Explosion Proof

Design Criteria

Explosion proof motors are required in these and other industries:

• Mining
• Oil and natural gas refining
• Flour mills
• Grain elevators
• Textile mills
• Industrial paint booths

Hazardous locations are classified by the types of hazardous materials and how likely they are to be present in a particular area under normal operating conditions. To operate safely in locations where flammable materials are continually present (such as UL Class 1, Division 1 or ATEX Zone 0 and 1 locations), explosion proof motors must incorporate these key design features:

• The motor enclosure must be able to withstand and contain an internal explosion.
• Ignition sources such as flames and sparks must not be permitted to reach the external environment where they could cause an explosion.
• The surface temperature of the housing must never be hot enough to ignite combustible materials in the external environment, even under overload conditions or when the motor is insulated by a layer of hazardous dust. A temperature code (T-code) designates the maximum surface temperature range.
• A nameplate must be supplied with the motor clearly stating the explosion-proof rating and, as applicable, the T-code.