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Motor Enclosures: What You Need to Know

Written by Hydraulic Institute

Pumps and Systems, February 2007

All electric motors (motors) have a housing that contains the working components of the motor. In the
U.S., the enclosure describes this housing. The enclosure should meet specific environmental
requirements for restricting foreign objects, such as water, dust, and tools, and safety requirements for
personal protection. Depending upon the extent of containment, cooling considerations add to the design
of the enclosure.

General Motor Enclosure Considerations

When selecting the correct motor enclosure, numerous considerations must be made for determining the
overall requirements of such enclosures. Fundamentally, these are governed by three major influences,
which must then be analyzed further based on specific industry and application variables. All resulting
requirements are driven by the common need to safeguard the functionality of the equipment and to
protect both personnel and environment. These considerations are summarized in Table 1.

Table 1. Influences on the selection of type and design of motor enclosures.

NEMA Standards MG 1-2003

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) provides a minimum standard for general-
purpose industrial AC alternating current squirrel-cage induction motors. This NEMA Standard is
designated as MG 1-2003. Within this standard, descriptions are provided for various classifications of
protection for motor enclosures in Section 1 - Classification According to Environmental Protection and
Methods of Cooling.

NEMA provides definitions for various motor enclosures. In general, there are two primary categories -
open and totally enclosed. An open motor has openings that allow external air to pass over and around
the motor windings that provides required cooling. Although it is not airtight, the enclosure of a totally
enclosed motor limits cooling of the windings from the external atmosphere. Motor cooling for totally
enclosed motors is typically done by some external means such as a fan or water cooling. Table 2
provides a summary of the NEMA motor enclosure definitions.

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Table 2. Common NEMA Motor Enclosures.

The enclosure is selected depending upon the environment and cooling method in which the motor will
be operated. The application environment will determine the degree of protection for personal safety,
water, or vapors. It is the responsibility of the purchaser to specify the motor enclosure.

IEC Designations

The national standards of Europe and developing countries are, in general, based on the International
Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Many of the motor requirements in their applicable standards are
similar to those of NEMA. The IEC standard has provided a more detailed description of motor
protection and how to conduct tests to determine the enclosure designation. These classifications of
degrees of protection have been included in the 2003 version of MG-1.

Classification of Degrees of Protection Provided by Enclosures (IP Designations)

The IEC designation for degrees of protection consist of the letters "I" and "P" followed by two
numerals. The first represents the enclosure's level of protection against incidental contact with internal
components. The second defines the amount of water ingress that the enclosure must protect. This may
be followed by a letter indicating whether the protection was tested dynamic (S) or static (M). No letter
indicates the motor will be operational under normal conditions to the degree of protection designated.

Tables 3 and 4 define the IP designation system. For example, a motor with a Degree of Protection of
IP13 would not allow accidental contact with moving parts exceeding 1.968-in. (50-mm) and would not
be adversely affected by a spray of water up to 60-deg from vertical. IP designations with first numerals
4 or higher are typically used when describing totally enclosed machines.

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Table 3. Summary of IEC Code for Degree of Protection.

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Table 4. Summary of IEC Code for Methods of Cooling.

Guards must also protect external fans to the degree of the motor enclosure and are tested in a similar
manner. For motors with an IP3x or IP4x enclosure that will be operated with open drain holes, the drain
hole may comply with the IP2x protection requirements. For motors with an IP5x enclosure that will be
operated with open drain holes, the drain hole may comply with the IP4x protection requirements.

Methods of Cooling (IC Designations)

Electric motors must dissipate the heat generated within their windings in order to operate. If a unit fails
to adequately cool itself, it can overheat and cause damage to itself and the driven equipment. To guard
against this damage, thermal protection devices are available that will trigger the safe shutdown of a
motor if the temperature exceeds a predetermined maximum.

There are varieties of cooling methods used in motor design. When the cooling air is drawn from the
surrounding environment, circulated around the internal components, and expelled back into the
surroundings, the cooling method is called an open circuit. This type of cooling is only possible in open
enclosure motors.

