Smoke-Spill Induction Motors

Smoke spill fans and motors are designed to be capable of operating during a fire long enough to expel smoke until the occupants of the building are evacuated.

They are used in high-rise buildings, tunnels and similar applications.

While many in the industry are aware of the term and its definition under Australian Standards 1668, there is some confusion among motor and fan suppliers on what features their particular motor should incorporate to ensure its stability for this application.


Standardized testing procedures are to be put in place soon that should result in a clearer understanding of smoke spill requirements and thus help dispel this confusion. Keen to take the initiative in this matter and establish our own smoke spill question, WE undertook a series of tests on tis motors.

The WE series of three tests was conducted in rigorously controlled conditions using class F and H insulated 4 kW 4 pole motors.

The motor/fan assembly (which had previously been run in normal conditions until the motor's running temperature had stabilized) was placed in a preheated oven and reconnected.

After the test temperature was reached and had stabilized, timing began.

The whole testing program was witnessed by independent inspection and testing agency ETRS. The three tests conducted were:

CLASS H INSULATED MOTOR AT 300 DEG C AMBIENT FOR 30 MINUTES.

And the results? In all cases the motors were still performing satisfactorily at the conclusion of the test.

Detailed reports on all three tests, including all relevant conditions and criteria and ETRS inspection reports are available to interested readers.
CLASS F INSULATED MOTOR AT 200 DEG C AMBIENT FOR 2 HOURS.

CLASS H INSULATED MOTOR AT 250 DEG C AMBIENT FOR 2 HOURS.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What is Class I Division 2?

Image
A Class I Division 2 is a location: (1) In which volatile flammable gases, flammable liquid-produced vapors, or combustible liquid-produced vapors are handled, processed, or used, but in which the liquids, vapors, or gases will normally be confined within closed containers or closed systems from which they can escape only in case of accidental rupture or breakdown of such containers or systems or in case of abnormal operation of equipment, or (2) In which ignitable concentrations of flammable gases, flammable liquid-produced vapors, or combustible liquid-produced vapors are normally prevented by positive mechanical ventilation, and which might become hazardous through failure or abnormal operation of the ventilating equipment. Class I Division 2 Classification Class I Division 2 refers to the ANSI/ISA 12.12.01 standard. This standard was previously UL1604 until UL recommended the newer ANSI/ISA standard be used and that all hazardous location products be certified under this standa
Read more

FUSE SIZING CONSIDERATIONS FOR HIGHER EFFICIENCY MOTORS

Image
When selecting the proper fuse for short circuit protection in motor starting applications, it is important to not only ensure that the fuse will not nuisance open during motor start up times, but also that the fuse will coordinate as required with overload relays. When sizing fuses between 125% and 150% of the motor nameplate current, several advantages, including ease of coordination with an overload device, a smaller disconnect, and increased short circuit protection from a lower fuse rating, can be achieved. However, if sizing at this level prevents the motor from starting, it may then be necessary to increase the fuse ampere rating and it then becomes important to know the NEC sizing limitations. As of June 1, 2016, the US Department of Energy has mandated that newly manufactured electric motors will need to meet NEMA Premium® efficiency standards. As motor efficiencies increase, motor locked rotor currents can also be expected to increase. In addition to this, with across-the-lin
Read more

7/8 16UN Connectors that Provide 600 Volts and 15 Amps

TURCK announces new A-Size 3 and 4-pin 7/8 16UN powerfast™ connectors that provide up to 600 Volts and 15 Amps of power. These IP67 rated connectors provide a modular wiring system designed to handle high current applications for machine power distribution, while providing resistance to vibration commonly associated with conveyors, motors and material handling applications. The cordsets are available with a tray rated, exposed run PVC flexlife ® cable, with or without STOOW rating, and 14 AWG wires that allow you to replace hard wiring with a robust, quick disconnect system that saves the time and money spent installing a conduit system. The A-Size powerfast line offers male and female, straight connectors, standard and custom lengths, and pigtails or extensions. To make the system complete, fully encapsulated mating receptacles, with 1/2”-14 NPT mounting threads are available.
Read more