At the recent Hannover Fair, WEG unveiled a range of IE2 and IE3 motors for use in hazardous areas, even though the IE efficiency standards do not cover motors for these duties. The company argues that even though minimum levels of efficiency are not mandatory in hazardous applications, the W22X motors will provide a good return-on-investment because their cost premium is relatively small.

The low-noise motors, which span ratings from 0.75kW to 1MW, are available for low-, medium- and high-voltage supplies, and offer either Ex d or Ex d(e) flameproof protection. The two-, four-, six- and eight-pole machines come in frame sizes up to 500.

They are CE-marked in compliance with the Atex directive and are classified as for Group I (mines) and Group 11 (surface industries), for gases Group llB and IIC. They are suitable for use in Zone 1 (gases and vapours) and Zone 21 (gases, vapours and dust).

The advantage of dual certification for gas and dust is that it results in a modular, flexible, range which cuts inventory costs by allowing a common motor frame to be used with different types and sizes of terminal box.