AC Motor Selection and Application Guide

This article provides criteria for selecting ac motors. Main keywords for this article are AC Motor Selection, Electric Motor Selection Chart, Motor Selection Guide, Enclosure Types and Cooling Methods, Squirrel Cage Induction Motors.

Motor Selection Guide, Enclosure Types and Cooling Methods, Squirrel Cage Induction Motors

AC Motor Selection and Application Guide

References

Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
841 Standard for Petroleum and Chemical Industry – Severe Duty Totally Enclosed Fan-Cooled (TEFC) Squirrel-Cage Induction Motors – Up to and Including 500 hp
National Electrical Manufacturer’s Association (NEMA)
MG 1 Motors and Generators
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
70 National Electrical Code (NEC)

Motor Selection Guide

Electric Motor Selection Chart

Main keywords for this article are AC Motor Selection, Electric Motor Selection Chart, Motor Selection Guide, Enclosure Types and Cooling Methods, Squirrel Cage Induction Motors.

Motor enclosures can be classified as either open, totally enclosed, Weather-protected Type I (WP-I) or weather-protected Type II (WP-II) enclosures. Totally enclosed enclosures commonly used are totally enclosed non-ventilated (TENV) enclosures, used for some small fractional horsepower motors; totally enclosed fan-cooled (TEFC) enclosures, used for most NEMA frame motors and some large motors; and explosion-proof enclosures, used for all motors in Class I, Division 1 locations. Tables I and II show types of motor enclosures recommended in various environmental conditions.

Environmental Conditions

Non-hazardous Locations

Environments that are considered by NFPA 70 to be non-hazardous may have conditions that  damage motors and other electrical equipment. Non-hazardous locations may be classified as general-purpose (clean or dirty), dusty (non-hazardous), damp and wet, and corrosive. Moisture can enter a motor as a result of area activity or as rain, or it can enter as condensation when the motor is shut down. Even with a totally enclosed motor, the combination of humid conditions and  rapid temperature changes can cause a breathing action that results in condensation of moisture inside the motor enclosure. Oil can enter a motor from bearing leakage. Moisture, dirt, oil, and corrosive chemicals can be drawn into a motor with ventilating air from the surrounding atmosphere.

Contamination can cause both electrical and mechanical failures. Moisture, if allowed to accumulate, can lower insulation resistance and corrode interior surfaces. Ordinary dirt can absorb moisture and keep it in contact with winding insulation. Oil softens and damages protective finishes and enables dirt to cling to surfaces. Abrasive dirt, for example pigments, cement, coal, and coke can wear through winding insulation. Conducting dirt collects on winding insulation surfaces and works into minute cracks, reducing insulation resistance. Chemical deposits can attack winding varnish films and motor structural parts. Chemicals penetrate winding insulation and, in the presence of moisture, form a  conducting electrolyte, which can cause winding failure. Dirt and foreign objects can become entangled in  rotating parts or block ventilating passages and cause overheating. Moisture, dirt, and chemicals can contaminate bearing lubricant. Main keywords for this article are AC Motor Selection, Electric Motor Selection Chart, Motor Selection Guide, Enclosure Types and Cooling Methods, Squirrel Cage Induction Motors.

Hazardous (Classified) Locations

Electrical installations are potential ignition sources.

Class I (Flammable and Combustible Gases, Vapors and Liquids) locations have flammable and combustible gases, vapors and liquids. Class I is divided into Group A (acetylene), Group B (materials, for example hydrogen and manufactured gas), Group C (materials, for example ethyl ether vapor, ethylene, and cyclopropane), and Group D (materials, for example gasoline, hexane, naphtha, benzene, butane, propane, alcohol, acetone, lacquer solvent, and natural gas). See NFPA 70, 500-5(a) and 500-7. 
a. Division 1 locations can have ignitable concentrations of gases or vapors present under normal conditions.
b. Division 2 locations can have ignitable concentrations of gases or vapors present only under abnormal conditions.

Class II (Combustible Dusts) locations have combustible dusts. Class II is divided into Group E (combustible metal dusts, for example aluminum, magnesium, and their alloys, and combustible dusts with similar properties), Group F (combustible carbonaceous dusts, for example coal, carbon black, charcoal,  and coke), and Group G (combustible dusts, for example flour, grain, wood, plastic, and chemicals). See NFPA 70, 500-5(b) and 500-8.
a. Division 1 locations have combustible dusts that present a hazard under normal conditions. Locations where Group E dusts are present in hazardous quantities are always Division 1.
b. Division 2 locations have combustible dusts that present a hazard only under abnormal conditions.

