The following is an explanation for the use of explosion proof motor ratings and their applications:

Class
The class refers to the conditions that the equipment will be operating in. Please not that this is an environmental definition and not a motor specification. There are three defined environments: Class 1 - the presence of flammable gases, vapors, or flammable liquids Class 2 - the presence of combustible dusts Class 3 - the presence of ignitable fibers or flyings

Divisions
There are two divisions. Division 1 is a location where a flammable or combustible atmosphere is present under normal operating conditions. Division 2 is a location where a combustible atmosphere is present only under abnormal conditions.

Class/Division/Group ratings
This is one notation us in describing the working environment. In a Class/Division/Group rating, the three will be listed together. (ex: Class1, Division 1, Group C). Here are the possible ratings for class I and II: Class 1 (Vapors or gasses) Class I, Group A Atmospheres containing acetylene. Class I, Group B Atmospheres containing acrolein, butadiene, ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, hydrogen, or fuel and combustible process gases containing more than 30% hydrogen by volume. Class I, Group C Atmospheres containing ethyl ether, ethylene, or gases or vapors of equivalent hazard. Class I, Group D Atmospheres containing acetone, ammonia, benzene, butane, cyclopropane, ethanol, gasoline, hexane, methane, methanol, naphtha, propane, or gases or vapors of equivalent hazard. Class II (Combustable Dusts) Class II, Group E Atmospheres containing combustible metal dusts, including aluminum, magnesium, and their commercial alloys, or other combustible dusts whose particle size, abrasiveness, and conductivity present an equivalent hazard.

Class II, Group F Atmospheres containing carbon black, charcoal, coal or coke dusts which have more than 8% total volatile material (carbon black per ASTM D1620, charcoal, coal and coke dusts per ASTM D271), or atmospheres containing these dusts sensitized by other materials so that they present an explosion hazard. Class II, Group G Atmospheres containing combustible dusts not included in Group E or F, including flour, grain, wood, plastic and chemicals.

Zones
Instead of using divisions, zones can also be used. There are three of them: -Zone 0 is a location where an explosive or flammable atmosphere is present continuously or for long period of time. -Zone 1 is a location where the explosive or flammable atmosphere is likely to occur during normal operation. -Zone 2 is a location where the explosive or flammable atmosphere is not likely to occur in normal operation and, if it occurs, will exist for only a short time.

Class/Zone/Group ratings
This is another format of describing the environment. Typical ratings for gas groups are listed below: Class I, Group IIA Atmospheres containing acetone, ammonia, benzene, butane, ethanol, gasoline, hexane, methane, methanol, naphtha, propane, or gases or vapors of equivalent hazard. Class I, Group IIB Atmospheres containing ethyl ether, ethylene, or gases or vapors of equivalent hazard. Class I, Group IIC Atmospheres containing hydrogen, acetylene, ethyl nitrate, or gases or vapors of equivalent hazard.

Temperature Class or Enclosure Type Number

The following shows different enclosure applications and their temperature ratings:
Max. Surface Degrees F Temp. Degrees C 450 300 280 843 572 536 T-Codes Ident. Number T1 T2 T2A UL Req. for Class & Group N/A Reliance Product N/A Reliance Product Class I Group D w/cautionary label

260 230 215 200 180 165 160 160 135 120 100 85

500 446 419 392 356 329 320 320 275 248 212 185

T2B T2C T2D T3 T3A T3B T3C T3C T4 T4A T5 T6

N/A Reliance Product N/A Reliance Product Class I Group D Class II Group E & F Class I Group C w/cautionary label Class II Group G Class I Group G Class I Group C N/A Reliance Product N/A Reliance Product N/A Reliance Product N/A Reliance Product

The following table summarizes the intended uses of the various enclosure types: Enclosure Type Number 1 2 3R 3 3S 4 Provides a Degree of Protection Against the Following Environmental Conditions* Indoor use Indoor use, limited amounts of falling water Outdoor use, undamaged by the formation of ice on the enclosure** Same as 3R plus windblown dust Same as 3R plus windblown dust, external mechanisms remain operable while ice laden Outdoor use, splashing water, windblown dust, hose-directed water, undamaged by the formation of ice on the enclosure** Same as 4 plus resists corrosion Indoor use to provide a degree of protection against settling airborne dust, falling dirt, and dripping noncorrosive liquids Same as 3R plus entry of water during temporary

4X 5

submersion at a limited depth 6P 7 8 9 12, 12K 13 Same as 3R plus entry of water during prolonged submersion at a limited depth Indoor use in locations classified as Class I, Division 1, Groups A, B, C or D air-break equipment Indoor use in locations classified as Class I, Division 1, Groups A, B, C or D oil immersed equipment Indoor use in locations classified as Class II, Division 1, Groups E, F or G air-break equipment Indoor use, dust, dripping noncorrosive liquids Indoor use, dust, spraying water, oil and noncorrosive coolants

*All types of enclosures provide a degree of protection against ordinary corrosion and against accidental contact with the enclosed equipment when doors or covers are closed and in place. Explosion Proof Specifications Here are some typical call-outs for explosion proof motors and what they mean. This call outs will usually be followed by a class/division/group definition or class/zone/group definition: EEx-d Explosion proof multivoltage motors EEx-de - Explosion proof multivoltage motors with increased safety terminal box EEx-e Increased safety multivoltage motors EEx-nA Non-Sparking multivoltage motors EEx-p - Multivoltage motors for use in pressurized apparatus