A Guide on when to choose stainless steel electric motors, AC motors, ATEX motors and brake motors
Stainless steel electric motors are electric motors that have a stainless steel frame and other components that are resistant to corrosion, rust and deterioration caused by caustic sanitizing and washdown environments. They are suitable for applications that require high hygiene standards, such as food processing, pharmaceutical, wastewater and beverage industries. Stainless steel electric motors are also inverter rated, which means they can operate at variable speeds and frequencies.
AC motors are electric motors that run on alternating current (AC) power. They are the most common type of electric motors and can be found in many industrial, commercial and residential applications. AC motors have advantages such as simple design, low cost, high efficiency and easy maintenance. However, they also have disadvantages such as limited speed control, high starting current and noise.
ATEX motors are electric motors that are designed to operate in potentially explosive atmospheres. They comply with the ATEX directive, which is a set of European standards that specify the requirements for equipment and protective systems intended for use in explosive atmospheres. ATEX motors have special features such as flameproof enclosures, increased safety terminals, spark arrestors and thermal protection. They are suitable for applications that involve flammable gases, vapors, liquids or dusts, such as oil and gas, chemical, mining and pharmaceutical industries.
Brake motors are electric motors that have a built-in braking system that can stop the motor quickly and accurately. They are used for applications that require precise positioning, speed control and safety. Brake motors can be either AC or DC powered, and can have different types of brakes such as electromagnetic, mechanical or hydraulic. They are suitable for applications such as cranes, hoists, conveyors, elevators and machine tools.
The choice of which type of electric motor to use depends on several factors, such as the application requirements, the environmental conditions, the power supply and the cost.
Here are some general guidelines on when to choose each type of motor:
- Choose stainless steel electric motors when the application requires high hygiene standards and frequent washdowns with caustic solutions. For example, in food processing, pharmaceutical and beverage industries.
- Choose AC motors when the application requires simple design, low cost, high efficiency and easy maintenance. For example, in fans, pumps, compressors and general purpose machines.
- Choose ATEX motors when the application involves potentially explosive atmospheres. For example, in oil and gas, chemical, mining and pharmaceutical industries.
- Choose brake motors when the application requires precise positioning, speed control and safety. For example, in cranes, hoists, conveyors, elevators and machine tools.