An important question in the automotive refinish industry is whether or not infrared drying and curing technology products are code compliant. If you are unsure what this means for the systems in your shop, please read, “Infrared Systems: Are you Putting your Shop at Risk?”
REVO Accelerated Curing Systems from Global Finishing Solutions (GFS) use short wave electric infrared technology to cure filler, primer, sealer and paint from the inside out with only one pass per coating, offering the fastest curing time in the industry for both prep and paint processes. All REVO models can be seamlessly integrated into a shop’s existing footprint.
So, are REVO Systems code compliant?
The answer is yes; REVO Systems meet requirements established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), a U.S. trade association that sets national standards to minimize the potential for a fire.
NFPA 33 13.3.1.5 reads:
Radiant drying, curing or fusion apparatus that is permanently attached to the structure of a spray booth and is movable but is suitable only for use in an Ordinary Hazard (general purpose) location, that is, is not suitable for a hazardous (classified) location as defined in NFPA 70 shall be permitted to be used provided the following conditions apply:
(1) The apparatus can be moved into a pressurized enclosure that meets the requirements for Type X pressurizing, as specified in NFPA 496.
(2) Interlocks are provided both to prevent the use of the spray application equipment unless the drying, curing, or fusion apparatus has been moved into the pressurized enclosure and the enclosure has been purged and pressurized in accordance with NFPA 496 and to prevent the actuation of the drying, curing, or fusion apparatus when it is located in the enclosure.
Simply put, infrared technology can be used in a paint booth or prep environment, as long as the units are stored in a separate, pressurized enclosure during spraying. Interlocks must also be in place to prevent spraying when the drying or curing system is in the booth or prep environment, and the unit must be fully de-energized.
In order to meet codes and protect the safety of the painters and equipment, GFS has developed additional safety measures for our paint booth- and prep-integrated REVO Systems — REVO Speed and REVO Rapid OR2:
(1) A pressurized parking garage safely houses the REVO Speed or REVO Rapid when not in use. In addition, all REVO Speed and REVO Rapid OR2 units use a pressurized power rail system — integrated into the ceiling of the paint booth or prep area — to easily and safely move the units around the vehicle and parts. When situated in a prep stall, the rails of the REVO unit are extended, enabling the unit to be fully removed from the sprayable area in the shop.
(2) REVO Systems have controls that turn the units off when the booth goes into spray mode. Proximity sensors on REVO Systems ensure the system is properly stored in a parking garage before permitting a painter to start spraying. Sensors in the garage ensure pressurization is achieved before spraying can begin. Once safeguards are met, air is allowed to run through the line. The REVO Speed also includes a rail system that’s attached to a wall, supplying power to the unit. The rail system is completely de-energized during spray mode. It’s also sealed and pressurized, in accordance with code requirements.
“REVO Systems are 100 percent compliant,” said Jason Garfoot, GFS’ senior technical advisor. “It’s everyone’s responsibility to understand the laws and regulations relating to their equipment to protect their employees and investments. By taking proactive measures to ensure they’re meeting code, shops can avoid a costly mistake or worse — a shutdown from a failed inspection.”
As opposed to gas-powered catalytic infrared units, electric infrared REVO Systems reach curing temperature almost instantly. This allows for the units to be turned on only when in use, conserving energy and protecting your employees. REVO Systems also cool down fast and are safe to handle shortly after shutdown.
REVO Systems can increase your paint shop throughput by up to 80 percent. Repair cycle time is shortened and rework is significantly reduced due to the high-quality, complete cure REVO Systems deliver. Plus, electric infrared energy costs are a fraction of the expense to run a conventional system.
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