Selecting an electric motor for a hazardous area is a compliance and safety task, not a procurement one. The motor's job is the easy bit. The hard bit is matching the motor's protection method, gas group, temperature class and Equipment Protection Level to the area it will run in — and proving it.
This guide walks the Australian framework end-to-end: how hazardous areas are classified, what Ex protection types exist, how to read an Ex marking on a nameplate, where the common mistakes happen, and how to source through AIMS when the time comes.
Hazardous Area Motor Selection at a Glance
The fastest way to scope a haz-area motor requirement is to nail down four things: zone, gas/dust group, temperature class and EPL. Match those to a permitted protection type and you have a buyable specification.
| Zone | Atmosphere present | Required EPL | Common motor protection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 0 | Continuously / long periods (gas) | Ga | Motors rarely sited here — Ex ia for instrumentation |
| Zone 1 | Likely in normal operation (gas) | Gb | Ex d, Ex e, Ex p, Ex de combinations |
| Zone 2 | Briefly / not in normal operation (gas) | Gc | Ex d, Ex e, Ex n, Ex nA, Ex p, Ex tc |
| Zone 20 | Continuously / long periods (dust) | Da | Ex ta motors (specialist) |
| Zone 21 | Likely in normal operation (dust) | Db | Ex tb (dust ignition protected by enclosure) |
| Zone 22 | Briefly / not in normal operation (dust) | Dc | Ex tc, Ex tD |
Browse the AIMS electric motors range for standard industrial motors. Hazardous-area motors are special order — contact us with your area classification document and we'll source from a certified supplier.
What is a Hazardous Area?
A hazardous area is any location where the normal or foreseeable abnormal operation of equipment could create a risk of fire or explosion due to flammable gases, vapours, mists, combustible dust or ignitable fibres. The 'hazard' isn't the equipment — it's the atmosphere. The equipment becomes a problem when it brings an ignition source (spark, arc, hot surface) into contact with a flammable atmosphere.
In Australia, a hazardous area is identified, classified and documented by a competent person under AS/NZS 60079.10.1 (for gas and vapour atmospheres) and AS/NZS 60079.10.2 (for combustible dust). The output is a hazardous area classification document — usually a drawing or table that says, for every part of the site, which zone applies, which gas or dust group is present, and what auto-ignition temperature governs equipment selection.
Without that document, you can't legally specify, install or operate motors in the area. If a site doesn't have one, that's a bigger problem than the motor — engage a haz-area engineer first.
The Australian Hazardous Area Framework
The framework is the AS/NZS 60079 series, which is the Australian/New Zealand adoption of IEC 60079. The series runs to dozens of parts, but the ones that matter for motor selection and installation are:
- AS/NZS 60079.0 — General requirements for explosion-protected equipment.
- AS/NZS 60079.1 — Flameproof enclosures (Ex d).
- AS/NZS 60079.2 — Pressurised enclosures (Ex p).
- AS/NZS 60079.7 — Increased safety (Ex e).
- AS/NZS 60079.10.1 — Classification of areas (gas).
- AS/NZS 60079.10.2 — Classification of areas (combustible dust).
- AS/NZS 60079.14 — Electrical installations design, selection and erection.
- AS/NZS 60079.15 — Type of protection 'n' (non-sparking, Zone 2 only).
- AS/NZS 60079.17 — Inspection and maintenance.
- AS/NZS 60079.19 — Equipment repair, overhaul and reclamation.
- AS/NZS 60079.31 — Equipment protection by enclosure 't' (dust).
[VERIFY:] confirm the current published edition year of each part before citing in a tender or specification — the AS/NZS 60079 series is on a rolling update cycle.
Australian enforcement runs through state work health and safety regulators. Some states add layers — particularly Queensland and NSW for coal mining, and WA for mining and petroleum — but the AS/NZS 60079 framework is the national baseline. The IECEx certification scheme is recognised in Australia, so an IECEx-certified motor with current documentation is accepted.
