Motors of explosive gas atmosphere: Selection-installation-inspection-maintenance following IEC standards

Electric motors are widely used in the industrial field and make major contributions in every sector of industry. They are the working horse power of today's industrialization. These motors are designed for the global environment following safety rules established by various recognized local and international authorities. Motors used in the oil and gas industry require special consideration with respect to selection, installation, and maintenance. They are the motors with extra protection incorporated in order to operate safely in various explosive gas atmospheres such as the Zone 1, Zone 2 locations common in the oil & gas industry. The types of protections and their designations can be complicated during selection process for the particular hazardous location. The motors if selected correctly, but not installed properly, could create problem in the field. The long, safe, operation of these motors is critical and may require special attention during maintenance cycles. The authors are members of the IEC working group for rotating machines in explosive atmospheres, and would like to clarify the selection-installation and maintenance aspect of motors installed in the oil & gas industry when following IEC standards.