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Here are key data that you need to properly select, install, and maintain hazardous-area motors.
Hazardous areas motors are those motors designed with specific characteristics so that they'll operate safely
in a definitive hazardous environment. In some instances, a weather-protected, or a dripproof machine may
be used depending upon the degree and type of hazard in the location.
Before you can properly select a motor for use in a hazardous area, it's important for you to remember that
motors designed for use in one type of hazardous location usually cannot be used in another type of
hazardous location. Therefore, it's essential that you have a clear and thorough understanding of hazardousarea classifications, characteristics, and requirements before attempting to select the right motor for use in a
particular hazardous location.
Motors for use in hazardous (classified) areas must meet stringent Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and NEC
requirements, and are designed in accordance with National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)
standards. Motors for use in hazardous areas are listed in the UL "Redbook," Hazardous Location Equipment
Directory.
Also, hazardous area motors are required to have special features that minimize the possibility of the motor
causing ignition of the specific explosive atmosphere surrounding it.
Motors for Class I, Groups C and D locations are often referred to as Explosionproof motors. The term
"explosionproof apparatus" is defined in Article 100 of the NEC as follows:
Apparatus enclosed in a case that is capable of withstanding an explosion of a specified gas or vapor that may
occur within it and of preventing the ignition of a specified gas or vapor surrounding the enclosure by sparks,
flashes, or explosion of the gas or vapor within, and that operates at such an external temperature that a
surrounding flammable atmosphere will not be ignited thereby.
Class II motors
In Class II locations, which are hazardous because of the presence of combustible dust, UL standards call for
a different type of construction. Class II motors are designed to preclude dust and to operate at specified
limited temperatures.
Article 502 of the NEC defines the term "dust-ignitionproof" as "enclosed in a manner that will exclude dusts
and... will not permit arcs, sparks, or heat otherwise generated or liberated inside of the enclosure to cause
ignition of exterior accumulations or atmospheric suspensions of a specified dust on or in the vicinity of the
enclosure."
Assemblies that generate heat, such as motors, are tested with a dust blanket to simulate the operation of the
motor in a Class II location. The maximum surface temperature under actual operating conditions must not
exceed 165 [degrees] C for equipment not subject to overload. For equipment that may be overloaded, such
as motors and power transformers, the maximum surface temperature allowed is 120 [degrees] C.
Closs III motors
Motors suitable for Class III locations must function at full rating without developing surface temperatures
high enough to cause excessive dehydration or gradual carbonization of accumulated fibers or flyings. These
motors, or other devices, have the same surface temperature limitations as Class II equipment, and
construction is similar.
As required by the NEC, these motors must be supplied with telescoping or closed-fitting mating parts, or
have other effective means to prevent the escape of sparks or burning material. They also must be constructed
so that no openings occur through which sparks or burning material might escape, or through which adjacent
combustible material might be ignited.
RELATED ARTICLE: HAZARDOUS AREA CLASSIFICATIONS
Hazardous areas are locations where some flammable material is or may be present in an easily ignitable
state. These are classified in the NEC by type of flammable material (Class I, II, or III), and by degree of
hazard (Div. 1 or 2). In addition, for purposes of testing and approval of equipment, various air mixtures are
classified as Group A, B, C, D, E, F, or G.
Article 500 of the NEC defines the three classes as follows:
* Class I: Those locations in which flammable gases or vapors are or may be present in the air in quantities
sufficient to produce explosive or ignitable mixtures.
* Class II: Those locations in which combustible dusts are present in the air in quantities sufficient to produce
explosive or ignitable mixtures.
* Class III: Those locations in which easily ignitable fibers or flyings are present; however, such fibers or
flyings are not likely to be in suspension in air in quantities sufficient to produce ignitable mixtures.
Generally speaking, Div. 1 Iocations are more hazardous because of intensity, frequency, etc. of the
dangerous material; Div. 2 locations essentially are less hazardous. Additional details on Classes, Groups,
temperatures, etc. are provided in Articles 500, 501, 502, and 503 of the NEC.
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