Zone Classification in Detail
Zones tell you how often a flammable atmosphere is present. The more often it's present, the more demanding the equipment.
Gas and vapour zones
- Zone 0 — An explosive gas atmosphere is present continuously, for long periods or frequently. Typically inside process vessels, tanks, pipework, and inside fuel tanks. Motors are rarely sited in Zone 0; if you find a Zone 0 motor requirement, double-check the classification — it's almost always a misclassified Zone 1.
- Zone 1 — An explosive gas atmosphere is likely to occur in normal operation occasionally. Areas immediately surrounding Zone 0, around pump seals, sample points, drain points, transfer locations. The most common haz-area motor zone.
- Zone 2 — An explosive gas atmosphere is not likely to occur in normal operation and, if it does, will exist only for a short period. Larger surrounding volumes — equipment rooms ventilated by Zone 1 atmospheres, areas around vents and pressure relief.
Combustible dust zones
- Zone 20 — Combustible dust cloud present continuously, for long periods or frequently. Inside silos, ducts, hoppers, dust collectors.
- Zone 21 — Dust cloud likely to occur in normal operation occasionally. Areas around dust-handling equipment, inside enclosed transfer points.
- Zone 22 — Dust cloud not likely to occur in normal operation, only briefly if it does. Wider surrounding areas, places where layers of dust could be disturbed.
Zone classification is a documented engineering exercise, not a guess. If the existing site classification document doesn't show your motor location, get a haz-area engineer in before installing anything.
Equipment Protection Levels (EPL)
EPL is the modern way of matching equipment to zone. Where older systems used 'categories' or just stated 'Ex d for Zone 1, Ex n for Zone 2,' EPL gives a clean risk-based grade that an installer can match to the zone-classification drawing.
| EPL | Atmosphere | Protection level | Suitable zones |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ga | Gas | Very high — won't be an ignition source even with two faults | Zone 0, 1, 2 |
| Gb | Gas | High — won't be an ignition source with one fault | Zone 1, 2 |
| Gc | Gas | Enhanced — won't be an ignition source in normal operation | Zone 2 |
| Da | Dust | Very high | Zone 20, 21, 22 |
| Db | Dust | High | Zone 21, 22 |
| Dc | Dust | Enhanced | Zone 22 |
Read this rule of thumb: a higher EPL works in lower-risk zones. EPL Gb (Zone 1 rated) will run happily in Zone 2; EPL Gc (Zone 2 rated) cannot be used in Zone 1.
Ex Protection Types for Motors
An Ex protection type is the engineering method that stops the motor becoming an ignition source. For motors specifically, the relevant types are:
Ex d — Flameproof enclosure (AS/NZS 60079.1)
The motor's enclosure is built to contain an internal explosion and prevent the flame from propagating to the surrounding atmosphere. The flame paths (around the shaft, terminal box joints, end-bell joints) are engineered to specific gap widths and lengths so any escaping gases are cooled below the ignition point of the external atmosphere.
Ex d is the workhorse of haz-area motors. Heavy castings, machined flame paths, certified terminal boxes. Common rating: Ex d IIB T4 Gb covers most petrochemical Zone 1 applications.
Ex e — Increased safety (AS/NZS 60079.7)
The motor is engineered so that, in normal operation, no arcs, sparks or excessive surface temperatures occur. Construction features include reinforced winding insulation, generous creepage and clearance distances, secure terminal connections and temperature-rise margins below the temperature class limit.
Ex e doesn't contain an explosion — it prevents the ignition source from existing. Cheaper than Ex d, lighter, but motor protection (overload, stall) must be specified to match. Often combined as Ex de (flameproof main + increased-safety terminal box) on larger motors.
Ex n / Ex nA — Non-sparking (AS/NZS 60079.15)
Zone 2 only. Similar concept to Ex e but with reduced testing requirements because the atmosphere is only briefly present. Standard squirrel-cage induction motors with sealed brushless construction are typical. Cheaper again than Ex e — but limited to lower-risk areas.
