Abstract
Explosionproof electrical enclosures for coal mine face equipment have been of the same basic design for many years without significant change. With the goal of improving safety, health, and productivity, characteristics for potential improvement were investigated through interviews, visits to mines, and studies. Areas identified for improvement included rapid venting of pressure buildup due to an internal explosion, quick and easy entry or removal of cable entrances, and a quick and easy cover removal for rapid component access. Concepts were identified and evaluated, and the more promising devices were fabricated and tested. Encouraging results from initial tests led to further design refinement and establishment of design guidelines. These design guidelines for a pressure vent and for an elasto-metric grommet-type cable entry are described along with the testing used.
