ATEX Motor Classification:

ATEX motors are classified into two main categories: ATEX Zone 1 and ATEX Zone 2.

ATEX Zone 1 motors are suitable for use in areas where explosive atmospheres are likely to occur occasionally.

ATEX Zone 2 motors are designed for use in areas where explosive atmospheres are unlikely to occur, and if they do, they would exist only for a short period.

These motors are constructed with specialized materials that minimize the risk of sparks, heat, or surface temperatures that could ignite explosive substances.

They are equipped with enhanced protection measures, such as explosion-proof enclosures, to prevent the release of ignition sources into the surrounding atmosphere.

ATEX Motor Ratings:

ATEX motors are assigned specific ratings based on their suitability for various hazardous environments.

The ratings include temperature class, gas group, and dust group.

Temperature Class: Indicates the maximum surface temperature that the motor can reach during operation. It ranges from T1 to T6, with T1 being the lowest and T6 being the highest.

Gas Group: Represents the type of explosive gas or vapor the motor can operate safely in. It is categorized into IIA, IIB, or IIC, with IIA being the least explosive and IIC being the most explosive.

Dust Group: Pertains to the type of combustible dust the motor can handle without causing an explosion. It is classified as either Zone 20, Zone 21, or Zone 22, with Zone 20 indicating the most hazardous dust.

"EXD" motors are designed for use in hazardous environments where there is a risk of explosion due to the presence of flammable gases, vapors, or dust. These motors are often referred to as "explosion-proof" motors and are designed to prevent the ignition of explosive materials by containing any sparks or flames that might occur within the motor. EXD motors are typically used in industries such as oil and gas, chemical processing, and mining.

"EXE" motors, on the other hand, are designed for use in non-hazardous environments and are typically used in industrial applications such as manufacturing, agriculture, and water treatment. EXE motors are designed for high efficiency and reliability and are often used in applications where high torque or high speed is required.

EXN motors, on the other hand, are designed for use in environments where there is a lower risk of explosion, typically due to the lower level of flammable gases, vapors, or dust. EXN motors are not explosion-proof, but they are designed with additional safety features such as enhanced insulation and protective covers to prevent the motor from igniting any surrounding combustible materials.

The main difference between EXD and EXN motors is the level of risk of explosion in the operating environment. EXD motors are designed for use in high-risk environments, while EXN motors are designed for use in lower-risk environments with additional safety features to prevent the ignition of surrounding combustible materials.

Single-phase speed controllers are phasing out. We no longer import them. We suggest using a single-phase in/three-phase out VSD drive to run a three-phase motor. This is a cheap and reliable way of speed control where three phase supply is not available.

Permanent Split Capacitor (PSC) motors are a good choice where high starting torque is not required. They are the preferred choice for fans and centrifugal pumps with low starting torques.  Capacitor start-capacitor Run motors(CSCR) are required for applications with high initial torque such as lifts and direct displacement pumps.

Basic setup and programming of VSD drives will be covered by us at no extra cost. We are happy to assist you with programming more sophisticated systems at an extra cost.

Our normal variable speed drives have an IP rating of 22. We also supply drives with an IP rating of 55. 

You may keep drives in an enclosure to increase your IP rating to 56.

Link to enclosures: https://www.brookmtl.co.nz/other-products

We stock flameproof and dustproof motors in Auckland. Our flameproof motors are Exdb IIC T4.  We are happy to supply other hazardous area motors on request. 

More information about the flameproof motors: https://www.iecex.com/assets/Uploads/D2S2-Ex-Protection-Techniques-BARTEC.pdf 

Most motors have an IP rating of 55. We also have motors with an IP rating of 66. We can increase the IP rating for normal motors to 56 upon Request. 

First digit: Solid particle protection [ Source: Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IP_code]

The first digit indicates the level of protection that the enclosure provides against access to hazardous parts (e.g., electrical conductors, moving parts) and the ingress of solid foreign objects.

Second digit: Liquid ingress protection[edit]

The second digit indicates the level of protection that the enclosure provides against harmful ingress of water.^[1] The ratings for water ingress are not cumulative beyond IPX6. A device that is compliant with IPX7 (covering immersion in water) is not necessarily compliant with IPX5 or IPX6 (covering exposure to water jets). A device that meets both tests is indicated by listing both tests separated by a slash, e.g. IPX5/IPX7.

Most electric motors have a standard frame size. If the stronger motor has the same frame size and the electric wiring supports the stronger motor, the answer usually is yes.  

Stainless Steel motors are the preferred option if the motor is exposed to chemicals. The next good option is using motors with a Cast Iron frame.

Motors in vessels are exposed to salt water and often run 60Hz.  We supply cast iron motors suitable for the 60Hz environment. 

You can search our website and find the correct motor yourself. Otherwise, contact our friendly team and provide us with all your requirements. We will carefully match our products with your requirements and provide you with options. If you are replacing an existing motor, photos of the nameplate and the motor would be useful for us to determine your requirements.