Ex p — Pressurised enclosure (AS/NZS 60079.2)
The motor enclosure is kept at a positive pressure relative to the surrounding atmosphere using clean air or inert gas, so the flammable atmosphere can't get in. Used on large motors, motors that already exist in standard form (purging is added externally), or motors in particularly aggressive atmospheres.
Variants: Ex px (Zone 1 high-protection), Ex py (Zone 1 reduced protection), Ex pz (Zone 2). Requires a pressurisation control system and shutdown logic on pressure loss — adds cost and complexity.
Ex t / Ex tb / Ex tc — Dust ignition protection by enclosure (AS/NZS 60079.31)
The motor enclosure is sealed against dust ingress and the surface temperature is limited below the dust ignition point. Ex tb = Zone 21 (EPL Db); Ex tc = Zone 22 (EPL Dc); Ex ta = Zone 20 (EPL Da, specialist applications).
A motor for a combined gas + dust environment will carry a dual marking — for example, Ex d IIB T4 Gb / Ex tb IIIC T130°C Db.
Gas Groups and Temperature Classes
Gas group describes how explosive the atmosphere is — and how hard it is to contain. Temperature class describes the maximum surface temperature the motor is allowed to reach.
Gas groups
| Group | Representative gas | Common industries |
|---|---|---|
| I | Methane (firedamp) | Underground coal mining |
| IIA | Propane, petrol, most solvents | Petrol stations, paint booths, LPG plants, refineries (most areas) |
| IIB | Ethylene | Petrochemical (ethylene plants), some refining processes |
| IIC | Hydrogen, acetylene | Battery rooms, hydrogen generation, acetylene plants |
| IIIA | Combustible fibres / flyings | Textile mills, woodworking |
| IIIB | Non-conductive dust | Flour, sugar, milk powder, plastics |
| IIIC | Conductive dust | Carbon black, metal dust, coal dust |
Equipment certified for a more demanding group works in less demanding groups. IIC works in IIB and IIA. IIB works in IIA but not IIC. Hydrogen service almost always requires IIC.
Temperature classes
| T-class | Max surface temp | Typical gases governed |
|---|---|---|
| T1 | 450°C | Hydrogen, methane, ammonia |
| T2 | 300°C | Ethylene, butane |
| T3 | 200°C | Petrol, diesel vapours, hexane |
| T4 | 135°C | Acetaldehyde, diethyl ether |
| T5 | 100°C | Carbon disulphide |
| T6 | 85°C | Specialist applications |
The temperature class on the motor must be at or below the ignition temperature of the most easily ignited substance in the area. Most petrochemical work specifies T3 or T4. Don't assume — check the area classification document.
Reading the Ex Marking on the Nameplate
A full Ex marking carries everything you need to verify compliance. Take the example marking:
Ex db IIB T4 Gb -20°C ≤ Ta ≤ +40°C IECEx ABC 12.0001X
- Ex — Explosion-protected equipment.
- db — Type of protection (flameproof) and EPL level (b = high protection / Zone 1).
- IIB — Gas group. Covers IIA and IIB gases; not certified for IIC (hydrogen).
- T4 — Maximum surface temperature 135°C.
- Gb — Equipment Protection Level. Suitable for Zone 1 and Zone 2 gas atmospheres.
- -20°C ≤ Ta ≤ +40°C — Ambient temperature range. Outside this range, the certification doesn't apply.
- IECEx ABC 12.0001X — Certification body, certificate number, year. The trailing 'X' means there are specific conditions of use (read the certificate).
For dust, the equivalent marking might read Ex tb IIIC T130°C Db — type tb (Zone 21 / EPL Db), dust group IIIC (conductive dust), maximum surface temperature 130°C explicitly stated rather than T-class.
A motor with dual gas+dust marking will show both lines. Both must be checked against the area classification.
