Louis Barrios of Shell - Retired

Electrical Area Classification – Key Terms, Key Standards and Key Factors in Developing Drawings

This 4-hour technical seminar presented to the Houston Local Section of IEEE, offers an introduction to electrical area classification – a critical aspect of ensuring safety and compliance for electrical equipment installed in potentially flammable or combustible atmospheres. In this seminar attendees can expect to learn:

• What electrical area classification is,
• Key terminology necessary to conduct area classification risk assessments and develop area classification drawings,
• Key applicable standards, including NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code), API RP 500/505, NFPA 496/497/499, and the IEC 60079 series, with emphasis on their scope, differences, and practical application in industrial environments, and
• Key factors in reading, interpreting and developing electrical area classification drawings, highlighting common symbols, boundary delineations, and the integration of process safety data.

Developed for engineers, designers, and technical professionals working in oil & gas, chemical, and manufacturing sectors, this session will equip attendees with the knowledge to confidently engage with area classification documentation and contribute to safer, code-compliant electrical designs.

Biography:

Louis Barrios served as Shell’s Global Discipline Lead for Electrical Engineering and Principal Technical Expert (PTE) for Electrical Safety and Area Classification/Ignition Control. In his role as global PTE, Louis co-authored internal standards, provided expert consulting, and delivered training on area classification fundamentals and equipment selection in hazardous (classified) locations to more than 250 engineers, process safety professionals, electrical inspectors, and instrument/electrical technicians. In March of 2025, he retired, concluding a rewarding 36-year career at Shell.

Louis has been a member of the NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace for 25 years and currently serves as Chair.  For the past 23 years, he has actively contributed to the API RP 500/505 Task Force, two of North America’s most important standards for area classification using both Division and Zone methods. Louis is also a past chair of the IEEE Petroleum and Chemical Industry Committee (PCIC), past chair of the API Subcommittee on Electrical Equipment, and a former member of the NEC Code Making Panel – 1.

In retirement, Louis plans to continue some of his codes & standards activities, teach, travel and spend more time with grandchildren.  Louis and his wife, Anne Marie, live in Fulshear, Texas.

Address:Houston, Texas, United States