Hi Rachel - An explosion-proof fridges are direct wired for environments where plugging and unplugging might spark. My experience as a stockroom director was that it was really not needed with sufficient ventilation as you mentioned. We replaced ours flammable unit with the same when the time came. 
Sammye

Explosion vs Flammable Fridge/freezers

• I understand that the difference between Flammable Fridges/Freezers and Explosion-proof Fridges/Freezers is that the explosion proof have spark-proof interiors and exteriors rather than just spark-proof interiors. We have an explosion proof fridge/freezer in our chemical stockroom that needs to be replaced. We have a flammable fridge that we could use as the replacement, but I want to make sure an explosion-proof fridge is not necessary. Our stockroom has vented cabinets and a relatively small amount of volatile chemicals, but I was hoping to get more experienced opinions on this!

I really appreciate any and all advice,

Rachel Kaiser ’22 (she/her/hers)

Chemistry Lab Coordinator | Chemical Hygiene Officer

Wittenberg University

(937)327-6442

 

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