Class III (Easily Ignitable Fibers or Flyings) locations have easily ignitable fibers or flyings. See NFPA 70, 500-9.
a. Division 1 locations are those where easily ignitable fibers or materials producing combustible flyings are handled, manufactured, or used.
b. Division 2 locations are those where easily ignitable fibers are stored or handled.

See NFPA 70, 505 for alternate classification system.

Enclosure Types and Cooling Methods

Open Machine

See NEMA MG 1. An open machine has ventilating openings that permit passage of external cooling air over and around the windings of the machine. When this term is used for large apparatus without qualification, it designates a machine having no restriction to ventilation other than that necessitated by mechanical construction. A ‘machine’ can be either a motor or a generator. An open motor does not perform well in described environmental conditions.

Drip proof (ODP). ODP MG1-1.25.1 is an open machine in which the ventilating openings are so constructed that successful operation is not affected when drops of liquid or solid particles strike or enter the enclosure at any angle from 0 to 15 ° downward from the vertical.

Splash-proof. A splash-proof machine MG1-1.25.2 is an open machine in which the ventilating openings are so constructed that successful operation is not affected when drops of liquid or solid particles strike or enter the enclosure at any angle not greater than 100° downward from the vertical. 

Semi-guarded. A semi-guarded machine MG1-1.25.3 is an open machine in which part of the ventilating openings in the machine, usually in the top half, are guarded as in a guarded machine, but the others are left open.

Guarded. A guarded machine MG1-1.25.4 is an open machine in which all openings giving direct access to live metal or rotating parts (except smooth rotating surfaces) are limited in size by the structural parts or by screens, baffles, grills, expanded metal, or other means to prevent accidental contact with hazardous parts.

Dripproof Guarded. A dripproof guarded machine MG1-1.25.5 is a dripproof machine whose ventilating openings are guarded in accordance with 5.1.4.

Open Externally Ventilated. An open externally ventilated machine MG1-1.25.6 is one that is ventilated by means of a separate machine-driven blower mounted on the machine enclosure. This machine is sometimes known as a blower-ventilated or a force-ventilated machine.

Open Pipe-Ventilated. An open pipe-ventilated machine MG1-1.25.7 is an open machine except that openings for the admission of the ventilating air are so arranged that inlet ducts or pipes can be connected to them. Open pipe-ventilated machines can be self-ventilated (air circulated by means integral with the machine) or force-ventilated (air circulated by means external to and not a part of the machine).

Totally Enclosed Machine

NEMA MG 1 defines a totally enclosed machine as one so enclosed as to prevent the free exchange of air between the inside and the outside of the case but not sufficiently enclosed to be termed airtight.

  • Totally Enclosed Nonventilated (TENV). TENV machine MG1-1.26.1 is a totally enclosed machine  that is not equipped for cooling by means external to the enclosing parts. TENV enclosures are generally suitable only for small motors.
  • Totally Enclosed Fan-Cooled (TEFC). TEFC machine MG1-1.26.2 is a totally enclosed machine that is equipped for external cooling by means of a fan or fans integral with the machine but external to the enclosing parts.
  • Explosion-Proof. MG1-1.26.3 is a totally enclosed machine whose enclosure is designed and constructed to withstand an explosion of a specified gas or vapor which may occur within it and to prevent the ignition of the specified gas or vapor surrounding the machine by sparks, flashes, or explosions of the specified gas or vapor which may occur within the machine casing.
  • Dust-Ignition-Proof. A dust-ignition-proof machine MG1-1.26.4 is a totally enclosed machine whose enclosure is designed and constructed to exclude ignitable amounts of dust or amounts which might affect performance or rating, and which will not permit arcs, sparks, or heat otherwise generated or liberated inside the enclosure to cause ignition of exterior accumulations or atmospheric suspensions of a specific dust on or in the vicinity of the enclosure.
  • Waterproof. A waterproof machine MG1-1.26.5 is a totally enclosed machine so constructed that it will exclude water applied in the form of a stream from a hose, except that leakage may occur around the shaft provided it is prevented from entering the oil reservoir and provision is made for automatically draining the machine. The principal applications of waterproof motors are dairies, food cleaning and processing plants (particularly canneries), exposed docks and piers, and on-deck marine installations.
  • Totally Enclosed Pipe-Ventilated. A totally enclosed pipe-ventilated machine MG1-1.26.6 has openings arranged so that when inlet and outlet ducts or pipes are connected to them there is no free exchange of internal air and air outside the case. Totally enclosed pipe-ventilated machines can be self-ventilated (air circulated by means integral with the machine) or force-ventilated (air circulated by means external to and not a part of the machine).
  • Totally Enclosed Water-Cooled. A MG1-1.26.7 machine is a totally enclosed machine cooled by circulating water, the water or water conductors coming in direct contact with the machine parts.
  • Totally Enclosed Water-Air-Cooled (TEWAC). A MG1-1.26.8 machine is a totally enclosed machine cooled by circulating air which, in turn, is cooled by circulating water. It is provided with a water-cooled heat exchanger for cooling internal air and a fan or fans, integral with the machine shaft or separate, for  circulating internal air. This type of enclosure is sometimes called closed-air cooling water (CACW).
  • Totally Enclosed Air-to-Air-Cooled (TEAAC). A MG1-1.26.9 machine is a totally enclosed machine cooled by circulating internal air through a heat exchanger which, in turn, is cooled by circulating external air. It is provided with an air-to-air heat exchanger for cooling internal air, a fan or fans for circulating internal air, and a fan or fans external to the enclosure for circulating external air. Fans can be integral with the rotor shaft or separate. This type of enclosure is also called totally enclosed, tube-cooled (TETC).
  • Totally Enclosed Fan-Cooled Guarded. A MG1-1.26.10 machine is a totally enclosed fan-cooled machine in which all openings giving direct access to the fan are limited in size by the design of the structural parts, screens, grills or expanded metal to prevent accidental contact with the fan.
  • Totally Enclosed Air-Over (TEAO). A MG1-1.26.11 machine is a totally enclosed machine intended for exterior cooling by a ventilating means external to the machine. TEAO motors are sometimes used for fan and blower applications where the air being moved passes directly over the motor frame to cool the motor.

