Motor Enclosures: What You Need to Know

Hydraulic Institute

An overview of the various descriptions of motor enclosures in North America, comparing

the enclosure descriptions in NEMA MG 1-2003 and IEC 60034-5/60034-6, enclosures in
explosion proof atmospheres, and other industry enclosure descriptions.
Purpose
All electric motors (motors) have a housing that contains the working components of the motor. In
the U.S., the enclosure describes this housing. The enclosure should meet specific environmental
requirements for restricting foreign objects, such as water, dust, and tools, and safety
requirements for personal protection. Depending upon the extent of containment, cooling
considerations add to the design of the enclosure.

Table 1. Influences on the selection of type and design of motor enclosures.

General Motor Enclosure Considerations

When selecting the correct motor enclosure, numerous considerations must be made for
determining the overall requirements of such enclosures. Fundamentally, these are governed by
three major influences, which must then be analyzed further based on specific industry and
application variables. All resulting requirements are driven by the common need to safeguard the
functionality of the equipment and to protect both personnel and environment. These
considerations are summarized in Table 1.
NEMA Standards MG 1-2003

The National Electrical

Manufacturers Association
(NEMA) provides a
minimum standard for
general-purpose industrial
AC alternating current
squirrel-cage induction
motors. This NEMA
Standard is designated as
MG 1-2003. Within this
standard, descriptions are
provided for various
classifications of protection
for motor enclosures in
Section 1 - Classification
According to
Environmental Protection
and Methods of Cooling.

Table 2. Common NEMA Motor Enclosures.

NEMA provides definitions for various motor enclosures. In general, there are two primary
categories - open and totally enclosed. An open motor has openings that allow external air to
pass over and around the motor windings that provides required cooling. Although it is not airtight,
the enclosure of a totally enclosed motor limits cooling of the windings from the external
atmosphere. Motor cooling for totally enclosed motors is typically done by some external means
such as a fan or water cooling. Table 2 provides a summary of the NEMA motor enclosure
definitions.
The enclosure is selected depending upon the environment and cooling method in which the
motor will be operated. The application environment will determine the degree of protection for
personal safety, water, or vapors. It is the responsibility of the purchaser to specify the motor
enclosure.
IEC Designations

The national standards of Europe and

developing countries are, in general, based
on the International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC). Many of the motor
requirements in their applicable standards
are similar to those of NEMA. The IEC
standard has provided a more detailed
description of motor protection and how to
conduct tests to determine the enclosure
designation. These classifications of
degrees of protection have been included in
the 2003 version of MG-1.
Classification of Degrees of Protection
Provided by Enclosures (IP
Designations)

Table 3. Summary of IEC Code for Degree of Protection.

The IEC designation for degrees of protection

consist of the letters "I" and "P" followed by two
numerals. The first represents the enclosure's level
of protection against incidental contact with internal
components. The second defines the amount of
water ingress that the enclosure must protect. This
may be followed by a letter indicating whether the
protection was tested dynamic (S) or static (M). No
letter indicates the motor will be operational under
normal conditions to the degree of protection
designated.
Tables 3 and 4 define the IP designation system. For
example, a motor with a Degree of Protection of
IP13 would not allow accidental contact with moving
parts exceeding 1.968-in. (50-mm) and would not be
adversely affected by a spray of water up to 60-deg
Table 4. Summary of IEC Code for Methods of Cooling. from vertical. IP designations with first numerals 4 or
higher are typically used when describing totally
enclosed machines.
Guards must also protect external fans to the degree of the motor enclosure and are tested in a
similar manner. For motors with an IP3x or IP4x enclosure that will be operated with open drain

holes, the drain hole may comply with the IP2x protection requirements. For motors with an IP5x
enclosure that will be operated with open
drain holes, the drain hole may comply with
the IP4x protection requirements.
Methods of Cooling (IC Designations)
Electric motors must dissipate the heat
generated within their windings in order to
operate. If a unit fails to adequately cool
itself, it can overheat and cause damage to
itself and the driven equipment. To guard
against this damage, thermal protection
devices are available that will trigger the
safe shutdown of a motor if the temperature
exceeds a predetermined maximum.

