A Guide to Choosing Explosion Proof Motors

While there are many different types of motors on the market, it is still especially important for any business to have an explosion proof motor, especially if there are any hazardous locations around the warehouse. This makes it even more important for you to have one placed in the area, as having a regular motor that is not at all explosion-proof can be detrimental to the business and your employer.

However, choosing the right explosion-proof motor for the right area is not an easy task, and there are a number of things to keep in mind when making your selection.

1. Determine the classification of the motor

Before you decide to perform any other steps, the first thing you need to do is to check the classification, and then you can proceed to the division and group of motors.

Class I motors are placed in locations or environments where explosive vapors or flammable gases can be found. class II motors are usually found in places where there is a lot of potentially explosive or conductive dust. examples of class III locations include places where a lot of sawdust can be found, such as flax processing plants and textile mills.

2. Make sure the motor is certified

Determining the correct use of the motor is indeed critical, but don't forget to make sure the motor complies with legal rules and is certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

The equipment should also have an International Electrotechnical Commission Explosives (IECEx) certification, as it shows that the machine has been tested and meets the international standards stated in the certificate. Such a certificate also certifies that the manufacturing location has been inspected to ensure that the manufacturer's quality system meets the requirements.

3. Inspect the motor thoroughly

Even if the motor has been mechanically or electrically modeled, UL-approved service centers are responsible for ensuring that the motor's ability to suppress explosions remains intact. When they do so, have them protect the rebuilt motor from winding service. If the rebuild requires a significant amount of work to be completed, contact an experienced engineering firm and have the service center purchase the required motor parts in Singapore.

Basically, the most important thing to note here is to make sure that a certified professional performs all the proper checks required so that everything is in order when rebuilding the motor.

4. Be wary of self-ignition temperatures

Now is the time to refer to the group chart you made at the beginning, because you must look at the auto-ignition temperature (AIT) for different types of hazardous materials. AIT means the lowest temperature at which there is enough energy to cause a chemical to spontaneously ignite, even if there is no flame, spark or any other source of ignition.

Once you clearly understand the chart, you will know which motor is best suited for a particular auto-ignition temperature and hazardous environment so that you can ensure that your environment is safe for yourself and your employer.

Every warehouse has at least one hazardous location, and if you don't choose the right motor for it, you can create a potential accident that will cost the business, and in the worst case scenario, even result in injuries and fatalities. So make sure you choose the right explosion-proof motor and make sure you install it correctly from the start to prevent such incidents from happening.