Flammable Storage vs. Hazardous Location (Explosion Proof): What’s the Difference?
By Munday Scientific & Microscope Marketplace

If your lab, pharmaceutical facility, or industrial environment works with flammable or volatile materials, choosing the right cold storage unit is critical—not just for protecting your inventory, but for keeping your team and space safe.

At Munday Scientific and Microscope Marketplace, we’re often asked:

“What’s the difference between a Flammable Storage refrigerator/freezer and a Hazardous Location (Explosion Proof) model?”

Both are built for storing flammable materials, but their design, use cases, and safety standards are very different.

Here’s what you need to know before making a purchase.

🔥 Flammable Storage Units: For General Lab Use

Flammable Storage refrigerators and freezers are designed for use in general lab environments where flammable chemicals are being stored—but where explosive vapors or conditions are not expected to exist outside the unit.

✅ Key Features:

• Spark-free interior (no internal electrical components)

• Compressor electricals are enclosed in vapor-proof housings

• Complies with NFPA 45 and OSHA 29 CFR 1910.307 (based on NFPA 70 standards)

• Safe for general lab settings with proper ventilation

These units help reduce the risk of internal sparks igniting any flammable vapors inside the refrigerator or freezer. They're ideal for storing solvents, reagents, and other volatile chemicals used in daily lab operations.

💡 Pro Tip: If you're working in a typical lab space, a Flammable Storage model is usually sufficient.

💥 Hazardous Location Units (Explosion Proof): For High-Risk Environments

Hazardous Location refrigerators and freezers, often referred to as Explosion Proof models, are designed for the most dangerous environments—areas where flammable vapors, gases, or dust may be present outside the unit.

Think chemical processing plants, petrochemical facilities, or pharmaceutical manufacturing areas with known ignition risks.

✅ Key Features:

• Spark-free interior AND exterior

• No internal electrical components

• All external electrical components are sealed

• Must be hardwired to a 120VAC power source (no plug-and-play)

• Complies with NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code) for:

  • Class I, Division 2

  • Group C & D environments

This means they’re built for areas where a single spark could lead to a major incident. These units are the top-tier choice when safety requirements are stringent, and the work environment poses a real risk of explosion.

⚠️ Important: These units must be installed by a licensed electrician and meet your facility’s safety codes for hazardous locations.

🧪 Quick Comparison

🛒 Ready to Buy?

We carry a full selection of American BioTech Supply (ABS) cold storage equipment, including both Flammable Storage and Hazardous Location (Explosion Proof) models.

👉 Shop ABS Refrigerators and Freezers Here

Not sure which type you need? Our team at Munday Scientific is always happy to help you choose the safest and most appropriate model for your space.

🚚 Don’t Forget Shipping Options

We offer multiple delivery choices to make installation easier:

• LTL – Dock to Dock: For locations with a loading dock and internal staff to unload.

• ⭐ LTL + Liftgate (Most Popular): No dock? We’ll lower the unit to the ground. You take it from there.

• LTL + Threshold: Carrier brings the unit through your nearest entry.

• LTL + Inside Delivery: Two-man delivery, placement in room of choice, unpacking, and debris removal.

Munday Scientific & Microscope Marketplace
Helping labs, pharmacies, and industrial facilities find safe, compliant cold storage solutions—every time.