What is an explosion proof electric motor?

Motors can create an explosion by one of two means:

    A motor surface gets so hot during operation that it ignites a vapor, gas or dust

    A single arc from a motor malfunction, such as a winding insulation failure or power supply issue, ignites an ambient material

Explosion proof motors are required for industrial applications with the presence of highly combustible, pervasive materials. Explosion proof does not mean that the motor will never explode, nor that it is immune from external explosions. Rather, an explosion proof motor has features that prevent an internal motor explosion from igniting a larger, ambient, combustible atmosphere.

UL certification

Motors that satisfy UL explosion proof certification are clearly identifiable by a UL listing identification plate, affixed to the motor enclosure. The plate defines the class, division and group compliance of the motor.

To earn a certificate and nameplate, candidate motors must meet the testing criteria set forth by industrial standard UL — 674: Electric Motors and Generators for Use in Hazardous (Classified) Locations. Manufacturers submit the candidate motor’s expected operating specifications, such as RPM, torque, power and frequency, as well as a description of related equipment such as variable frequency drives (VFDs). UL creates a destructive test to determine motor temperature rise and ensure that the motor meets the criteria for UL certification.

UL certifies motors to different classes and divisions, suitable for specific applications and material exposure.
 

Class I, Division 1

Class I locations have combustible concentrations of vapor or gases present. Division 1 locations presume the presence of flammable materials during normal equipment operation.

These motors operate assuming that the vapor or gas will permeate the enclosure, and therefore the primary design consideration is to prevent a single malfunction – an internal motor failure – from creating a large blast.

These motors meet the strictest explosion proof design standards:

    A motor enclosure that withstands and contains an internal explosion

    Flame exhaust paths that dampen flames and permit hot gases to escape the enclosure

    No surface that exceeds the lowest auto-ignition temperature of the vapor, gas or dust in the anticipated environment

Class I, Division 2

Division 2 locations contain a combustible, ambient gas or vapor only during an equipment malfunction. During normal equipment operation, the gas or vapor would not be present.

Division 2 specifications are still stringent, but less so than Division 1, as it takes two concurrent malfunctions – the motor and the gas supply – to create an explosion. Specifying a true explosion proof, Division 1 motor for Division 2 application will provide the safety required, but at the expense of over-engineering.

The primary considerations for Class I, Division 2 motors are that surface temperatures remain below the auto-ignition temperature of the vapor or gas, and motor components such as brushes or switches must be non-arcing.

Class I groups

The materials themselves are further classified by explosive pressure and ignition temperature.

    Group C: acetaldehyde, cyclopropane, diethyl ether, ethylene, isoprene

    Group D: acetone, ammonia, benzene, butane, ethane, ethanol, gasoline, methane, propane, styrene

Class II

Class II locations contain a combustible dust, and ignition prevention is handled differently than Class I. Whereas it is nearly impossible to prevent a gas from entering a motor enclosure, it is easier to prevent ingress of solid particulate.

The prerogative for a Class II motor is to prevent combustible materials from ever contacting an ignition source. This means the motor enclosure and components must never exceed the auto-ignition temperature for the intended dust material, even if a thick, insulating layer of it accumulates.

Division 1 locations contain combustible dust under normal conditions; Division 2 locations will not contain the dust unless a fault exists.

Class II groups

Group F: coal

Group G: corn, nylon, polyethylene, sugar, wheat, wheat flour

Why use explosion proof motors?

The use of explosion proof motors is essential for the safety of your personnel and equipment when operating in a hazardous location. Explosion proof motors are designed for use in hazardous environments where flammable gases, dust, or fibers are present.

Electric motors generate heat under normal operating conditions and have the potential to generate a spark if a motor coil fails. Excessive motor case temperatures or a spark that is not properly contained can cause an explosion or ignite a fire in environments where specific hazardous materials are present.

What environments do explosion proof motors help in?

Motors in a Class I environment (UL designation), where flammable gases, vapors or liquids are present, are designed to prevent an internal spark or flame from escaping the motor into the hazardous environment. They are also designed so the motor case temperature does not exceed safe temperatures for environments where gases, vapors or liquids are present.

Motors in a Class II or Class III environment (UL designation), where certain dust or fibers are present, are designed so the motor case temperature does not exceed safe temperatures for combustible dust and fiber environments. While simply operating the motor at a lower current rating reduces the heat it produces, other failsafe methods to limit an excessive motor case temperature condition include thermostats that disengage the motor power before it reaches critical temperatures

Additional techniques are used for other devices operating in these environments, some of which can also be used on motors, which include purging or pressurization, additional explosion proof enclosures, encapsulation, or even liquid filled designs. Regardless of the technique used, the goal is to prevent the motor from igniting a flammable source under normal operating conditions or in the event of motor failure.