Explosion-protected electric motors now with IECEx certificate

This year, EW Hof is proud to call itself a holder of an IECEx certificate. With IECEx certification, we can now offer explosion-protected electric motors for large parts of the world market. Take advantage of our proven quality and innovation in the ex-protection area.

ATEX remains, IECEx is coming: EW Hof expands offering of drives with ex-protection

For several years now we have been designing and building custom electric motors for specific applications for our customers in the energy sector and in industry. In the areas of traction application in e-mobility, power station technology, printing presses or painting systems, EW Hof fulfils the strict rules for European explosion protection. At the beginning of 2021, the ATEX certificate valid in the EU, which we have held since 1999, was renewed. But there’s more: To offer our customers outside Europe electric motors in the ex-protection space, EW Hof has also conducted certification according to IECEx. The notified body TÜV Nord has confirmed after thorough examination that the design, manufacturing and inspection processes at EW Hof at our German and Czech locations corresponds to the demanding rules of IECEx. For our customers, this means that we may now manufacture, with proven competence and quality in design and manufacture, electric drive systems with IECEx certification.

Conform to the strict ex-rules in the global sales market with IECEx

IECEx requires additional design, inspection and documentation criteria from manufacturers of electric motors as well as machines and plant manufacturers in the ex-space. The requirements of numerous countries are bundled into a single set of rules. Which benefits does IECEx provide in return? The international certificate opens the doors to new markets for our customers! Even if the work required to obtain the certificate is greater in comparison to ATEX, it is absolutely worth it. Whilst the European guideline 2014/43/EU or ATEX is primarily prevalent in the EU, IECEx represents the key to the market beyond Europe’s borders. This now means that IECEx type tested e-motors may not only be used for European customers but also for numerous international customers. The abbreviation IECEx stands for the comprehensive name of the international organisation responsible for certifying devices (International Electrotechnical Commission System for Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in Explosive Atmospheres) The International Electrotechnical Commission, IEC, brought this initiative into being back in the 1990s for harmonising numerous national regulations. Like with many other international standards – such as the ISO 9001 norm in quality management – a standardisation of this kind helps to unify national requirements and simplify operation on the global market. Ultimately, there is just one guideline to be followed, even if this is more comprehensive. In recent years the IECEx system has significantly increased its application area. The certification system is recognised by Australia, South Korea, Canada, Japan, Brazil and China and other countries. More countries are being added all the time. New countries are continually being added. The complete and current list of member states can be found on IECEx’s website.

DC motors, three-phase motors and more: We build drives according to your requirements

EW Hof has been your competent and flexible partner since 1957 for the development, construction and manufacture of innovative and highly integrative drive solutions. With us there are no “standard” motors rolling off the production line. Instead, we manufacture individually developed drive solutions based on specific application needs. Our locations in the Bavarian town of Hof and Rožnov in the Czech Republic manufacture

• Torque motors
• DC motors
• Three-phase motors as asynchronous and synchronous motors
• Battery-operated motors and
• Generators

. Our experienced and specialised employees put everything into realising even highly complex requirements, right from the initial conversation about the product idea through to delivery and after-sales service. This makes EW Hof a reliable and competent partner for plant and machine builders which require drive solutions beyond ready-made examples found in product catalogues.

Electric drive in areas subject to explosion risk

We will develop the drive you require as an ex-motor for use in explosive environments. With ex-motors you also have the choice between AC and DC drives. The following types of protection are available:

• Pressurised encapsulation (db)
• Increased safety (eb, ec)
• Pressurised enclosure (p)
• Protection by housing (tb, tc)

Our certificates comprise the design and manufacture of electric drives according to the above principles. We construct drives for use in Zones 1 and 2 with explosive gases as well as Zones 21 and 22 with explosive dusts. Our ex-drives correspond to the requirements of equipment group II (gas explosion risk) and equipment group III (dust explosion risk). They guarantee sufficient safety for equipment category 2 (gases, vapours may form during normal operation) and for equipment category 3 (gases, vapours do not normally form during normal operation or if they do then only for a short time). They are usable in the temperature classes T3 to T6. Do your already use a motor built by EW Hof certified according to ATEX? We will make the enhancement of your product straightforward for you with a IECEx compliance inspection. We will be glad to create the necessary documents, prompt the additional internal and external inspections through an appointed authority and obtain a IECEx certificate for your drive. This one-time undertaking increases the international sales opportunities for your existing machine, plant or traction application many times over.

Create added value for our customers with official certification

It is no coincidence that in the meantime the walls at EW Hof locations are adorned with certificates, including for quality management in accordance with ISO 9001, general requirements for rotating electrical machines in accordance with EN 60034, explosion protection ATEX in accordance with EU Directive 2014/43/EU, and now also IECEx. These enable us to demonstrate that we fulfil the quality, safety and process-related requirements of international authorities and customers as a manufacturer of complex drive solutions. Notified bodies now have access to our locations to ensure the compliance of our work. If a motor makes it through the test field as part of the IECEx certification in our own workshop, a representative of the notified body is always present as a witness. We are more than happy to deal with the ongoing work, the relevant inspections and audits to maintain our certification. Because for our customers this means: assured quality, uniform technical regulations for drive cooling and maximum safety during use. Basis for the successful certification in accordance with ATEX and IECEx is our certified quality management according to ISO 9001. There are good reasons to go through the various certification processes – and customer benefits are our top priority. Take advantage of the absolute security of our innovative, technically sound services! Looking for a certified manufacturer who can build your e-motors in accordance with IECEx requirements? Contact us! Your contact person at EW Hof will be pleased to advise you in detail about the possibilities in your specific case.