Closed circuit cooling involves internal coolant in a closed loop that passes heat to another coolant either

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through the surface of the machine or a heat exchanger. This type of cooling is by definition associated
with totally enclosed machines since the primary coolant remains contained within the motor.

Most motors use shaft mounted fans to circulate air as the primary coolant. One drawback of this
approach is that the velocity at which the cooling air is circulated decreases if the speed of the motor
decreases. This is one limitation of utilizing an adjustable speed drive with a standard motor not
specifically designed for use with these drives. In some applications, a constant velocity of air is
necessary. In these cases, separately powered fans are often employed to deliver a regular velocity of air
regardless of the motor's rotational speed.

Although air is the most common fluid used as primary and/or secondary coolant in electric motor design,
units can be built using other cooling media such as refrigerant, hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide,
water, and oil.

Although the IEC classifications are included in the NEMA MG-1 standard, industry is accustomed to
the descriptive definitions for protection and cooling, not the more defined degrees of classification
provided by IEC. Tables 5 and 6 provide a comparative guideline for protection and cooling between the
two standards.

Table 5. Comparison of NEMA and IEC Protection Designations.

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Table 6. Comparison of IEC and NEMA Cooling Designations

Within the IEC, a short and complete code exists for designating the cooling method. It is typically
preferred to use the short code for the cooling designation, and the complete code is intended for use
when the short code is not applicable for the equipment or application.

Enclosures for Hazardous Applications

Some motors are designed and approved to meet Underwriters Laboratories or Canadian Standards
Association (CSA) standards for use in the hazardous (explosive) locations, shown by a designating label
on the motor. The motor purchaser or user must specify the explosion proof motor classification required
prior to purchase. There are two divisions. Division 1 is a location in which hazardous materials are
present in the atmosphere under normal operating conditions. Division 2 is a location in which the
atmosphere may become hazardous as the result of some abnormal condition.

The locations are considered hazardous because the atmosphere contains or may contain gas, vapor, or
dust in quantities that may cause an explosion. Once the location is defined as hazardous, the location is
further defined by the class and group of the hazard. The National Electrical Code (NEC) divides these
locations into classes and groups according to the type of hazardous agent. The following list has some of
the agents in each classification. See Article 500 of the National Electrical Code for a complete list.

Class I (Gases, Vapors)

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Group A: Acetylene
Group B: Butadiene, ethylene oxide, hydrogen, propylene oxide
Group C: Acetaldehyde, cyclopropane, diethlether, ethylene, isoprene
Group D: Acetone, acrylonitrile, ammonia, benzene, butane, ethylene dichloride, gasoline, hexane,
methane, methanol, naphtha, propane, propylene, styrene, toluene, vinyl acetate, vinyl chloride,
xylene

Class II (Combustible Dusts)

Group E: Aluminum, magnesium and other metal dusts with similar characteristics
Group F: Carbon black, coke or coal dust
Group G: Flour, starch or grain dust

A new European directive, called the ATEX (ATmospheres EXplosibles) directive, became effective
July 2003. The directive, (94/9/EC), deals with electrical, mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic equipment
in areas exposed to explosive atmosphere and is only valid in the EU area. For a common and increased
awareness of safety in these risk areas, manufacturers of this type of equipment have to comply with the
basic safety requirements stated in the new directive.

The safety requirements in the ATEX directive imply that pumps and motors have to carry a clear
indication of the equipment group and category in which they belong and in what areas they can be used.
The ATEX directive affects a wide range of industries, dealing with the handling of combustible dust -
such as cereals, animal feed, paper and wood - and industries that generate explosive gases, such as
chemicals, plastics and petroleum.

Other Industry Enclosure Designations

The applications in which motors are applied may require more physical design features than the NEMA
standards provide. The motor industry has provided other advanced enclosure and motor descriptions
that meet the needs of the market. Some of these are described in general below. Most motor
manufacturers have branded descriptions of these general descriptions.

