In the presence of combustible gases, dust, vapors, fibers or flyings, electrical equipment must be designed to eliminate or contain any potential ignition source such as arcing or excessive temperatures. Explosion proof motors are not designed to survive an external explosion, but instead to avoid the possibility of igniting a fire or explosion. They are certified to operate safely in specific hazardous locations as classified by UL (North America), ATEX (Europe/International), or CSA (Canada).
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.
Kollmorgen’s Explosion Proof Motors
Kollmorgen offers standard explosion proof motors that meet the certification requirements of UL, ATEX, and CSA. If one of our standard explosion proof offerings does not meet the certification or performance requirements you need, contact us to discuss your specific application requirements. We can evaluate additional certifications for a product, or we can recommend a frameless motor solution for incorporation and certification in an explosion proof system of your own design.
 PMDC Explosion Proof (EP) Series |
 AC Synchronous X Series |
 Goldline EB Series |
 Stepper MX Series |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Technology Type | Brush, Permanent Magnet DC | Brushless, AC Synchronous | Brushless, Servo | Brushless, Stepper |
| Typical Motion Profile and Loading | Fixed Speed, Constant Load | Fixed Speed, Constant Load | Variable Speed, Dynamic Load | Variable Speed, Constant Load |
| Frame Sizes | NEMA 56C | NEMA 42 & 66 | 4.49 " sq. to 8.91 " sq. | NEMA 34 & 42 |
| Input Voltages | 12, 24, 90 & 180 VDC | 120 & 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz | up to 240 VAC | up to 240 VAC |
| Drive/Amplifier Requirement | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Torque Range | 1.02 to 3.05 Nm | 1.77 to 10.59 Nm | 0.84 to 149 Nm | 1.27 to 9.82 Nm |
| Speed Range | 1750 rpm | 60/72 rpm | up to 7,500 rpm | up to 3,000 rpm |
| Certifications |  UL, File E56538 Class 1, Divisions 1&2, Groups C&D Class 2, Division 1&2, Groups F&G Class 3, Divisions 1 & 2 |
UL, File E32246 Class 1, Divisions 1&2, Group D |
UL, File E120721 Class 1, Divisions 1&2, Groups C&D  ATEX, File ITS12ATEX17548X (EB-80x excluded) II 2 G Ex d IIB T3 Gb IECEx ETL 12.0006X |
UL, File 120721 Class 1, Divisions 1&2, Group D |
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Related Resources
How do I know if my motor is explosion proof? >
An explosion proof motor is clearly marked with a nameplate that identifies its suitability for a given hazardous environment. The nameplate will indicate the hazardous Class, Division, and Group for which the motor is suited.