Encapsulated or Sealed Windings

Both open and totally enclosed machines can be built with encapsulated or sealed windings.

  • Machine with Moisture Resistant Windings. A machine with moisture resistant windings MG1-1.27.1 is treated such that exposure to a moist atmosphere will not readily cause malfunction.
  • Machine with Sealed Windings. A MG1-1.27.2 machine has an insulation system which, through the use of materials, processes, or a combination of materials and processes, results in windings and connections that are sealed against contaminants.

Squirrel Cage Induction Motors

Squirrel Cage Induction Motor Working Principle

Main keywords for this article are AC Motor Selection, Electric Motor Selection Chart, Motor Selection Guide, Enclosure Types and Cooling Methods, Squirrel Cage Induction Motors.

NEMA Frame Motors

NEMA frame squirrel-cage induction motors, 150 kW and below shall conform to Induction Motors Design Requirements below 150 kW in Plants and as  follows:

TEFC Enclosures. Most motors in accordance with Induction Motors Design Requirements below 150 kW in Plants , Induction Motors Design Requirements Above 150 kW in Plants and IEEE 841 have totally enclosed fan-cooled (TEFC) enclosures, which are suitable for most applications, including most Class I, Division 2 applications. See Table II.

Explosion-Proof enclosures shall be required for Class I, Division 1 locations. See Table II .

Small Motors (56 Frame)

Explosion-proof enclosures are required for single-phase motors in Class I, Division 2 locations and for all motors in Class I, Division 1 locations. Single-phase motors are not recommended for process applications. See Table II.

Large Motors (Above NEMA Frame)

Large squirrel-cage induction motors (above NEMA frame, form wound), 185 kW and larger, are specified in SES E06-S02.

WP-I and WP-II Enclosures. These shall conform to SES E06-S02. Motors with WP-I enclosures are  recommended primarily for clean, dry environments, while motors with WP-II enclosures are suitable for normal outdoor ambient conditions, including driving rainstorms. WP-I and WP-II enclosures are also suitable for most Class I, Division 2 applications. See Tables I and II . Weather-protected motors use external air for cooling, thus exposing windings and interior surfaces to high humidity and corrosive gases and vapors. Nevertheless, weather-protected motors are adapted to extremely adverse weather and corrosive conditions by using vacuum pressure impregnated (VPI) insulation on motor windings. VPI insulation systems are impervious to moisture penetration and provide excellent heat transfer capabilities.

TEFC Enclosures. Because of their high cost, large motors with totally enclosed fan-cooled (TEFC) enclosures are specified only for extremely dirty or corrosive locations. Large motors with TEFC enclosures are suitable for most Class I, Division 2 applications. See Tables I and II.

TEAAC and TEWAC Enclosures. Large motors can also be supplied with totally enclosed air-to-air-cooled (TEAAC) enclosures, sometimes called totally enclosed, tube-cooled (TETC), and totally enclosed water-air-cooled (TEWAC) enclosures, sometimes called closed-air cooling water (CACW). Manufacturers sometimes provide TEAAC (TETC) enclosures in place of TEFC enclosures in larger motor sizes.

Explosion-Proof Enclosures. These shall be required for Class I, Division 1 locations. See Table II .