Common Mistakes — Don't Make These
Mistake 1: Treating an IP rating as hazardous-area protection. IP55, IP65 and IP66 describe protection against dust and water ingress. They do nothing to prevent internal arcing, brush sparking or surface temperatures from igniting the surrounding atmosphere. A non-Ex IP66 motor in a Zone 1 area is illegal and dangerous.
Mistake 2: Buying a 'flameproof' or 'explosion-proof' motor without checking the certification. Both terms get used loosely. Check the nameplate for a full Ex marking, an IECEx (or equivalent) certificate number, and that the gas group and temperature class match your area. No nameplate = no certification = no installation.
Mistake 3: Using a general motor repair shop on an Ex motor. Repairs to Ex motors must follow AS/NZS 60079.19. Re-machining flame paths, re-winding without certified procedures, replacing terminal box gaskets with non-certified parts — all break certification. The motor must be re-inspected and re-certified before returning to service. Use an IECEx CoPC repairer.
Mistake 4: Ignoring the drive train. A certified Ex motor driving a standard rubber V-belt in a Zone 1 area defeats the purpose — static discharge from the belt is itself an ignition source. Use FRAS belts on belt-driven haz-area applications. Keep pulleys aligned and tensioned to avoid slip-heat.
Mistake 5: Letting the temperature class drift. The T-class on the nameplate is the motor's tested limit at rated load and ambient. Running heavy starts, blocked ventilation, high ambients, or stall conditions can push surface temperature above T-class. Match the motor protection (overload, thermistor) so the motor trips before it overheats.
Industry-Specific Applications
Petrochemical and refining
Refineries, gas processing plants, LPG terminals and bulk fuel storage typically classify as Zone 1 (around process equipment) and Zone 2 (wider plant areas). Gas group usually IIA or IIB. Temperature class T3 most common, T4 for some products. Ex de IIB T4 Gb is the typical motor spec for pumps, fans and compressors.
Paint spray booths and solvent stores
Zone 1 inside the booth during spraying, Zone 2 immediately around. Gas group IIA (most paint solvents). T-class usually T3. Common spec: Ex d IIA T3 Gb on extraction fan motors and pump motors. Don't forget the local exhaust ventilation system itself needs haz-area certification — see also our welding safety guide for adjacent hot-work risk.
Grain handling, flour mills, food processing
Combustible dust environments. Zone 21 inside silos and ducts, Zone 22 in surrounding areas. Dust group IIIB (non-conductive food dust). T-class set by the layered-dust ignition temperature, often expressed as T-value (e.g. T125°C). Common spec: Ex tb IIIB T125°C Db for conveyor and mill motors.
Battery rooms (hydrogen during charging)
Zone 1 during charging (hydrogen evolution), Zone 2 ambient. Gas group IIC (hydrogen). T-class T1 (hydrogen ignition is high — 560°C — so T1 motors are acceptable). Ventilation reduces zone extent but doesn't eliminate it. Ex e or Ex d motors with IIC certification.
Hospital operating theatres
Anaesthetic gases (now rare with modern scavenging) created historic haz-area requirements. Most modern theatres are no longer classified, but legacy installations and rural facilities may still have requirements — check the area classification document before any motor work.
Wastewater treatment
Methane evolution in digesters and pump stations creates Zone 1 / Zone 2 areas. Gas group IIA. T3 typical. Submersible Ex motors on sewage pumps. Use AIMS' pumps range for non-haz-area pumping; haz-area submersibles are special order.
Underground Coal Mining — A Separate Framework
Underground coal mining is regulated under Group I, not Group II. Methane (firedamp) and coal dust are the hazards. The framework adds layers on top of AS/NZS 60079:
- Group I certification required (typically Ex d I or Ex ia I).
- State mining regulators — Queensland's Coal Mining Safety and Health Act and NSW's Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Act add approval steps. [VERIFY:] state-specific current legislation references before quoting on a coal mining tender.
