Fluent Conveyors - The leading conveyor manufacturer

Explosion-proof
conveyor motors

Fluent supplies explosion-proof motors for belt conveyors and roller chain conveyors in hazardous locations. UL, CSA, and ATEX certified options for Fluent systems and general conveyor replacement.

Conveyor Motor types

Asynchronous motor specifications

Explosion-proof motors designed for safe and reliable operation in hazardous environments.

Motor type

Three-phase asynchronous (induction) or synchronous

Hazardous location certifications

UL, CSA (North America); ATEX, IECEx (international)

Class/Division coverage

Class I Division 2 (gas/vapor), Class II Division 2 (combustible dust)

Zone coverage

Zone 1/2 (gas), Zone 21/22 (dust)

Ignition protection types

Increased safety (Ex e), flameproof enclosure (Ex d), non-sparking (Ex n), protection by enclosure (Ex t)

Power range

0.12–22 kW (0.16–73.7 HP)

Voltage

230/460V, 575V, other voltages available

Frequency

50/60 Hz

Enclosure

TEFC with explosion-proof or dust-ignitionproof rating

IP rating

IP55 standard, IP66 available

Mounting

NEMA footed (B3), IEC footed, NEMA C-flange, flange (B5/B14)

Temperature codes

Available to match ignition temperature requirements

Engineered for safe and reliable performance
in hazardous environments.

About explosion-proof motors

Explosion-proof motors are certified for use in hazardous locations where flammable gases, vapors, or combustible dusts create explosion risks. The motor enclosure contains any internal ignition and prevents external ignition sources from reaching the surrounding atmosphere.

North American classification (NEC/CEC)

Class I: Flammable gases or vapors (Groups A, B, C, D)
Class II: Combustible dusts (Groups E, F, G)
Division 1: Hazard present during normal operation
Division 2: Hazard present only under abnormal conditions

International classification (IEC/ATEX)

Gas zones: Zone 1 (ignitable atmosphere present occasionally), Zone 2 (not likely during normal operation)
Dust zones: Zone 21 (combustible dust cloud occasionally), Zone 22 (not likely during normal operation)

Motor certification guarantees an enclosure meets ignition protection requirements for specific hazard classifications.

How to select an explosion-proof motor

Built to deliver reliable performance and protection in hazardous operating environments.

Replacement motors

Identify hazardous area classification: Record the existing motor's Class/Division/Group marking or Zone/Category marking from the nameplate. This determines required certifications.
Match nameplate specifications: Record HP, voltage, frequency, RPM, frame size, mounting configuration, shaft dimensions. Photograph nameplate and mounting arrangement, including bolt patterns and clearances.
Verify temperature code: Note the temperature code (T1–T6) or maximum surface temperature marking. Replacement motor must meet or exceed the temperature requirement for your dust or gas.
Document enclosure requirements: Confirm TEFC enclosure type, IP rating, and any conduit entry configurations required for your installation.
Check certification validity: Verify the motor's certification matches your facility's hazardous area classification. Class I Division 1 certification covers Division 2; Division 1 motors cannot be substituted with Division 2-only motors.

New installations and upgrades

Determine hazardous area classification: Consult facility documentation or electrical engineer to identify Class/Division/Group or Zone/Category for the conveyor location. Incorrect classification leads to non-compliant installations.
Calculate horsepower requirements: Use CEMA methods accounting for conveyor belt speed, material load, conveyor length, incline angle, and friction. Include starting torque for loaded startup conditions. Explosion-proof motors may have different thermal characteristics than standard motors.
Select appropriate certifications: Specify UL/CSA for North American installations, ATEX/IECEx for international sites.
Specify temperature code: Match motor temperature rating to the ignition temperature of the hazardous material present. Higher T-codes (T5, T6) indicate lower maximum surface temperatures for more volatile materials.
Determine speed control requirements: Fixed-speed applications use explosion-proof starters. Variable speed requires VFD with certified explosion-proof motor. Verify VFD enclosure also meets hazardous location requirements.
Confirm environmental protection: Specify IP rating for dust and moisture protection. IP66 required for outdoor or washdown environments in addition to explosion-proof certification.

