Closure to discussion of "Flammable vapor ignition initiated by hot rotor surfaces within an induction motor: reality or not?"

In this article, the authors reaffirm the recommendations and conclusions of their original paper (see ibid., vol. 35, no. 1, p. 100-11, 1999). They do not recommend a change in the present industry practices regarding induction motor application in Division 2 locations, only that caution be exercised for those applications involving the relatively few flammable materials with autoignition temperatures (AITs) below 200/spl deg/C. Further testing, as discussed, is planned during 1999 to further determine the safe limits of induction motor operation in areas of potential low-AIT material releases.