- FRAS belts mandatory on belt-driven equipment. See the AIMS FRAS belts range and the FRAS belts FAQ.
- Intrinsically safe (Ex ia / Ex ib) used for signalling, monitoring and communications equipment.
- Cable and accessory certification — even cable glands, motor leads and junction boxes need Group I certification.
Surface-rated (Group II) haz-area motors are NOT acceptable underground in coal. Underground metal mining has different rules again — methane risk is lower, but ventilation and ignition controls still apply.
Maintenance and Recertification
AS/NZS 60079.17 governs inspection and maintenance of installed Ex equipment. AS/NZS 60079.19 governs repair and overhaul. Both require competent personnel — formally, IECEx CoPC (Certificate of Personnel Competence) holders, or equivalent state recognition.
Routine inspection
- Visual — every 12 months or per a documented schedule. Check enclosure, terminal box, glands, fan covers, paint.
- Close — every 3 years (typical) — check flame path joint gaps, terminal connections, motor protection setpoints.
- Detailed — every 6 years (typical) — open the motor, measure flame paths, inspect insulation.
Inspection intervals are set by the site's inspection regime under AS/NZS 60079.17 — the numbers above are typical, not mandatory.
Repair and overhaul
Repair classes:
- Class A overhaul — restored to original certified condition. Allows return to service with original certification.
- Class B overhaul — repair affects characteristics relevant to the protection type. Requires re-assessment and may require re-certification.
- Modification — repair changes the equipment characteristics. Treated as a new piece of equipment requiring new certification.
Anything that touches a flame path on an Ex d motor is at minimum Class B. Re-winding without certified procedures is Class B. Replacing a terminal box with an uncertified one is a modification. Get repairs done by an IECEx CoPC repair shop — using a general motor repairer breaks the certification chain.
Selection Process — Step by Step
- Get the area classification document from the site. It must show your motor location, the zone, the gas/dust group, the temperature class governing equipment selection, and any specific conditions. No document = stop. Get a haz-area engineer in.
- Identify the protection types acceptable for that zone (refer to the table at the top of this guide). Zone 1 → Ex d, Ex e, Ex p, Ex de combinations. Zone 2 → all of the above plus Ex n.
- Match gas/dust group. Hydrogen service → IIC required. Most petrochemical → IIB. Most other industries → IIA. Dust → check IIIA/IIIB/IIIC against the dust type.
- Match temperature class to the area classification. Most common: T3 (200°C) or T4 (135°C).
- Match the motor mechanical spec — power, pole count, frame, mounting, IP rating, voltage, frequency, duty cycle, starts per hour. The haz-area certification adds to these requirements, doesn't replace them.
- Confirm ambient temperature range on the certificate matches site conditions. Australian summer ambients can exceed standard certified ranges.
- Check certificate validity — IECEx certificates are not lifetime documents. Confirm current edition before purchase.
- Plan installation under AS/NZS 60079.14 — certified cable glands, certified accessories, correctly sized motor protection. The installer needs current haz-area competence.
Sourcing Hazardous-Area Motors Through AIMS
AIMS doesn't hold Ex-certified motors in standard stock. Every haz-area motor is a specific configuration — protection type, gas group, T-class, EPL, mechanical spec — and stocking ahead of demand isn't viable. We source by special order from certified suppliers.
To get a quote, send us:
- Area classification — zone, gas/dust group, T-class, EPL. Best to email the relevant page of the site's area classification document.
- Mechanical spec — kW, pole count (2/4/6/8), voltage, frequency, frame size if known, mounting (B3, B5, B14, etc.), IP rating, duty cycle.
- Application — what the motor drives, starts per hour, ambient temperature.
- Site — surface vs underground, state (for state-specific regulator overlay).
For drive-train components on the same project, we stock FRAS V-belts, standard industrial belts, and the pumping equipment these motors typically drive. We also stock the lockout-tagout equipment that haz-area maintenance work requires under LOTO procedures.