Corrosion duty

Industries with aggressive environments, such as high humidity or corrosive; additional enclosure features
are required for extended protection. These motors are typically TEFC and have a degree of protection
of IP54 via the use of a rotating shaft slinger. A higher degree of protection via the use of bearing
isolator(s) is also available. Rotating slingers are provided to minimize entrance of moisture and
contaminants into the bearing chamber. Condensation drain holes are provided at the low points in the
end brackets and are supplied with corrosion resistant breather drain plugs. All fastening hardware is
grade 5, zinc or cadmium plated. Motor cast iron components are typically oxide primed and painted with
vinyl-phenolic paint or other chemical resistant paint. This coating is chemical solvent, salt water and
acid resistant. Motor nameplate is stainless steel.

Automotive duty

The major motor manufacturers have developed expanded motor specifications that meet the
requirements of the manufacturing environment. The frame size ("U" frame) is a previously used NEMA
designation indicating frame size and dimension (prior to 1965 the standard frame sizes per horsepower
rating).

Ford Spec EM1-1996 - TEFC motors, which meets IEEE 841 frame, conduit box, paint and
nameplate requirements.

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GM Spec 7E-1970 - TEFC motors, cast iron frame and end brackets, steel or iron t-box with lead
separator and gasket, shaft slinger.

Marine duty

For use on ships, a standard exists (IEEE-45) for motor drivers.

Above Deck (waterproof): A motor with corrosion duty construction with a shaft slinger on the
opposite pulley end. Frame surface under conduit box base must be flat to ensure full gasket fit and
prevent water entry.
Below Deck: Corrosion treatment - consisting of anti-rust compounds on metal to metal fits, plated
hardware, epoxy painted aluminum parts and air deflectors, stainless steel nameplate, resin and
hardener or equivalent on rotor.

IEEE-841 standard - 1994

These motors are a cast iron, heavy duty, industrial design motor, intended for the chemical and
petroleum industries. Other industries, such as mining, food processing, pulp and paper, marine and
automotive industries also consider this construction because of the heavy-duty, reliable, energy efficient
design.

The motors are TEFC and have a degree of protection of IP55 on 143 to 5811 frames. Motor bearings
have a degree of protection of IP55 via the use of a non-contact bearing isolator for motors with a 324
frame or larger. Corrosion resistant hardware is also used. ASTM B117-90, Test Method of Salt Spray
(Fog) Testing, is completed to confirm protection. The enclosure is all-cast iron construction with epoxy
paint. It must also be noted that the efficiency of this design exceeds Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct)
requirements but is below the NEMA Premium levels.

Food and beverage duty

Depending upon the specific food or beverage industry, specific enclosures and motor designs may be
required because of food contamination concerns or cleaning procedures.

U.S.D.A. Specifications - The requirements for motors involves the paints, primers and sealants;
must be U.S.D.A. approved.
Wash down duty - Because of the cleaning procedures required in most food and beverage plants,
all equipment could be washed down with high pressure, cleaning water. Motors with enclosure
features beyond TEFC are typically required.
Basic features - TEFC motor with USDA-approved, white epoxy paint.
Medium features - Stainless steel frame; specially processed endbells.
Advanced features - All exterior surfaces stainless steel, including shaft, with IEEE-841
severe-duty features; o-ring endbell seals. (May also be described as "dirty duty.")

Aggregate industry/quarry duty motors

Motors used in the aggregate or quarry industry are in a very dirty, abrasive environment. The motors are
typically all-cast iron construction with larger frames with roller bearings.

Cooling tower motors

Motors in an environment near a cooling tower can see much moisture, in the form of a spray or mist.
These motors are all-cast iron construction, salt-spray tested, with corrosion resistant nameplate and
hardware, and slinger seals. ANSI/API 661 Air-Cooled Heat Exchangers for General Refinery Services
provides some motor design requirements for this difficult service.

