Explosion Proof Vacuums

What defines this line

• Grounded & bonded conductive path throughout
• Anti-static hoses and accessories
• Immersion separation options for reactive metals
• Configurations for classified areas

• EVX-5 EX RCT IS HEPA
• EVX-5 EX HEPA
• EVX-5-10 EX HEPA
• EVX-5-10 EX MR HEPA
• EVX-10 EX HEPA
• EVX-10 EX RCT HEPA
• EVX-15 EX
• EVX-15 EX HEPA
• EVX-15 EX MR HEPA
• EVX-20 EX RCT HEPA
• EVX-25 EX RCT HEPA
• EVX-55 EX HEPA
• EX1-5 RCT IS HEPA
• EX1-5 HEPA
• EX1-5-10 MR HEPA
• EX1-10 HEPA
• EX1-15 HEPA
• EX1-15 MR HEPA
• EX1-15 RCT
• EX1-15 RCT HEPA
• EX1-20 RCT HEPA
• EX1-25 RCT HEPA
• EX1-55 HEPA

Choose by location classification

Classification comes first, and it is assigned by your own electrical or process engineer. Find the row that matches your area — and if none of them do yet, the last row is the honest answer.

Coverage is read from the certificate, not inferred from a product family name. Where a line is not covered for a classification we say so rather than leaving it implied.

Electric or air-operated?

The single most useful distinction in the range, and the one buyers most often have to ask for. Both are built with the same conductive, grounded and bonded recovery path — what differs is the drive.

How to choose within this line

1. 01

   Start with the area classification

   The classification of the space — the Class, Division and Group assigned by your electrical or process engineer — determines which power units and construction are acceptable. Bring that classification to the conversation; it is the first constraint, not an afterthought.

2. 02

   Identify the dust, not just the process

   Combustibility, particle size and reactivity vary widely between materials, and metal dusts introduce hazards that organic dusts do not. Material identification drives filtration, separation and whether a wet or immersion method is appropriate.

3. 03

   Decide electric or air-operated

   Air-operated units run on compressed air and contain no electrical components at all, which suits many classified areas and continuous duty. Electric units suit facilities without adequate compressed air. Both are built with the same conductive, grounded recovery path.

4. 04

   Match filtration to what leaves the machine

   Where exhaust air quality is part of the requirement — fine powders, toxic metals, pharmaceutical or abatement work — HEPA filtration keeps captured fines captured rather than returning them to the room.

Where this line is used

• Food Processing
• Metalworking
• Chemical
• Woodworking

Not listed? Browse the full industry directory or start from your material. New to dust hazards? Start with how dust explosions work or vacuum vs dust collector.

Frequently asked questions

Which of your vacuums are certified, and for what?

Our listing is CSA Certificate 70122393, assessed against UL 1203 (5th Edition). It carries two scopes, and they are not interchangeable. The EX1 HEPA drum-type line is covered for Class I, Gp. D; Class II, Gps. E, F and G; Temp. Code T3C. The EV EX HEPA line is covered for Class II, Div. 2, Gps. F and G only — no Class I, Division 2 rather than Division 1, and no Group E, which is the conductive metal-dust group. Commercial indoor use only. Each model page states which scope applies. The air-operated AVX line holds no NRTL certificate at all. We do not claim ATEX or intrinsic-safety approvals.

Does your UL 1203 listing cover Class I Groups A, B and C?

No. Class I is Group D only — propane, methane and most common hydrocarbons and industrial solvents. Groups A, B and C cover acetylene, hydrogen and ethylene and are not within our listing. Note also that Class I coverage applies to the EX1 HEPA line only; the EV EX HEPA line has no Class I coverage at all, and is limited to Class II, Division 2, Groups F and G.

Which line is certified for metal dust?

The EX1 HEPA line. Its scope includes Class II, Groups E, F and G, and Group E is the conductive metal-dust group. The EV EX HEPA line is covered for Groups F and G only, so it does not carry Group E coverage — which matters directly in metalworking, aerospace, foundry and battery applications where the dust is frequently Group E. If you are specifying for aluminium, titanium, magnesium or other metal dust, ask us to confirm the line and scope against your area classification before ordering.

Which line can be used in a Division 1 area?

That depends on the line and on your area classification. The EX1 HEPA line is listed under explosion-proof and dust-ignition-proof enclosure standards. The EV EX HEPA line is listed as nonincendive equipment for Class II, Division 2 — it is not a Division 1 listing. Because Division 1 means the hazardous atmosphere is expected in normal operation, this distinction is not a technicality. Confirm the classification with your engineer and let us match the line to it.

Can I use my own hoses and tools with a certified vacuum?

Not while keeping the unit in its certified configuration. The listing covers the vacuum together with PrestiVac-supplied hoses and tools, and static-dissipating hose and filters are required. Fitting a hose from general stores or a tool borrowed from another machine takes the unit outside the scope of its listing without anything visibly changing — which is why this tends to happen in service rather than at purchase.

Selecting equipment for this application

Written for engineers specifying recovery equipment. Each guide covers how the decision is actually made rather than which product to buy.