Choosing the right enclosure of an electric motor is as important as choosing the right electric motor for the particular application. Often, the importance of enclosure is ignored because of pin-pointed focus on other technical specifications like capacity, voltage range, output, efficiency, winding type, etc. The leading manufacturers of electric motors like Crompton Greaves offer entire range of electric motors in different enclosures to suit different environments and operational conditions. The easy availability of Crompton Greaves electric motors is also a vital contributor of strengthening international brand image.
The Most Used Enclosure types of Electric Motors: The enclosure of an electric motor is the outer casing designed to protect its bearings, windings, and other mechanical parts from chemicals, mechanical impacts, moisture, and abrasion. NEMA standards MG1-1.25 (1.27) describe more than 20 types of electric motor enclosures in different categories. The most used industrial enclosure types of electric motors are-
- ODP (Open Drip Proof): Designed with ventilation holes to prevent the ingression of water droplets
- TEFC (Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled): An external fan is attached to the motor shaft for additional cooling
- TENV (Totally Enclosed Non-Ventilated): Similar to TEFC but without ventilation openings
- WDN (Washdown): Suitable for electric motors that need frequent cleaning
- WPI (Weather Protected Type I): Advanced version of ODP enclosures
- WPII (Weather Protected Type II): Advanced version of ODP and WPI enclosures
- TEWAC (Totally Enclosed Water-to-Air Cooled): IP54/56 rated electric motors use a heat exchanger to cool the motor
How to Choose the Right Electric Motor Enclosure Type: Choosing the appropriate type of enclosure for electric motor is a critical task because it is directly related with justification of investment. Just buying the top category enclosure for each motor can’t be said a good approach because it involves waste of resources. The best way to decide about the enclosure type of electric motor is to ask yourself some valid questions like-
- What is the motor going to be used for?
- What type of motor are you currently using, including the type, frame size, and specifications? (if applicable)
- Will the electric motor be installed inside or outside?
- What kind and level of contamination risk is present?
- Is there exist high humidity?
- Is there any possibility when electric motor can face water exposure?
- Does the selected motor of a particular capacity need additional cooling? If yes, what kind of cooling is required?
- How frequent will your electric motor need cleaning?
- What is the potential of hazard to employees and surrounding machinery caused by the heat emitted by the motor?
The most used electric motors are made of aluminum casing or cast iron casing. Both types of enclosures have their pros and cons. Therefore, while selecting the enclosure type, you should focus on metal of enclosure also. Aluminum motor enclosures are liked because of light weight, good thermal conductivity, high heat dissipation, easy die-casting, better elongation than iron, good plasticity, low noise, etc. Cast iron motor enclosures are liked because of low price, high hardness, high resistance to external pressure, tough deformation, etc.
Concluding Note: The prominent distributors and suppliers of CG electric motors and other brands offer online and on-site assistance to help their clients select the right type of electric motor and enclosure. So, don’t take chances; avail no-cost consulting services.