Table 5. Comparison of NEMA and IEC Protection

Designations.

There are varieties of cooling methods used in motor design. When the cooling air is drawn from
the surrounding environment, circulated
around the internal components, and
expelled back into the surroundings, the
cooling method is called an open circuit.
This type of cooling is only possible in open
enclosure motors.
Closed circuit cooling involves internal
coolant in a closed loop that passes heat to
another coolant either through the surface of
the machine or a heat exchanger. This type
of cooling is by definition associated with
totally enclosed machines since the primary
coolant remains contained within the motor.
Most motors use shaft mounted fans to
circulate air as the primary coolant. One
drawback of this approach is that the
velocity at which the cooling air is circulated
decreases if the speed of the motor
decreases. This is one limitation of utilizing
Table 6. Comparison of IEC and NEMA Cooling
an adjustable speed drive with a standard
Designations.
motor not specifically designed for use with
these drives. In some applications, a
constant velocity of air is necessary. In these cases, separately powered fans are often employed
to deliver a regular velocity of air regardless of the motor's rotational speed.

Although air is the most common fluid used as primary and/or secondary coolant in electric motor
design, units can be built using other cooling media such as refrigerant, hydrogen, nitrogen,
carbon dioxide, water, and oil.
Although the IEC classifications are included in the NEMA MG-1 standard, industry is
accustomed to the descriptive definitions for protection and cooling, not the more defined degrees
of classification provided by IEC. Tables 5 and 6 provide a comparative guideline for protection
and cooling between the two standards.
Within the IEC, a short and complete code exists for designating the cooling method. It is typically
preferred to use the short code for the cooling designation, and the complete code is intended for
use when the short code is not applicable for the equipment or application.
Enclosures for Hazardous Applications
Some motors are designed and approved to meet Underwriters Laboratories or Canadian
Standards Association (CSA) standards for use in the hazardous (explosive) locations, shown by
a designating label on the motor. The motor purchaser or user must specify the explosion proof
motor classification required prior to purchase. There are two divisions. Division 1 is a location in
which hazardous materials are present in the atmosphere under normal operating conditions.
Division 2 is a location in which the atmosphere may become hazardous as the result of some
abnormal condition.
The locations are considered hazardous because the atmosphere contains or may contain gas,
vapor, or dust in quantities that may cause an explosion. Once the location is defined as
hazardous, the location is further defined by the class and group of the hazard. The National
Electrical Code (NEC) divides these locations into classes and groups according to the type of
hazardous agent. The following list has some of the agents in each classification. See Article 500
of the National Electrical Code for a complete list.
Class I (Gases, Vapors)

Group A: Acetylene

Group B: Butadiene, ethylene oxide, hydrogen, propylene oxide

Group C: Acetaldehyde, cyclopropane, diethlether, ethylene, isoprene

Group D: Acetone, acrylonitrile, ammonia, benzene, butane, ethylene dichloride,

gasoline, hexane, methane, methanol, naphtha, propane, propylene, styrene, toluene,
vinyl acetate, vinyl chloride, xylene

Class II (Combustible Dusts)

