There are several electric motor enclosure types on the market. When choosing an enclosure, it is essential to consider the environment in which the motor will operate. Gainesville Industrial Electric Co. offers a variety of enclosures to fit your specific requirements.
There are so many options to choose from that choosing which one is ideal for your requirements might be difficult. We’ll go through the most common types of motor enclosures and provide a guide to assist you in selecting the best one for your application.
What is a motor enclosure and what are the different types of enclosures
A motor enclosure is a casing that surrounds the electric motor to protect it from environmental conditions and debris.
Engineering Notes states that the primary purpose of a motor enclosure is to provide safety for humans from getting in touch with moving parts within the enclosure, as well as protection for machines against the entrance of solid foreign bodies and water ingress.
There are several types of enclosures in the market, each with advantages and disadvantages.
- Open Enclosures: Open drip proof enclosures offer the least protection for your electric motor. They are a good choice for indoor applications where protection from water and dust is not needed. They have vents in the motor body that allows air to circulate through the interior and helps keep the motor cool.
- Enclosed Enclosures: Totally enclosed enclosure offers more protection than open enclosures by keeping out dust, debris, and other contaminants. They also provide some protection against water. An enclosed motor may be the best choice if you want a more durable option in harsh conditions.
- Explosion-Proof Enclosures: Explosion-proof enclosures protect your working environment by containing internal explosions. These enclosures are made with unique materials that withstand high temperatures and pressure. If you work in an environment with flammable materials such as gases, dust, or liquids, an explosion-proof enclosure is the best option to keep you safe.
How to select the best type of enclosure for your needs
Now that you know the electric motor enclosure types, how do you know which one is the best for your needs?
The following are factors to consider when selecting a motor enclosure:
- Application: The first step is to determine the intended use or application of the electric motor. This will help you narrow down the type of enclosure you need.
- Environment: The next step is to assess the environmental conditions where the electric motor will be used. This includes considering factors such as dust, water, temperature, and explosion risk.
- Budget: Once you have determined the electric motor’s intended use and environment, you can assess your budget to find an enclosure that fits your needs.
High Tech Guide notes that it is vital to understand the different types of threats your motor needs to be protected against and how much protection each type of threat requires. When dealing with a dirty environment, such as a mining site or an industrial area, ensure your enclosure can keep dust out.
Ensure you consult a certified engineer when selecting an enclosure for your electric motor. A qualified engineer can help you assess the electric motor’s environmental conditions and intended use to find the best enclosures for your application. Having the appropriate enclosure will save you money over time.
Types of enclosures we offer and their features
At Gainesville Industrial Electric Co, we provide various types of enclosures. Let’s have a closer look at each of them.
Open drip-proof Motor Enclosure
Open drip-proof motors in demand due to their reliable performance and durability. These motors feature an enclosure that protects the interior components from dust, dirt, and moisture while allowing air to freely circulate around them.
TEFC (Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled) Enclosure
TEFC (Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled) enclosures are designed to protect from dust, oil, and water vapor. These specialized enclosures are generally made of steel or aluminum with a sealable access door. TEFC enclosures typically include features such as vents, fans, and filters to help keep the environment inside the enclosure cool and clean.
TENV (Totally Enclosed Non-Ventilated) Enclosure
TENV (Totally Enclosed Non-Ventilated) enclosures are designed to protect electrical components and equipment from hazardous environmental conditions. These industrial housings provide an effective barrier against dust, dirt, oil, moisture, and other corrosive materials that can cause damage to sensitive equipment. The enclosure also helps prevent accidental contact with live parts, reducing the risk of electric shock.
WPI (Weather Protected) Enclosure
WPI enclosures are for outdoor use. They provide a reliable protection from weather, dust and rodents. These enclosures resist corrosion, animal protection, saltwater spray, and chemical exposure.
The enclosure you need to protect your electric motor
It is crucial to choose a motor with the correct enclosure so that it will be suitable for your application. This will keep you safe as well as prolong the life of the motor.
At Gainesville Industrial Electric Co, we offer motors with every enclosure option. Contact us today to learn more about our solutions and services.
The right type of electric motor for an application varies depending on the equipment employed. For example, a motor must be chosen to suit the attached machine’s startup power levels and operational power output requirements. An improperly matched motor can cause significant damage to the machine or result in stalling and failure. Multi-phase motors and motors with different voltage levels are available so motor technicians can more easily match industrial equipment with the appropriate motor. 