Fluent Conveyors | Leadership in Industrial Conveyors Background

Industries and applications

Fluent supplies explosion-proof motors for industries operating in hazardous environments:

Combustible dust environments (Class II, Zones 21/22):

Grain handling and elevator systems
Food processing (flour, sugar, starch)
Wood processing and sawmill operations
Pharmaceutical manufacturing
Recycling operations handling combustible materials
Waste-to-energy facilities processing organic waste

Gas and vapor environments (Class I, Zones 1/2):

Chemical processing plants
Coating and painting operations
Solvent recovery systems
Petroleum refineries

All Fluent conveyors can be equipped with explosion-proof motors when hazardous location requirements apply.

Ignition protection types

Explosion-proof motors use different protection methods depending on the hazard type:

Flameproof enclosure (Ex d)

Motor housing contains any internal explosion and prevents flame propagation to the external atmosphere. Common for Class I Division 1 gas/vapor applications.

Increased safety (Ex e)

Enhanced design prevents sparking and excessive temperatures during normal operation. Used for Class I Division 2 and some Division 1 applications.

Non-sparking (Ex n)

Construction ensures no ignition-capable sparks or hot surfaces during normal operation. Suitable for Zone 2 gas applications.

Protection by enclosure (Ex t)

Dust-tight enclosure prevents dust ingress and limits surface temperature. Used for combustible dust environments (Class II, Zones 21/22).

Motor specification determines which protection type applies. Contact us with your hazardous area classification for appropriate protection method recommendations.

Temperature codes and surface temperature

Temperature codes (T-codes) specify the maximum surface temperature an explosion-proof motor can reach during operation. The motor's T-code must be lower than the ignition temperature of the hazardous material present.

Environmental protection ratings

Explosion-proof motors include hazardous location certification and environmental protection ratings.

IP55 (standard)
Dust ingress prevention and low-pressure water jet protection. Suitable for most indoor hazardous locations with moderate dust or occasional moisture.

IP66 (washdown)
Complete dust sealing and powerful water jet protection. Required for outdoor installations, washdown environments, or locations with heavy dust accumulation.

Specify the minimum IP rating that meets your environmental conditions while maintaining required hazardous location certification.

Gearboxes for hazardous locations

Fluent supplies compatible motor gearboxes tested with appropriate hazardous location certifications.

Available configurations

Helical inline gearboxes
Helical bevel gearboxes
Parallel shaft gearboxes
Worm drive gearboxes

Options

Motor brakes for inclined conveyors (certified for hazardous locations)
Temperature sensors for thermal monitoring
IP66 enclosure for washdown or outdoor installations
Custom mounting configurations

Buy complete drive assemblies from Fluent

Fluent can configure pre-engineered explosion-proof motor-gearbox combinations that arrive matched, aligned, and certified for hazardous locations, eliminating field assembly complexity and certification concerns. We confirm ratio requirements, thermal ratings, and mounting compatibility before shipment. Complete drive packages can include factory-configured control systems and PLCs programmed for your specific gearbox assembly, providing plug-and-play conveyor control solutions.

Single-source responsibility

One supplier handles complete drive system warranty and hazardous location certification documentation. No coordination required between motor and gearbox manufacturers.

Certified assemblies

Complete gearmotor carries UL, CSA, ATEX, or IECEx certification as a tested assembly, not separate components. Simplifies compliance documentation and installation approval.

Application-verified performance

We verify starting torque, thermal capacity, mechanical ratings, and temperature codes against your conveyor specifications and hazardous area classification.