Group E: Aluminum, magnesium and other metal dusts with similar characteristics

Group F: Carbon black, coke or coal dust

Group G: Flour, starch or grain dust

A new European directive, called the ATEX (ATmospheres EXplosibles) directive, became
effective July 2003. The directive, (94/9/EC), deals with electrical, mechanical, hydraulic or
pneumatic equipment in areas exposed to explosive atmosphere and is only valid in the EU area.
For a common and increased awareness of safety in these risk areas, manufacturers of this type
of equipment have to comply with the basic safety requirements stated in the new directive.
The safety requirements in the ATEX directive imply that pumps and motors have to carry a clear
indication of the equipment group and category in which they belong and in what areas they can
be used. The ATEX directive affects a wide range of industries, dealing with the handling of
combustible dust - such as cereals, animal feed, paper and wood - and industries that generate
explosive gases, such as chemicals, plastics and petroleum.
Other Industry Enclosure Designations
The applications in which motors are applied may require more physical design features than the
NEMA standards provide. The motor industry has provided other advanced enclosure and motor
descriptions that meet the needs of the market. Some of these are described in general below.
Most motor manufacturers have branded descriptions of these general descriptions.
Corrosion duty
Industries with aggressive environments, such as high humidity or corrosive; additional enclosure
features are required for extended protection. These motors are typically TEFC and have a
degree of protection of IP54 via the use of a rotating shaft slinger. A higher degree of protection
via the use of bearing isolator(s) is also available. Rotating slingers are provided to minimize
entrance of moisture and contaminants into the bearing chamber. Condensation drain holes are
provided at the low points in the end brackets and are supplied with corrosion resistant breather
drain plugs. All fastening hardware is grade 5, zinc or cadmium plated. Motor cast iron
components are typically oxide primed and painted with vinyl-phenolic paint or other chemical
resistant paint. This coating is chemical solvent, salt water and acid resistant. Motor nameplate is
stainless steel.
Automotive duty
The major motor manufacturers have developed expanded motor specifications that meet the
requirements of the manufacturing environment. The frame size ("U" frame) is a previously used
NEMA designation indicating frame size and dimension (prior to 1965 the standard frame sizes
per horsepower rating).

Ford Spec EM1-1996 - TEFC motors, which meets IEEE 841 frame, conduit box, paint
and nameplate requirements.
GM Spec 7E-1970 - TEFC motors, cast iron frame and end brackets, steel or iron t-box
with lead separator and gasket, shaft slinger.

Marine duty
For use on ships, a standard exists (IEEE-45) for motor drivers.

Above Deck (waterproof): A motor with corrosion duty construction with a shaft slinger on
the opposite pulley end. Frame surface under conduit box base must be flat to ensure full
gasket fit and prevent water entry.
Below Deck: Corrosion treatment - consisting of anti-rust compounds on metal to metal
fits, plated hardware, epoxy painted aluminum parts and air deflectors, stainless steel
nameplate, resin and hardener or equivalent on rotor.

IEEE-841 standard - 1994

These motors are a cast iron, heavy duty, industrial design motor, intended for the chemical and
petroleum industries. Other industries, such as mining, food processing, pulp and paper, marine
and automotive industries also consider this construction because of the heavy-duty, reliable,
energy efficient design.
The motors are TEFC and have a degree of protection of IP55 on 143 to 5811 frames. Motor
bearings have a degree of protection of IP55 via the use of a non-contact bearing isolator for
motors with a 324 frame or larger. Corrosion resistant hardware is also used. ASTM B117-90,
Test Method of Salt Spray (Fog) Testing, is completed to confirm protection. The enclosure is allcast iron construction with epoxy paint. It must also be noted that the efficiency of this design
exceeds Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct) requirements but is below the NEMA Premium levels.
Food and beverage duty
Depending upon the specific food or beverage industry, specific enclosures and motor designs
may be required because of food contamination concerns or cleaning procedures.

U.S.D.A. Specifications - The requirements for motors involves the paints, primers and
sealants; must be U.S.D.A. approved.
Wash down duty - Because of the cleaning procedures required in most food and
beverage plants, all equipment could be washed down with high pressure, cleaning
water. Motors with enclosure features beyond TEFC are typically required.
o Basic features - TEFC motor with USDA-approved, white epoxy paint.
o Medium features - Stainless steel frame; specially processed endbells.
o Advanced features - All exterior surfaces stainless steel, including shaft, with
IEEE-841 severe-duty features; o-ring endbell seals. (May also be described as
"dirty duty.")

Aggregate industry/quarry duty motors

Motors used in the aggregate or quarry industry are in a very dirty, abrasive environment. The

motors are typically all-cast iron construction with larger frames with roller bearings.
Cooling tower motors
Motors in an environment near a cooling tower can see much moisture, in the form of a spray or
mist. These motors are all-cast iron construction, salt-spray tested, with corrosion resistant
nameplate and hardware, and slinger seals. ANSI/API 661 Air-Cooled Heat Exchangers for
General Refinery Services provides some motor design requirements for this difficult service.
American Petroleum Institute
The American Petroleum Institute (API) has developed two standards for induction motors for use
in general-purpose petroleum, chemical and other industrial severe duty applications:
1. API 541 - Form-Wound Squirrel Cage Induction Motors
This standard provides minimum requirements for large, all form-wound squirrel cage induction
motors, 500-hp and larger. Typically this standard is used in refinery services where:

The service is critical.

