Explosion-Proof Motors for Hazardous Areas – ATEX & IECEx
Explosion-proof electric motors for Zone 1, 2, 21 and 22: flameproof Ex db, increased safety Ex eb, non-sparking Ex ec and dust-protected Ex tb / Ex tc, from 0.035 to 18.5 kW. KJ Export is the exclusive Middle East agent of RAEL Motori Elettrici (Italy) since 2010 and supplies oil and gas, petrochemical, fuel retail and industrial projects in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain and Iraq.
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Our explosion-proof motor range
RAEL RL seriesFlameproof Ex db / Ex db ebThree-phase, single-phase, two-speed and inverter duty, frame 56–160, 0.06–18.5 kW. Includes BrakEx brake motors.
RAEL Tube seriesFor axial and duct fansLow-profile Ex db motor with rear terminal box, frame 56–71, 36–38% lower than a standard motor.
RAEL ADPEFor fuel dispensersV80 and V90 Ex db motors with relay and capacitors inside, 50/60 Hz, for dispensers and vapour recovery.
RAEL MIA / MIA1Increased safety Ex eb · non-sparking Ex ecLighter Zone 1 and Zone 2 motors, up to 39% lighter than Ex d, frame 56–160.
How to choose an explosion-proof motor
Four things define the right motor: the zone where it is installed, the type of protection allowed in that zone, the gas group of the flammable substance and the temperature class. All four appear in the motor marking, for example II 2G Ex db IIC T4 Gb.
1. Zone and type of protection
| Zone | Explosive atmosphere | Category / EPL | Suitable RAEL motors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 (gas) | Likely in normal operation | 2G / Gb | RL, Tube, ADPE, BrakEx (Ex db) · MIA (Ex eb) |
| Zone 2 (gas) | Not likely, short duration | 3G / Gc (2G also allowed) | MIA1 (Ex ec) · or any Zone 1 motor |
| Zone 21 (dust) | Likely in normal operation | 2D / Db | RL, Tube, BrakEx (Ex tb) · MIA (Ex tb), IP66 |
| Zone 22 (dust) | Not likely, short duration | 3D / Dc (2D also allowed) | MIA1 (Ex tc) · or any Zone 21 motor |
| Zone 0 / 20 | Continuous | 1G / 1D | Motors are not installed in Zone 0 / 20 |
2. Flameproof, increased safety or non-sparking?
| Protection | How it works | Zones | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ex d / Ex db – flameproof | The enclosure withstands an internal explosion and stops flames escaping through the flame paths | 1 and 2 | Pumps, compressors, mixers, fans, hoists – the most widely specified Ex motor |
| Ex e / Ex eb – increased safety | No sparks, arcs or hot spots, even at locked rotor; protection must trip within time tE | 1 and 2 | Where Ex e is accepted and a lighter motor is preferred |
| Ex ec – non-sparking | No sparks or hot spots in normal operation | 2 only | Large Zone 2 areas of process plants |
| Ex t – dust enclosure | IP6X enclosure and limited surface temperature | 21 and 22 | Grain, sugar, flour, coal, metal dust |
Read more: why choose Ex d motors and the difference between Ex d and Ex tb.
3. Gas group
| Gas group | Examples | Note |
|---|---|---|
| IIA | Propane, butane, methane / natural gas, acetone, toluene, petrol vapours | Least demanding |
| IIB | Ethylene, LPG, hydrogen sulphide, diethyl ether, ethylene oxide | IIB motors also cover IIA |
| IIC | Hydrogen, acetylene, carbon disulphide | IIC motors cover IIB and IIA |
4. Temperature class
| Temperature class | T1 | T2 | T3 | T4 | T5 | T6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max. surface temperature | 450 °C | 300 °C | 200 °C | 135 °C | 100 °C | 85 °C |
The motor's maximum surface temperature must stay below the ignition temperature of the gas. A T4 motor is also suitable where T3, T2 or T1 is required; RAEL offers T5 and T6 on request. For dust, the maximum surface temperature is given directly, for example T135 °C. Learn how to read the marking: what Ex means on a motor nameplate.
Choose by application
| Application | Recommended motor |
|---|---|
| Pumps, compressors, mixers, agitators | RL series (Ex db) or MIA (Ex eb) |
| Axial and duct fans | Tube series (frame 56–71); RL two-speed quadratic torque for larger fans |
| Fuel dispensers and vapour recovery pumps | ADPE V80 / V90 |
| Hoists, conveyors, roller doors in hazardous areas | BrakEx brake motors (RL platform) |
| Variable speed drives | RL or MIA inverter duty version with PTC |
| Zone 2 areas where a lighter motor is preferred | MIA1 (Ex ec) |
Built for Gulf projects
60 Hz windings for Saudi Arabia and other 60 Hz networks, IP66 sealing against sand and dust, ambient temperature up to +60 °C (down to −40 °C on IIB versions), and special marine painting for offshore and coastal plants. All motors are certified ATEX and IECEx, and also EAC and UKCA.
Why buy RAEL motors from KJ Export
- Exclusive Middle East agent of RAEL since 2010 – direct line to the factory in Predosa, Italy.
- Technical selection support: zone, gas group, temperature class, voltage and frequency.
- Genuine RAEL spare parts, so the Ex certification of your motor stays valid after repair.
- Supply to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain and Iraq.
All RAEL series, model codes and spare parts: RAEL motors – exclusive Middle East distributor.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between explosion-proof and flameproof?
- "Explosion-proof" is the common term for any motor certified for explosive atmospheres. "Flameproof" (Ex d) is one specific type of protection, in which the enclosure contains an internal explosion. Increased safety (Ex e) and non-sparking (Ex ec) motors are also explosion-protected, but work differently.
- What is the difference between ATEX and IECEx?
- ATEX is the European directive for equipment in explosive atmospheres; IECEx is the international certification scheme. RAEL motors carry both, which is what most Gulf projects specify.
- Can a IIC motor be used in a IIB area?
- Yes. IIC covers IIB and IIA. A IIB motor, however, cannot be used where IIC (hydrogen, acetylene) is required.
- Can I use an Ex e motor in Zone 1?
- Yes, an Ex eb motor such as RAEL MIA is category 2G and suitable for Zone 1 and 2, provided it is protected according to its time tE.
- Do you supply 60 Hz explosion-proof motors?
- Yes. RAEL motors can be supplied with 60 Hz windings and special voltages; most ADPE fuel dispenser motors are rated for both 50 and 60 Hz.
Need an explosion-proof motor in the Middle East?
Send us the motor nameplate, the RAEL code or your Ex specification (zone, gas group, temperature class, kW, voltage and frequency) and we will reply with a quotation.
sales@kjexport.comWhatsApp +971 50 269 7191