Multiple manufacturers supported

We use Nord on our conveyors, but we also supply Dodge, Sumitomo, SEW-Eurodrive, and other manufacturers to match your existing equipment or preferences—all with appropriate hazardous location certifications.

Reduced installation complexity

Integrated gearmotors reduce installation time and maintenance access requirements. Factory-sealed assemblies maintain certification integrity.

Replacement parts availability

We stock gearmotor replacement parts, including housings, seals, gears, bearings, and shafts for ongoing maintenance support.

Motor brakes are available factory-installed on gearmotors or as field-installed additions, matched to drive unit torque and duty cycle requirements. Control panels can be configured with variable frequency drives (VFDs), soft starters, and system programming tailored to your operational requirements.

Buy complete drive assemblies from Fluent

Motor maintenance and testing

Routine maintenance

Monthly: Check for abnormal noise, vibration, or overheating. Verify proper ventilation around motor housing. Inspect for dust accumulation that could affect cooling or create secondary hazards.

Quarterly: lean cooling fins and ventilation openings while maintaining enclosure integrity. Inspect mounting bolts for tightness. Measure operating temperature and current draw. Verify conduit seals remain intact.

Annual: Test insulation resistance (minimum 1 megohm per 1000V rating). Inspect shaft coupling for wear. Verify alignment within 0.002 inches. Check that hazardous location certification markings remain legible.

Performance testing

Baseline testing at installation: Record voltage, amperage, temperature rise, vibration levels, and hazardous location certification details.

Annual testing: Repeat measurements to identify degradation trends before failure occurs. Document any deviations from baseline performance.

Common issues

Overheating: Verify proper ventilation, check for voltage imbalance, confirm load doesn't exceed rating. Excessive temperature may compromise hazardous location protection.

Excessive vibration: Check alignment, inspect bearings, verify mounting rigidity. Vibration can damage explosion-proof enclosure seals.

High current draw: Test for single-phasing, check bearing condition, verify proper voltage. Abnormal current may indicate developing faults that affect certification compliance.

Consult motor nameplate and manufacturer documentation for specific maintenance requirements. Some maintenance procedures may require qualified personnel or temporary area declassification.

Motor standards and compliance

Our explosion-proof motors meet industry standards for hazardous locations:

NEMA MG 1

Electrical standards for motor construction and performance

IEC 60034

International motor efficiency and testing standards

IEC 60079

International standards for explosive atmospheres

UL 674

Electric motors and generators for use in hazardous locations (Class I Division 1, Class II Division 1)

Learn more about conveyor standards and compliance.

Rugged conveyors made in the USA

Need a conveyor solution? We can design and build it. Our conveyors are engineered and manufactured in the USA to the most stringent tolerances.

Nord, Baldor, Leeson, Toshiba TEFC motors selected for 24/7 operation
All hardware is grade 8 for maximum strength
Painted with industrial-grade powder coating for durability
Designed for simple maintenance access and component serviceability
Extensively tested and inspected before shipment
25-35 pound rail track to withstand heavy materials
ASTM A36 steel for fabrication per structural code
Premium bearings sized for L10 life ratings, made in USA
All systems fabricated by certified welders for structural integrity

Precision components such as cold-rolled steel shafts and flame-hardened sprockets
3/16" and 1/4" thick structural steel frames to prevent flexing
Constructed from heavy-duty steel plate, rectangular tubing, and structural channel
Dodge, Nord, SEW drives matched to application torque
Goodyear, Flexco belt options resistant to rips, tears, and impacts

Made from durable materials, our conveyors deliver exceptional strength and longevity for recycling, waste management, and other demanding industries. Whether you need a roller chain conveyor, a flat idler conveyor, a slider bed conveyor, or any other custom conveyor, contact Fluent and tell us what you need. We will build you a custom conveyor system—and you can even pick your color.

Learn about our conveyor manufacturing process.

Explosion Proof Motors Resources

Installation

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Maintenance

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Guides

What type of oil to use in a conveyor motor
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