This document discusses hazardous areas and explosion-proof solenoids. It begins with some history on how hazardous areas have been classified into zones based on the level of explosion risk from gas or dust atmospheres. It then defines hazardous places as areas where a potentially explosive atmosphere may occur. The document outlines the gas and dust groups, as well as the zones and categories used to classify hazardous areas based on the likelihood of an explosive atmosphere. It also discusses equipment protection levels and provides examples of how ATEX, IEC 60079, and IEC 61241 approved equipment is identified.