With September’s issue of International Mining nearing its editorial closing, including the annual examination of the latest in Drives and Controls, comes news that Baldor Electric, a manufacturer of energy saving industrial electric motors, mechanical power transmission products, drives, and generators, has introduced a new line of motors certified to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards within the IEC Ex Certified Equipment Scheme. This will allow Baldor to meet customer needs in the international market with motors that are designed to meet the requirements for use in hazardous or explosive atmospheres.

The initial offering includes motors for explosive gas and dust atmospheres. These motors cover the NEMA frame ranges of 180-449T and IEC frames 112S-280H, and are similar to Baldor’s Class I and Class II, Division 1 offerings. To achieve the IEC Ex Certification, Baldor designed the motors to comply with the IEC standards, and submitted the product for testing by an accredited IEC Ex test laboratory. The product also had to undergo an independent review for certification by an IEC Ex certification body. Baldor will be required to maintain a quality record on each motor shipped. The objective of the IEC Ex System is to facilitate international trade in equipment for use in explosive atmospheres, while maintaining the required level of safety.

The IEC Ex Certified Equipment Scheme presently operates in 31 countries that have agreed to accept accredited equipment certified to IEC standards. These motors also carry ATEX Certification for the European Union.