Explosion-proof electric motors – now with IECEx certificate

As of this year, EW Hof is the proud holder of an IECEx certificate. With IECEx certification, we can now also offer explosion-proof electric motors for a large part of the global market. Benefit from our proven quality and innovation in the explosion protection sector.

ATEX remains, IECEx is coming: EW Hof expands range of drives with explosion protection

For several decades now, we have been designing and manufacturing individual electric motors for special applications for our customers in the energy sector and industry. EW Hof complies with the strict rules for European explosion protection in the field of e-mobility driving applications, power plant technology, printing machines and paint shops. At the beginning of 2021, the ATEX certificate valid in the EU, which we have had since 1999, was again recognized. But that is not all: In order to be able to offer our customers electric motors in potentially explosive areas beyond Europe’s borders, EW Hof has also obtained IECEx certification. After careful examination, the notified body TÜV Nord has confirmed that EW Hof’s design, manufacturing and testing processes at both our locations in Germany and the Czech Republic comply with the demanding rules of IECEx. This means for our customers that we are now allowed to manufacture electric drives in accordance with IECEx certificate with proven competence and quality in design and manufacturing.

Meeting the strict explosion protection regulations in global sales markets with IECEx

IECEx requires additional design, testing and documentation work from manufacturers of electric motors and machine and plant manufacturers in potentially explosive areas. This combines the requirements of numerous countries in one set of rules. Which advantages does IECEx bring in return? The international certificate opens doors for our customers to new markets! Even though the effort for obtaining the certificate is higher compared to ATEX, it is worthwhile. While the European Directive 2014/43/EU or ATEX are mainly spread in the EU, IECEx is the gateway to overseas markets. That means that type-tested electric motors according to IECEx can now be used not only by European customers, but by a large number of international ones as well.
The abbreviation IECEx stands for the comprehensive name of the international organization for the certification of equipment used in explosive environments (International Electrotechnical Commission System for Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in Explosive Atmospheres). The International Electrotechnical Commission, IEC, launched this initiative to standardize numerous national regulations back in the mid-1990s. As with many other international standards – such as ISO 9001 in quality management – such standardization helps to unify national requirements and simplify operating in the global market. Because this means that only one directive has to be followed, even if it is more comprehensive. In recent years, the IECEx system has significantly expanded its field of application. Among others, Australia, South Korea, Canada, Japan, Brazil and China recognize the certification system. More countries are continuously joining the list. The complete, up-to-date list of member countries can be found on the IECEx website.

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

EW Hof has been a competent and flexible partner in the development, design and manufacture of innovative and highly integrative drive solutions since 1957. We do not have standard engines coming off the production line. Rather, we manufacture drives individually developed for specific applications. Our locations in Hof an der Saale in Bavaria and Rožnov in the Czech Republic produce generators.

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

Our experienced and specialized staff do their utmost to fulfil highly complex requirements, from the initial discussion and product idea to delivery and after-sales service. This makes EW Hof a reliable and competent partner for plant and machine manufacturers who need drives beyond prefabricated product catalogs.

Electric drives in potentially explosive areas

For applications in explosive environments, we develop the drive you require as an explosion proof motor. You can also choose between AC and DC drives for explosion proof motors. Possible types of ignition protection include:

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

Our certificates cover the design and manufacture of electric drives according to the above principles. We design drives for use in zones 1 and 2 with explosive gases and zones 21 and 22 with explosive dusts. Our explosion proof drives meet the requirements of equipment group II (explosive gas) and equipment group III (explosive dust). They provide sufficient safety for equipment category 2 (gases, vapors occur occasionally during normal operation) and for equipment category 3 (gases, vapors do not normally occur during normal operation, or only for a short time). They can be used in temperature classes T3 to T6.
Are you already using a motor built by EW Hof and certified according to ATEX? Then we will make it easy for you to upgrade your product with an IECEx conformity test. We will gladly prepare the necessary documentation, arrange for the additional internal and external tests by a notified body and obtain an IECEx certificate for your drive. This one-time effort expands the international sales opportunities for your existing machine, system or travel application many times over.

Creating added value for our customers with official certification

It is no coincidence that certificates for quality management according to ISO 9001, the requirements for rotating electrical machines according to EN 60034, for explosion protection ATEX according to EU Directive 2014/43/EU and now also IECEx now adorn the walls of EW Hof locations. We can thus demonstrate that, as a manufacturer of complex drive solutions, we meet the technical as well as quality, safety and process requirements of international authorities and customers. Notified bodies are granted access to our locations at all times to assure the conformity of our work. If a new motor passes through the test field as part of IECEx certification at our own plant, there is always a representative of a notified body present as a witness.
We are happy to deal with the ongoing work, appropriate reviews and audits to maintain our certification. Because for our customers, that means: Assured quality, uniform technical regulation in the execution of drives and maximum safety in application. The basis for the successful certification according to ATEX and IECEx is our certified quality management according to ISO 9001. So there are good reasons for the different certification processes – and customer benefit is our top priority. Enjoy the seamless coverage of our innovative, technically strong services!
Are you looking for a certified manufacturer who can build your electric motors according to IECEx requirements? Contact us! Your contact person at EW Hof will be happy to advise you in detail about the possibilities in your specific case.