Understanding NFPA 86: Class B

The National Fire Protection Association’s Bulletin 86 (NFPA 86) is the minimum standard, required by law, establishing fire safety standards, including standards for the safe operation of oven and furnace processes. Understanding and complying with the NFPA 86 standard can minimize the risk of a catastrophic event at your plant and is the single most important thing an oven builder, buyer, and operator can do. This standard is updated on a regular basis with the latest revisions happening in 2015.

There are four classes of ovens as defined by NFPA 86: Class A, B, C, and D. In this blog, we will be focusing on Class B electrically heated ovens.

Class B: Electrically heated ovens must be equipped with the following safety equipment:

• Airflow Safety Switch – will shut down the unit should the fan cease operation
• Manual Reset Excess Temperature Control – should the unit produce too much heat, the oven will trip and shut down the heaters.
• Backup Contractors – should the primary contractors fail, the backup contractors will ensure the heaters shut down if over-temperature conditions occur.

This is a simple overview of NFPA 86 for class B ovens. Please consult the full NFPA 86 standard for all specifications and additional details.

Contact a Precision Quincy representative today at (302) 602-8738 or sales@pqovens.com for more information on NFPA 86 and how to become compliant.

All Precision Quincy Ovens are of welded steel construction and quality components are used throughout. Each oven is wired and tested at maximum temperature prior to shipping. Ovens meet or exceed NFPA-86, NFPA-70, OSHA & UL requirements.