Product Guides
Factors Affecting Electric Motor Lifespan
If you get the right motor for the job and maintain it properly, then it could serve you well for up to a decade or more.
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Quick and Easy Electric Motor Selection Guide
People Also Ask — Electric Motor Selection: What do I need to know to select an electric motor? Plus 4 more buyer questions answered by AIMS Industrial.
Read moreQuick Guide to Choosing an Electric Motor
Here are questions we might ask to help you identify the electric motor you’re looking for.
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IP Ratings for Electric Motors: Quick, Clear, and Crucial
Electric motor IP ratings, motor protection levels, dustproof motors, waterproof motors, ingress protection for motors
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Electric Motor IP Ratings
Electric motor IP ratings tell us how well a particular motor unit is protected against solids (eg. dust) and liquids (eg. water spray). IP ratings are identified by two numerical digits that correspond to a certain level of protection, according to standards set by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). First number Protection against solids Second number Protection against liquids 0 No protection 0 No protection 1 Protected against solid objects over 50 mm 1 Protected against vertically falling drops of water 2 Protected against solid objects over 12 mm 2 Protected against direct sprays up to 15° from the vertical 3 Protected against solid objects over 2.5 mm 3 Protected against direct sprays up to 60° from the vertical 4 Protected against solid objects over 1 mm 4 Protected against sprays from all directions – limited ingress permitted 5 Protected against dust – limited ingress (no harmful deposit) 5 Protected against low pressure jets of water from all directions – limited ingress permitted 6 Totally protected against dust 6 Protected against strong jets of water from all directions 7 Protected against the effects of temporary immersion up to 1 metre 8 Protected against long periods of immersion under pressure 9 Protected against high pressure and temperature water jets The first and second numbers indicate the electric motor’s rating of protection versus solids and liquids, respectively. The higher the number, the higher the ingress protection. Most of the TechTop electric motors we carry have the following IP ratings: IP55: Standard for most TechTop series IP66: Standard for TechTop TAP, EXD and TCIM series This article by Electrical Engineering Toolbox has more details.) IP ratings are usually shown on the ID plates of electric motors: Shown is the ID plate for a TechTop TA2B0223TAI aluminium motor indicating the IP rating of IP55 *It is possible to have the motor upgraded to higher IP ratings as needed. What IP rating do you need? The recommended IP rating for the electric motor you need to buy will depend on the environment it’s meant to operate in. In most indoor applications, an electric motor with a rating of IP55 will suffice. However, you’d want to have high IP ratings where the environment constantly deals with a lot of dust, high-pressure liquids or potentially combustible substances, such as in: Sewage and water recycling plants Mining and quarrying sites Construction sites Lumber factories Oil and gas rigs We put together a quick guide to help you choose the right electric motor, so make sure to check that out. If in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact us and we will help you. AIMS' Note on Safe Use of Belt-Driven Systems Power down: Before any inspection, maintenance, or adjustment, make sure to completely shut down the power to the machine and apply a lockout/tagout (LOTO) device to prevent accidental restarts. Right belt for the system: Keep in mind that v-belts (especially cogged / notched / wrapped belts) are different from synchronous /timing / ‘toothed’ belts. Some mistake the cogs for teeth but remember that cogged belts run on V-shaped pulleys that do not have teeth. Are you operating where flammable substances are present? Maybe you need fire-resistant anti-static (FRAS) belts – or maybe heat-resistant and oil-resistant belts will do. We compared them in this FAQ. Safe attire: Avoid loose clothing, jewelry and long hair that could get caught in the moving parts. Ensure proper fit of workwear without compromising comfort, dexterity and protection. Tie back long hair and secure loose items. Safeguards in place: Never operate a belt-driven system with the guards removed or bypassed. These guards are there for your protection. Maintenance and replacement: Regularly inspect belts and pulleys for wear and tear. Maintain proper belt tension and alignment as specified by the manufacturer. When replacing the belt, make sure you get the proper fit and measurement of the system. These accessories and maintenance kits (eg alignment tools, belt measurers, pulley gauge sets, spacers, tensioners etc) come in handy. Cleanliness: Keep the area around belt drives free of debris and clutter that could get caught or cause a fire hazard. (Refer to our content library's sub-index of articles about belt-driven systems and electric motors for more information.) People Also Ask — Electric Motor IP Ratings Q: What IP rating do I need for an outdoor electric motor? For outdoor, weather-exposed applications, a minimum of IP55 is recommended — this provides dust protection (first digit 5 = dust-tight in normal operation) and protection against water jets from any direction (second digit 5). For washdown environments or direct rain exposure, IP65 or IP66 is preferable. Check the motor nameplate and confirm it matches the installation environment. Q: What is the difference between IP54 and IP55? Both provide partial dust protection (digit 5 = no harmful dust ingress under normal operation). The difference is in water resistance: IP54 protects against water splashing from any direction; IP55 protects against sustained water jets from any direction. For most outdoor general-purpose motor installations in Australia, IP55 is the accepted minimum standard. Q: Can an IP55 motor be used in a food processing washdown area? IP55 provides jet-wash protection but is not specifically designed for high-pressure, high-temperature washdown. Food processing washdown areas typically require IP65 or IP66 (dust-tight plus high-pressure jet protection). Confirm with the motor manufacturer — some IP55 motors have additional sealing suited to food environments; others do not. Check Safe Food Australia guidelines for your specific application. Q: What do the two digits in an IP rating mean? The first digit rates protection against solid objects and dust (0 = no protection, 6 = dust-tight). The second digit rates protection against water ingress (0 = no protection, 8 = continuous submersion). A motor rated IP55 is rated 5 for dust (dust-tight under normal operation) and 5 for water (protected against jets from any direction).
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Hazardous Area Motors: Ex Protection & AS/NZS 60079
Selecting motors for hazardous areas is a compliance and safety task — not a procurement one. A plain-English guide to AS/NZS 60079, zone classification, EPLs, Ex protection types, and how to read an Ex marking.
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