Flameproof motor?

[omegadave]

Hi

does anyone know if a flame proof motor is required to be blue in colour, ?

is it stated in EN 60079-0 ?

thanks

 

[EEIre]

This is not a requirement of EN60079-0

 

[omegadave]

seanmx

thanks for reply

ok not part of standard, but has using blue become an industry practice for equipment in hazardous areas ?

thanks

 

[EEIre]

Blue is a standard colour for IS cables and blue if often used for colour coding intrinsically safe items.

It is common to see a variety of different colours for Ex motors - From memory I can think of examples of green, grey, orange and blue.

ABB's standard colour is blue:

http://www.abb.ie/product/us/9AAC169445.aspx?country=IE

as are Brooks

http://www.brookcrompton.com/pages/products2.asp?ID=eexd

So it is very common to see Ex blue motors

 

[omegadave]

seanmx

many thanks for detailed reply

we had a customer who had their rig painted white over the EExd motor, the inspector now says it will not pass Atex inspection, invalidating flame paths ect..

 

[FreddyNurk]

I've seen different colours for different compliance methods for EX certification. I've seen yellow and brown for two different classes (EXn and EXd from memory) so there must be some relation in terms of colour versus compliance.

There are quite a few ways to invalidate the EX compliance as well, doing maintenance on motors outside an accredited EX shop is a good one.

 

[lavurk]

Dear Sir,

There is no colour code for explosion proof Motors

Thanks,

 

[ScottyUK]

Dave,

The inspector is incorrect regarding a requirement for the colour to be blue, but probably is correct regarding painting over flamepaths unless it has been done with care.


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If we learn from our mistakes I'm getting a great education!

 

[EEIre]

As well as impacting on flame paths painting an ex-motor may impact the temperature classification of the motor.

 

[Bilegan]

A flameproof EEx "d" motor suitable for Class I, Zone 0 must not permit ESCAPE to the outside atmosphere of any flame or hot gas that could ignite the surrounding atmosphere.

Painting over the whole motor enclosure of any color will not restrict to pass ATEX inspection. No industry codes and standards that will restrict you to use any color of the paint.

The ambient air of the atmosphere will affect the temperature classification of the motor, NOT the paint.

Regards,
Bilegan

Murphy's Law - If anything can go wrong..it will.