For background on motor selection generally — IP ratings, induction motor types, frame sizes, single vs three-phase — see the AIMS electric motor guide. For the pumps these motors usually drive, the industrial pumps guide covers centrifugal vs positive displacement selection. Maintenance crews working in or near classified areas should also review the welding safety guide and hot work permit guidance — adjacent hot work is a common haz-area incident pathway.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hazardous area?
A hazardous area is a location where flammable gases, vapours, mists, dust or fibres can be present in concentrations capable of ignition. In motor selection, it's any space where the motor's electrical wiring, brushes, internal arcing or moving-part heat could ignite the surrounding atmosphere. Hazardous areas are formally defined and classified under AS/NZS 60079.10.1 (gas) and AS/NZS 60079.10.2 (dust).
How are hazardous areas classified in Australia?
By zones. For gas and vapour: Zone 0 — explosive atmosphere present continuously or for long periods (typically >1,000 hours/year); Zone 1 — likely in normal operation (10–1,000 hours/year); Zone 2 — not likely in normal operation, present only briefly if at all (<10 hours/year). For combustible dust: Zone 20, 21 and 22 follow the same continuum. Classification is done by a competent person under AS/NZS 60079.10.1 and 60079.10.2.
What's an Equipment Protection Level (EPL)?
EPL is the level of protection assigned to equipment based on the likelihood of it becoming an ignition source. EPL Ga or Da = very high protection (suitable for Zone 0 / Zone 20). EPL Gb or Db = high protection (Zone 1 / Zone 21). EPL Gc or Dc = enhanced protection (Zone 2 / Zone 22). The G is for gas atmospheres, D is for dust. EPL is the modern way of matching equipment to zone — older 'category' systems are being phased out.
What Ex protection types are used on motors?
The common ones for motors are: Ex d (flameproof enclosure — contains an internal ignition); Ex e (increased safety — eliminates arcs and hot surfaces in normal operation); Ex n or Ex nA (non-sparking, Zone 2 only); Ex p or Ex px/py/pz (pressurised — keeps the atmosphere out); and Ex t or Ex tb/tc (dust ignition protection by enclosure). Many haz-area motors combine types, for example Ex de IIB T4 Gb (flameproof main enclosure + increased-safety terminal box).
What are gas groups IIA, IIB and IIC?
Gas group classifies the explosiveness of the atmosphere. IIA covers easier-to-contain gases like propane, petrol vapour and most solvents. IIB covers ethylene and similar harder-to-contain gases. IIC covers hydrogen and acetylene — the most demanding gases, with the smallest flame paths required. Equipment certified for IIC will work in IIB and IIA; equipment certified for IIB will work in IIA but not IIC. For dust, the equivalents are IIIA (combustible fibres), IIIB (non-conductive dust) and IIIC (conductive dust).
What are temperature classes T1 to T6?
Temperature class is the maximum surface temperature the motor reaches in service, which must stay below the ignition temperature of the surrounding gas or dust. T1 = 450°C, T2 = 300°C, T3 = 200°C, T4 = 135°C, T5 = 100°C, T6 = 85°C. Most petrochemical and gas applications require T3 or T4. Hydrogen service often requires T1. Always match the temperature class to the lowest ignition temperature of any substance in the area.
How do I read an Ex marking like 'Ex d IIB T4 Gb'?
Read it left to right: Ex = explosion-protected; d = flameproof enclosure (the protection type); IIB = gas group (covers IIA and IIB gases); T4 = max surface 135°C; Gb = EPL high protection (suitable for Zone 1 and Zone 2). A fuller marking will also include the standard ('Ex' for IECEx), an ambient temperature range (e.g. -20°C to +40°C), and a certification number. Always check the full nameplate against your area classification document.
Is a standard IP55 or IP65 motor safe to use in a hazardous area?
