Explosion Proof Electric Motors

Explosion proof motors are made for hazardous applications such as grain elevators, bio diesel plants, gas applications, chemical plants, and distilleries. The basic definition of an explosion proof electric motor is a motor that has the ability to contain an internal explosion without rupturing and putting the entire facility at risk. On average, there are about 37,000 fires and explosions that occur on industrial properties every year that can mainly be traced back to malfunctioning equipment (including electric motors). The most common circumstances of where an electric motor can cause a fire are either where the surface temperature of the motor has reached that of the ignition temperature of the material, vapor, or mater within the facility that is either airborne or has accumulated onto the motor, this scenario can cause a drastic sudden burst in flame and or explosion. The other circumstance is where an electric motor sparks within the casing causing a motor explosion that ignites other flammable materials at the factory. Our motor lineup for hazardous application electric motors meet all UL and CSA safety requirements, have a NEMA 1.0 ot higher service factor, and come with a 1 to 3 year warrantee depending on the motor selected. We supply explosion proof motors from fractional horse power (FHP) up to 500 horsepower directly from inventory!

Explosion Proof Motor Application Information

Application Notes

Explosion proof electric motors must be applied in accordance with the National Electrical Code, Article #500. A partial listing of explosive agents is noted within the "Explosion Proof Motor Class Information" tab below. Consult NFPA Publication 497M for a complete listing and additional information. Please note subheads for qualifications on motors.
Note: for motors rated Class I, Group A or B for Division I, or ATEX Certified motors please contact us.

Explosion Proof Motor Rating Information

Division I areas are environments where a hazard is present continuously or would be subject to fire and or explosion if the hazard was present as a result of an accident or uncommon occurrence. Division II areas are environments where the threat of fire and or explosion is not normally present and not likely to result in the event of an abnormal occurrence.

Explosion Proof Motor Class Information

The below charts show some of the contents that motors may be in use around within each class and group rating.
Class I:

Group A	Group B	Group C	Group D
Group A	Group B	Group C	Group D
Acetylene	Butadiene Ethylene Oxide Hydrogen Polypylene Oxide Manufactured gases containing more than 30% hydrogen by volume	Acetaldehyde Cyclopropane Diethyl Ether Ethylene	Acetone Acrylonitrile Ammonia Benzene Butane Ethanol Ethylene Dichloride Gasoline Hexane Isoprene Methane (natural gas) Methanol Naphtha Propane Propylene Styrene Toluene Vinyl Acetate Vinyl Chloride Xylene