American Petroleum Institute

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The American Petroleum Institute (API) has developed two standards for induction motors for use in
general-purpose petroleum, chemical and other industrial severe duty applications:

1. API 541 - Form-Wound Squirrel Cage Induction Motors

This standard provides minimum requirements for large, all form-wound squirrel cage induction motors,
500-hp and larger. Typically this standard is used in refinery services where:

The service is critical.

The motor is larger than 3000-hp (2250-kW) for speeds 1800-rpm and below.
The motor is rated 800-hp (600-kW) or greater for two-pole (3000-gpm or 3600-rpm) machines of
totally-enclosed construction, or rated 1250-hp (930-kW) or greater for two-pole machines of open
or guarded construction (including machines with WP-I or WP-II type enclosures).
The motor drives a high-inertia load (in excess of the load Wk2 listed in NEMA MG-1 Part 20).
The motor uses an adjustable speed drive as a source of power.
The machine is an induction generator.
The motor is a vertical machine rated 500-hp (375-kW) or greater.
The machine operates in abnormally hostile environments.

2. API 547 - General-purpose Form-wound Squirrel Cage Induction Motors, 250-hp and larger

This standard provides minimum requirements for form-wound squirrel cage induction motors that are
used in general-purpose petroleum, chemical and other industrial severe duty applications. For motors
larger than that described and motors in other applications, they should be specified in accordance with
API Standard 541. It is recommended that API Standard 547 is applied to motors that have the following
characteristics:

Rated 250-hp (185-kW) through 3000-hp (2250-kW) for 4, 6 and 8 pole speeds.
Rated less than 800-hp (600-kW) for two-pole (3000-rpm or 3600-rpm) motors of totally-enclosed
construction.
Rated less than 1250-hp (930-kW) for two-pole motors of WP-II type enclosures.
Drive centrifugal loads.
Drive loads having inertia values within those listed in NEMA MG 1 Part 20.
Are not induction generators.

Other Issues

Motor noise coming from motors is caused by a number of variables, including the type of enclosure and
cooling, motor power size, speed, and load conditions.

For totally enclosed motors utilizing fans for cooling, the air turbulence produced by the cooling fan can
create the greatest amount of noise, especially at 2-pole speeds. As larger motors may require higher
cooling, larger cooling fans are required, developing greater air flow and more noise. As motor speeds are
decreased, less air turbulence is created, which can reduce the noise developed.

Other external methods of noise reductions can be used. External enclosures with noise insulating
material are used to reduce the noise. Although these can be effective in noise reduction, they can impact
the effectiveness of the enclosure (especially with cooling) or make the enclosure substantially larger.

Other external factors can increase the noise that the motor produces:

· On undamped baseplate mountings, motor noise can be transmitted, amplified, and radiated by
non-motor structures. A motor suspension system or cushioned mounting can be added to the installation
to reduced noise and vibration.

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The physical design of internal motor components, such as the rotor and laminations, can also
affect the amount of noise and vibration produced by the motor. The motor manufacturer is
responsible for their design and to minimize the noise that may be designed in their product.
Motor noise will also be affected by the carrier frequency when controlled by a variable frequency
drive. Isolated gate bipolar transistors, designated as IGBTs, can minimize motor noise with
variable frequency drives due to their fast switching speed and higher pulse or carrier frequency.

References

American Petroleum Institute, Washington, D.C., http://www.api.org

Joe Hillhouse, Reliance Electric Motors, "HI Drivers Spec.doc"
Leeson Electric, "Basic Training - Industrial-Duty & Commercial-Duty", 1999, Grafton, Wisconsin
National Electrical Manufacturers Association, "NEMA Standards Publication MG 1-2003 -
Motors and Generators", Rosslyn, Virginia
Andy Easton, Comparison of IEC and NEMA / IEEE Motor Standards, Hydraulic Institute 2001
Annual Meeting, Las Palmas Resort, Palm Springs, CA

HI is the largest association of pump manufacturers in North America. Hydraulic Institute, Inc., 9
Sylvan Way, Parsippany, NJ 07054, 973-267-9700, www.pumps.org.
Tags: February 2007 Issue , Motors

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