11/29/2017 Locate IP Rating and Explosion Proof Ratings I March Pump | March Pump | March Manufacturing Inc.

How to Locate a Pump Motor IP Rating

& Explosion Proof Rating
Posted: 10/21/2014 Back

When selecting the appropriate motor for your industrial needs, it is of utmost
important that the motor you choose suits the environment and working conditions of
your facility. The motor you select must protect your assets and staff from explosion or
intrusion into the body. It must also be able to perform its duties consistently and
efficiently, while still fitting within your budget.

International governing bodies have developed grading systems to help companies

properly select machinery that fits their needs. There are several categories that
companies must understand in order to properly select their motors. In order to help
you better navigate the complexities of these systems, we have broken down the data
and classifications of motor IP ratings and explosion proof ratings below.

IP Ratings

IP ratings, or otherwise known as the International Protection Marking, are the

components of the classification system for the levels of protection against explosive or
combustive reactions in electrical enclosures. This system is overseen by the
International Electro-technical Commission (IEC).

These ratings are based on the following factors:

- Solid particle protection

- Liquid ingress protection

Solid particle protection is defined as the level of protection that the motor
enclosure provides against access to hazardous machine parts such as moving parts
and electrical components. The ratings for this go from 0 to 6. Refer to the table below
for details on each:

http://www.marchpump.com/blog/locate-pump-motor-explosion-rating/ 1/5
11/29/2017 Locate IP Rating and Explosion Proof Ratings I March Pump | March Pump | March Manufacturing Inc.

Liquid ingress protection is defined as the level of protection against the entrance of
water into the motor. This is especially useful in the case of our line of pumps, as
many of our products are used in liquid applications. Refer to the table below.

How to Read an IP Rating

Using a combination of the ratings in the tables above, IP ratings are designed to fully
exhibit a motor's protection levels.

For example, a rating like IP67 means that the enclosure is "dust tight," with complete
protection against contact, and also is able to be immersed in 1m of water for up to 30
minutes.

This simple system allows decision-makers to locate their needs quickly and easily.

Explosion Proof Ratings

These ratings are designed to classify the hazard levels of working environments and
the different motor features available. In order to better understand this concept, we
will go into detail on the levels of complexity of this rating system.

There are four components to this grading system: class, division, group and
autoignition temperature. Let us explain each:

Classes

There are 3 classes of hazardous locations based on material present.

http://www.marchpump.com/blog/locate-pump-motor-explosion-rating/ 2/5
11/29/2017 Locate IP Rating and Explosion Proof Ratings I March Pump | March Pump | March Manufacturing Inc.

Class I - flammable gases or vapors that pose risk of explosion

Example: Petroleum processing

Class II - dust that is electrically conductive or explosive when mixed with air

Example: Aluminum, magnesium, flour

Class III - ignitable filings

Example: Textiles

Divisions

There are 2 types of divisions in this system. These describe conditions under which
materials are present.

Division I - an explosive or ignitable material is present under normal operating

conditions

- Explosive materials are routinely exposed to the atmosphere

Division 2 - Hazardous materials are handled only under abnormal conditions such as a
containment failures or leaks

Groups

There are several groups that describe the behavior of the materials after ignition.

The groups A, B, C and D are used in Class I while Groups E, F, G are used in Class II
motors. See the descriptions in the chart below:

http://www.marchpump.com/blog/locate-pump-motor-explosion-rating/ 3/5
11/29/2017 Locate IP Rating and Explosion Proof Ratings I March Pump | March Pump | March Manufacturing Inc.

Autoignition Temperature

This factor is the minimum temperature for a chemical to ignite spontaneously.

March Pump carries Class I/Division I motors for several series of pumps, which are
labeled as explosion proof pumps.

These types of motors are designed to withstand the harshest conditions. Here are
their most important characteristics:

- Constructed so that it will contain an internal explosion without dismantling

- Constructed so that any hot gases that escape exit through specially designed flame
paths, which quench the flames and cools down the temperature to prevent further

http://www.marchpump.com/blog/locate-pump-motor-explosion-rating/ 4/5
11/29/2017 Locate IP Rating and Explosion Proof Ratings I March Pump | March Pump | March Manufacturing Inc.

explosion
- Must not develop surface temperatures hot enough to cause ignition of gases outside
of the motor. This is referred to as its T-code. Manufacturers must supply these motors
with nameplates that clearly display the class and groups for which the explosion proof
motor is appropriate.

The other type of motor designation is Class I / Division 2. These differ from the first
class motors in that the minimum requirements are less stringent.

- Dust-ignition proof
- Enclosure of the motor is designed to exclude hazardous materials
- Surface temperature must be maintained

These motors are used on other types of applications based on need. The important
distinction to make is how each motor will perform based on your particular facility and
needs.

The March Pump Engineering Solution

Our engineers have decades of experience designing and creating industrial pumps
that suit the needs of our valued customers. March stocks different types of non-
explosion proof motors and explosion proof motors but it is important to note March
can get whatever is needed by the customer.

For example, explosion-proof motors protect against flammable gasses, dust and
filings. The conditions in your facility may require a particular motor design. If the
liquid is flammable or explosive, contact March Pump to review the application. We can
then determine if may not be appropriate for a March Pump, even with an Explosion
Proof Motor.

You can learn more about our work here.

By using the information above, you can make a better decision on the types of motors
you require. Your wise investment will prevent against safety issues, increase your
efficiency and benefit your bottom line.

Select Language
Powered by Translate

http://www.marchpump.com/blog/locate-pump-motor-explosion-rating/ 5/5