostatic apparatus shall be equipped with automatic controls operating without time delay to disconnect the power supply to the high-voltage transformer and signal the operator under any of the following conditions:

1. Stoppage of ventilating fans or failure of ventilating equipment from any cause.
2. Stoppage of the conveyor carrying articles past the high-voltage grid.
3. Occurrence of a ground or an imminent ground at any point of the high-voltage system.
4. Reduction of clearance below that required in Section 2407.2.

Hand electrostatic equipment shall be interlocked with the ventilation system for the spraying area so that the equipment cannot be operated unless the ventilating system is in operation.