Can electrical motor produce a spark?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around whether electrical motors can produce sparks, particularly in the context of using a pneumatic motor in a Zone 2 explosive atmosphere. Participants explore the implications of spark production for safety and equipment compliance.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant argues that a pneumatic motor does not produce sparks and therefore does not require ATEX approval.
  • Another participant suggests that insulation issues could lead to sparks, particularly if the motor burns out.
  • A different participant asserts that electric motors can produce sparks regularly during operation, depending on the type of motor.
  • One participant points out a potential confusion between electric and pneumatic motors in the original question.
  • Another participant notes that air motors can pose a risk of static discharge and that electric motors, including brushless types, can produce sparks during failure.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the spark production of motors, with no consensus reached on the necessity of ATEX approval for the pneumatic motor in question.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the specific types of motors being discussed and the conditions under which sparks may occur.

barvas11
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Hi Guys,
I am building an equipment to Zone 2 explosive atmosphere.
Machine will be powered by the pneumatic motor. I just had an argument with my boss. He says that I need to order an atex approved motor and I say that I don't because the motor will never produce any spark.
What are your thoughts on this?
 
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I'm not 100% sure but I believe an insulation issue could cause a spark...

I mean...I'm pretty sure when motors burn out they do cause some sparks...
 
An electric motor can absolutely produce a spark, and depending on the motor, some of them produce sparks all the time as part of normal operation.
 
Your post title asks if electric motors can produce a spark, while you question says you are using a pneumatic motor. Which is it?
 
Given that they do produce zone 2 air motors, there is apparently a true risk. I would suspect that an air motor has a risk of static discharge. Electric motors of all types can produce sparks...even brushless motors will spark during failure.
 

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