Motors for Class I Hazardous Locations

The following applies to 3-phase squirrel-cage induction motors for use in Class I, Division 1 and Class I,  Division 2 locations. For other types of motors for Class I locations and for all types of motors for Class II and Class III locations. See Table II .

Motors Operating on Sine Wave Power. Class I, Division 1. For Class I, Division 1 locations, listed explosion-proof motors are required. See NFPA 70, 501-8(a). Class I, Division 2. For Class I, Division 2 locations, motors with sliding contacts, centrifugal or other types of switching mechanisms, or integral resistance devices shall be approved for Class I, Division 1 locations, unless such devices have enclosures approved for Class I, Division 2 locations. For squirrel-cage induction motors without brushes, switching mechanisms, or similar arc-producing devices (that is, non-sparking), standard TENV, TEFC, WP-I, and WP-II enclosures are permitted in Class I, Division 2 locations. Motor space heater temperatures shall not exceed 80 percent of the auto-ignition temperature (AIT) of the flammable gas or vapor, and temperatures of internal and external surfaces that may be exposed to the flammable
atmosphere shall be considered. See NFPA 70, 501-8(b). Tests have shown that the rotor surface temperature may be well above the stator temperature. The following are recommended.
a. AIT Greater Than or Equal to 335°C. For flammable gas AIT greater than or equal to 335 ° C, use a standard non-sparking motor. No special markings are required.
b. AIT Between 225 and 335 ° C. For flammable gas AIT between 225 and 335°C, use a standard non-sparking motor, and provide a nameplate specifying maximum temperature less than or equal to 200 °C.
c. AIT Less Than or Equal to 225 °C. For flammable gas AIT less than or equal to 225 °C, use a standard non-sparking motor, oversized, if necessary to obtain maximum temperature less than 90 percent of AIT, and provide a nameplate specifying maximum temperature. 

Motors Operating on Adjustable Frequency Drives. Motors operate hotter on adjustable frequency drives (AFDs) than on sine wave power, so additional precautions are required. AFDs include variable voltage input (VVI) drives, current source inverter (CSI) drives, and pulse width modulated (PWM) drives  with and without insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) technology. PWM drives have dominated the low voltage AFD market in recent years.

Class I, Division 1. A motor to be operated on an AFD in a Class I, Division 1 area shall be a listed explosion-proof motor, and it shall be tested with the specific type of AFD with which it will be used. In addition, it shall be marked for use with the specific AFD, and it shall be marked with the frequency range and load type (constant or variable torque).

 Class I, Division 2. A motor to be operated on an AFD in a Class I, Division 2 area shall be explosion-proof motor.

Internal Surface Temperatures. Conventional open and totally enclosed induction motors used in Class I, Division 2 locations with Class F insulation shall conform to Figure 1. Maximum rotor surface temperature is expected to be 300 °C under all operating conditions except failure.

Squirrel-Cage Induction Motor – Class F Insulation

AC Motor Selection, Electric Motor Selection Chart

Motor Enclosure Selection for Non-hazardous Locations

Motor Enclosure Selection for Non-hazardous Locations

Motor Enclosure Selection for Hazardous Locations

Motor Enclosure Selection for Hazardous Locations

(1) WP-I, WP-II, TENV or TEFC induction motors without arc-producing devices may be used in Class I, Division 2 locations. Motor space heater temperatures shall not exceed 80 percent of the AIT of the flammable gas or vapor, and temperatures of internal and external surfaces that may be exposed to the flammable atmosphere shall be considered. See NFPA 70, 501-8(b).
(2) TENV or TEFC motors may be used in Class II, Division 2 locations. Maximum full load external
temperatures shall be in accordance with NFPA 70, 500-5(f). See NFPA 70, 502-8(b).
(3) TENV or TEFC motors may be used in Class III, Division 1 and 2 locations. See NFPA 70, 503-6.
(4)Explosion-proof motors may not be available for all Class I, Division 1 applications.
(5) Where explosion-proof motors are not available for specific Class I, Division 1 applications, totally enclosed pipe-ventilated motors can be used, either force-ventilated with clean air or self-ventilated with inert gas. See NFPA 70, 501-8(a).
(6) Motors with arc-producing devices (for example brushes, switching mechanisms) include 3-phase synchronous motors, 3-phase wound rotor induction motors, direct current motors, and single-phase motors with starting switches.
(7)Some locations present a combination of environmental conditions, so to select suitable equipment, it may be necessary to combine minimum selections from Tables I and II.

Main keywords for this article are AC Motor Selection, Electric Motor Selection Chart, Motor Selection Guide, Enclosure Types and Cooling Methods, Squirrel Cage Induction Motors.

 

1 thought on “AC Motor Selection and Application Guide”

Leave a Comment

error: Content is Protected.