Appleton ECDB Series Explosion...
IN STOCK (leaves warehouse same day if ordered before 3pm ET)
$99.01

Appleton ECDB Series Explosionproof Universal Drain or Breather

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Model: ECDB38

In Stock (leaves warehouse same day if ordered before 3pm ET)

$99.01
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Appleton ECDB Series Explosionproof Universal Drain or Breather

The Appleton ECDB Series Universal Drain or Breather provides explosionproof and dust-ignitionproof condensation control for hazardous and non-hazardous electrical enclosures. Offered in stainless steel for hazardous-location combination drain/breathers and copper-free aluminum for non-hazardous CRN drains, this family covers NEMA 3R and NEMA 4X ratings for automatic water drainage or continuous ventilation, with select configurations rated raintight for Group B locations. Properly installed in the appropriate location, it prevents moisture buildup that can damage sensitive electrical components.

Key Features

  • Threaded Joint Design: Accurately tapped, tapered threads deliver tight, rigid joints and reliable ground continuity.
  • NEMA 3R Universal Drain or Breather: Supports high-performance water drainage or continuous ventilation in outdoor-rated applications.
  • NEMA 4X Breather: Configured for continuous ventilation in washdown and corrosive environments.
  • NEMA 4X Drain: Configured for automatic water drainage in washdown and corrosive environments.
  • Explosionproof, Dust-Ignitionproof: Engineered for use in classified hazardous locations.
  • Non-Hazardous Location Drain: Provides automatic water drainage for standard enclosures.
  • Groups C and D Universal Drain or Breather: Enables automatic water drainage or continuous ventilation in Class I Groups C and D areas.
  • NEMA 3R Group B Universal Drain or Breather: Raintight configuration for automatic water drainage or continuous ventilation in Group B locations.

Certifications & Compliance

  • Class I, Division 1 and 2, Groups B, C, D
  • Class II, Division 1 and 2, Groups E, F, G
  • Class III
  • NEC/CEC Certified

Technical Specifications

  • Refer to manufacturer documentation for complete technical specifications.

Typical Applications

  • Hazardous Location Electrical Enclosures
  • Explosionproof and Dust-Ignitionproof Equipment Housings
  • Outdoor and Wet-Location Installations
  • Industrial and Process Facility Wiring
  • Condensation and Moisture Control in Conduit Systems

Why Appleton?

Appleton engineers the ECDB Series with accurately tapped, tapered threads for dependable, code-compliant joints, and builds hazardous-location combination drain/breathers from stainless steel while non-hazardous CRN drains use copper-free aluminum for long-term corrosion resistance. With ratings spanning Class I, Class II, and Class III hazardous locations alongside NEMA 3R and NEMA 4X protection, the ECDB Series delivers dependable moisture management for demanding industrial and hazardous-duty electrical systems.

Manufacturer Resources

Product Specs

Product Type:
Universal Drain/Breather
Configuration:
Explosionproof/Dust-Ignitionproof
Department:
Electrical
Product Group:
Wiring Devices

Appleton ECDB38 – Frequently Asked Questions

1) What thread sizes does the Appleton ECDB drain/breather come in?
Two trade sizes: 3/8 inch NPT (model ECDB38) and 1/2 inch NPT (model ECDB50HP). Both use accurately tapped, tapered NPT threads, so they thread straight into a tapped hub or drain opening on the enclosure and give you rigid joints with ground continuity through the thread. Match the size to the tapped opening you already have in the box.
2) Can I use an ECDB drain/breather in a Class I Division 1 area?
Yes. The ECDB Series is rated for Class I, Division 1 and 2, Groups B, C and D, Class II Division 1 and 2, Groups E, F and G, and Class III, and it is NEC/CEC certified. It is explosionproof and dust-ignitionproof, so it is suitable for classified hazardous locations as well as ordinary enclosures.
3) What is the difference between a drain and a breather, and do I need both?
A drain sits at the low point of the enclosure or conduit run and lets accumulated water out automatically. A breather goes high and allows continuous ventilation so the enclosure can equalize and dry rather than pumping moist air in as it heats and cools. The ECDB is a universal unit, so the same fitting serves either role depending on where you install it. On enclosures that see real condensation, the usual practice is one low for drainage and one high for ventilation, because a drain alone does not vent.
4) Is the Appleton ECDB stainless steel or aluminum?
Both, depending on configuration. Hazardous-location combination drain/breathers are built in stainless steel; non-hazardous CRN drains use copper-free aluminum. Copper-free aluminum matters in refineries and chemical plants where trace copper is restricted, and stainless holds up in washdown and corrosive service.
5) Will an ECDB hold up in a washdown or corrosive environment?
Yes. The ECDB family covers NEMA 4X configurations for both continuous ventilation and automatic water drainage in washdown and corrosive areas, and NEMA 3R for outdoor-rated applications. Select configurations are raintight for Group B locations.
6) Why do I need a drain/breather on a sealed explosionproof enclosure at all?
Sealed enclosures still breathe. Temperature swings pull humid outside air past the threads, and it condenses inside on the cool metal and on terminals and boards. An ECDB drains that water out or vents it before it accumulates, which is what keeps sensitive electrical components from corroding or flashing over. It does this without breaking the explosionproof or dust-ignitionproof integrity of the housing.
7) Can I install the ECDB in a Class I Group B hydrogen area?
Yes. Group B is covered under the Class I, Division 1 and 2 rating, and the NEMA 3R Group B universal drain or breather is a raintight configuration that handles automatic water drainage or continuous ventilation in those areas. Groups C and D areas are served by the Groups C and D universal drain or breather configuration.
8) Where should the ECDB be installed on the enclosure?
Position decides whether it works. Appleton states the ECDB prevents moisture buildup when properly installed in the appropriate location, meaning a drain goes at the lowest point where water actually collects and a breather goes at or near the top. Fitted in the wrong spot, a drain sits above the water line and never sheds it. Plan the tapped opening accordingly before you drill.
9) Can I put an ECDB in a plant where the enclosure is not in a hazardous area?
Yes. Non-hazardous location drains in the ECDB family provide automatic water drainage for standard enclosures, so the same series covers both the classified areas and the ordinary ones. Standardizing on one series across a facility keeps the MRO stock down to two trade sizes, 3/8 inch NPT and 1/2 inch NPT.
How fast can I get the Appleton ECDB38 delivered?
Most orders ship the same day from our distribution partners, with quick delivery throughout the continental U.S. Need it urgently? Contact Us for expedited shipping options.
Can I return it if it doesn’t work for me?
Yes—ZenSupply offers a hassle-free return policy. If the product isn’t the right fit, reach out to our support team for a return authorization or setup a return by following our return instructions.
Does the Appleton ECDB38 come with a warranty?
Absolutely. The Appleton ECDB38 is backed by a manufacturer’s warranty. For full warranty terms, check the product documentation or Contact Us.
How do I get technical support or installation help for the Appleton ECDB38?
You can call, text, or email our expert support team for fast answers. We’re here to help with product selection, installation tips, and troubleshooting. Contact Us
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