Ingress Protection (IP) Ratings

Ingress Protection Classification


Electric motor IP (ingress protection) classification is a measure of the capacity of the motor to resist ingress of dust and of water. Objects, dust, or water may enter the motor providing they cannot have any detrimental effect upon its operation. Two numbers follow the letters IP. The first number defines resistance to dust and the second to water. IP55 in particular is a very misunderstood category because it is often sold as being ‘as good as weather-protected’. Unfortunately no motor manufacturer will accept a warranty claim for damage to an IP55 motor that has been installed outdoors without a ventilated rain cover. The reason is that rain water, or melting snow and ice, has time to penetrate unsealed gaps and assembly spigots, whereas hosed water is only applied for a short wash-down period and the motor dries quickly. IP55 does not necessarily imply sealing of the motor external surface, it can mean sealing the bearings, and totally protecting motor windings and all connections with resin, a plastic cover, or both. Water is then permitted to enter the motor but can do no harm.

IP-guide

Examples of Motor Protection Through Encapsulation

 

HEC Fan ATEX EC IP68 Frame Fan



IP68 ATEX Compact Axial Fans

Due to their fully encapsulated motors our EC, ATEX and IP68 axial fans have an ingress protection rating of IP68. This guarantees 100% protection against dust and water providing the maximum possible protection. In addition to this, our innovative compact fan is also ATEX approved. This means that the fan is spark proof meaning it is ideal for applications such as commercial refrigeration where due to the explosiveness of some refrigerants a spark could prove potentially dangerous and harmful. Other applications for the ATEX EC IP68 compact axial fan include cabinets and other enclosure cooling.

EC Generation 3 Motor



EC Generation 3 Motor

External rotor motors, although only of IP44 or 54 splashed water protection class, do have the facility for draining any water that may enter the motor through the annular gap between the rotor and the motor backplate, or through a hole at the opposite end of the rotor. This is only recommended for types of external rotor motor that have had their internal surfaces corrosion protected.

IP54 Wash Down Filter Fan Exhausts

 

Our filter fan exhausts have a standard IP54 protection rating making them suitable for applications requiring sufficient protection against water intake during wash down processes. Enclosures in the food industry for example may need to be regularly cleaned down and face the risk of water splashes and other spillages.  Therefore a high IP rating is required to prevent the risk of penetration of any contaminants into the electrical or electronic circuitry, especially water or other liquids.

 

 

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