The motor is larger than 3000-hp (2250-kW) for speeds 1800-rpm and below.

The motor is rated 800-hp (600-kW) or greater for two-pole (3000-gpm or 3600-rpm)
machines of totally-enclosed construction, or rated 1250-hp (930-kW) or greater for twopole machines of open or guarded construction (including machines with WP-I or WP-II
type enclosures).
The motor drives a high-inertia load (in excess of the load Wk2 listed in NEMA MG-1 Part
20).
The motor uses an adjustable speed drive as a source of power.

The machine is an induction generator.

The motor is a vertical machine rated 500-hp (375-kW) or greater.

The machine operates in abnormally hostile environments.

2. API 547 - General-purpose Form-wound Squirrel Cage Induction Motors, 250-hp and
larger
This standard provides minimum requirements for form-wound squirrel cage induction motors that
are used in general-purpose petroleum, chemical and other industrial severe duty applications.
For motors larger than that described and motors in other applications, they should be specified
in accordance with API Standard 541. It is recommended that API Standard 547 is applied to
motors that have the following characteristics:

Rated 250-hp (185-kW) through 3000-hp (2250-kW) for 4, 6 and 8 pole speeds.

Rated less than 800-hp (600-kW) for two-pole (3000-rpm or 3600-rpm) motors of totallyenclosed construction.

Rated less than 1250-hp (930-kW) for two-pole motors of WP-II type enclosures.

Drive centrifugal loads.

Drive loads having inertia values within those listed in NEMA MG 1 Part 20.

Are not induction generators.

Other Issues
Motor noise coming from motors is caused by a number of variables, including the type of
enclosure and cooling, motor power size, speed, and load conditions.
For totally enclosed motors utilizing fans for cooling, the air turbulence produced by the cooling
fan can create the greatest amount of noise, especially at 2-pole speeds. As larger motors may
require higher cooling, larger cooling fans are required, developing greater air flow and more
noise. As motor speeds are decreased, less air turbulence is created, which can reduce the noise
developed.
Other external methods of noise reductions can be used. External enclosures with noise
insulating material are used to reduce the noise. Although these can be effective in noise
reduction, they can impact the effectiveness of the enclosure (especially with cooling) or make
the enclosure substantially larger.
Other external factors can increase the noise that the motor produces:

On undamped baseplate mountings, motor noise can be transmitted, amplified, and

radiated by non-motor structures. A motor suspension system or cushioned mounting can
be added to the installation to reduce noise and vibration.
The physical design of internal motor components, such as the rotor and laminations, can
also affect the amount of noise and vibration produced by the motor. The motor
manufacturer is responsible for their design and to minimize the noise that may be
designed in their product.
Motor noise will also be affected by the carrier frequency when controlled by a variable
frequency drive. Isolated gate bipolar transistors, designated as IGBTs, can minimize
motor noise with variable frequency drives due to their fast switching speed and higher
pulse or carrier frequency.

References

American Petroleum Institute, Washington, D.C., http://www.api.org

Joe Hillhouse, Reliance Electric Motors, "HI Drivers Spec.doc"

Leeson Electric, "Basic Training - Industrial-Duty & Commercial-Duty", 1999, Grafton,

Wisconsin
National Electrical Manufacturers Association, "NEMA Standards Publication MG 1-2003
- Motors and Generators", Rosslyn, Virginia

Andy Easton, Comparison of IEC and NEMA / IEEE Motor Standards, Hydraulic Institute

2001 Annual Meeting, Las Palmas Resort, Palm Springs, CA

HI is the largest association of pump manufacturers in North America. Hydraulic Institute, Inc., 9 Sylvan
Way, Parsippany, NJ 07054, 973-267-9700, www.pumps.org.