No. IP rating measures protection against solid and liquid ingress — it has nothing to do with explosion prevention. A standard TEFC IP55 motor will still contain switching arcs, hot bearings and surface temperatures capable of igniting a flammable atmosphere. Using a non-Ex motor in a classified hazardous area is illegal in Australia and can cause fatal incidents. IP and Ex are complementary, not interchangeable.
What standards apply to hazardous-area motors in Australia?
The AS/NZS 60079 series — adopted from IEC 60079 — is the primary framework. Key parts: AS/NZS 60079.0 (general requirements), 60079.1 (flameproof Ex d), 60079.7 (increased safety Ex e), 60079.14 (electrical installations), 60079.17 (inspection and maintenance), 60079.10.1/10.2 (area classification). IECEx is the international certification scheme recognised in Australia. State work health and safety regulators enforce compliance; some states (notably Queensland and NSW for coal mining) layer additional rules on top. [VERIFY:] cite the current published edition years before quoting in a tender.
Does AIMS supply hazardous-area motors?
Yes — by special order. We don't hold Ex-certified motors in standard stock because each application needs the right protection type, gas group, temp class and EPL for the specific area. Send us your area classification (zone + gas group + temp class), required power (kW), pole count and frame, and we'll source from a certified supplier. For underground coal mining, separate Group I certification and state-specific approval apply — we'll guide you through it.
What's the difference between 'flameproof' and 'explosion-proof'?
Both terms describe a motor enclosure designed to contain an internal ignition without propagating flame to the outside atmosphere. 'Flameproof' (Ex d) is the IEC and Australian term, certified to AS/NZS 60079.1. 'Explosion-proof' is the North American term, certified to UL 1203 / NEC 500/505. The construction principles are similar but testing parameters and joint tolerances differ. In Australia, specify Ex d to AS/NZS 60079.1 — not the North American label — to ensure compliance.
Who can inspect and repair a hazardous-area motor?
Only personnel competent in the relevant Ex protection type, working under AS/NZS 60079.17 (inspection) and AS/NZS 60079.19 (repair and overhaul). IECEx CoPC (Certificate of Personnel Competence) is the recognised credential. Major repair — anything affecting the flame paths on an Ex d motor, for example — requires the motor to be re-certified before returning to service. Using a general motor repair shop on an Ex motor is not legal in classified areas.
What about belts and pulleys driven by an Ex motor?
The drive train is part of the ignition risk too. Standard rubber V-belts can build static charge that discharges as a spark. In classified areas, use FRAS belts (Fire-Resistant Anti-Static) — they pass an electrical resistance test and won't sustain a flame. AS 1180.10A is the relevant FRAS belt test method. Also keep pulleys aligned, tensioned correctly and free of slip — friction heat is itself an ignition source. Pix FRAS belts are a common AU choice in haz-area belt-drive applications.
What are the most common industries with hazardous areas?
Gas and vapour: oil refineries, gas processing plants, petrol stations, LPG and biogas plants, hydrogen generation, paint spray booths, solvent stores, pharmaceutical manufacturing, wastewater treatment (methane), printing works (solvents). Combustible dust: grain silos, flour mills, sugar refineries, milk powder plants, breweries, woodworking and sawmills, coal stockyards, fertiliser production, plastics processing. Battery rooms (hydrogen during charging) and hospital operating theatres (anaesthetic gases) also classify under hazardous area rules.
How is underground coal mining different?
Underground coal mining operates under Group I rather than Group II. Methane (firedamp) and coal dust are the hazards. Equipment must be certified to Group I Ex protection (typically Ex d I), use FRAS belting, and meet state-specific mining regulations — Queensland's Coal Mining Safety and Health Act and NSW's Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Act add layered approval steps on top of AS/NZS 60079. Intrinsically safe (Ex ia / Ex ib) is used for monitoring and signalling equipment. Standard surface haz-area motors are NOT acceptable underground.
If you have a hazardous-area motor requirement and want help scoping it, contact AIMS by phone (02) 9773 0122 or via our contact page. Send us your area classification and we'll handle the sourcing.
