Safe and sound

Author

Guilhem, Jean-Charles

Author_Institution

ABB, Lyon

Volume

14

Issue

6

fYear

2008

Firstpage

19

Lastpage

26

Abstract

This article deals with the selection of low-voltage motors for hazardous areas when supplied by frequency converter. When the ATmosphere Explosive (ATEX) Directives were released in 2003, the only clear point was that ex motors with converter supply had to be safe. Otherwise, the requirements in relevant standards were different for the motors depending on the protection type or voltage, and also, the installation standard was adding new guidelines. In addition, each country had its own history and practices, which confuse the end users and manufacturers. These ATEX Directives are the first attempt to harmonize the rules with respect to the past and the actual installed base.

Keywords

electric motors; frequency convertors; hazardous areas; motor protection; safety; ATEX Directives; ATmosphere Explosive Directives; frequency converter; hazardous areas; installation standard; low-voltage electric motors; motor protection; safety standards; Atmosphere; Cooling; Electronics packaging; Frequency conversion; Hazardous areas; Health and safety; IEC standards; Manufacturing; Protection; Testing;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Industry Applications Magazine, IEEE

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

1077-2618

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/MIAS.2008.929339

Filename

4623735