Using motors with drives in potentially explosive atmospheres

What are potentially explosive atmospheres?

Explosive atmospheres occur when flammable gases, mist, vapors or dust are mixed with air. The amount of substance needed to create an explosive atmosphere depends on the substance in question. This creates a risk of explosion. The area where this possibility exists is defined as a potentially explosive atmosphere. These atmospheres can be found throughout industries, from chemical, pharmaceutical, food, to power, wood-processing. These areas may also be known as “hazardous areas” or “hazardous locations.

In many industrial sectors a potentially explosive atmosphere can occur somewhere in their process. Some of these are not so obvious. For example, sawmills by default are not potentially explosive atmospheres but if the saw dust is let to gather in large amounts, the area in question will become one.