The enclosure box being utilized for motor should be able to give protection to its windings, bearings, and other effective mechanical parts from potential moisture, chemicals and other mechanical damage because of the abrasion from grit.
In NEMA standards, there are different types that define types of enclosures that falls under the category of open machines, encapsulated machines and other totally enclosed machines that has sealed windings.
These are the top 7 most common types of electrical enclosures:
1. Open Drip Proof (ODP)
This type allows the air to be able to circulate inside the windigns for proper cooling, but it can also effectively prevent several drops of liquid from freely falling inside the motor within the 15-degree angle from the vertical. These are usually used for some of the best indoor applications and is ideally used in clean and dry places.
2. Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled (TEFC)
This enclosure design effectively prevents the free air exchange in between the outside and inside of the frame. However, it does not make the frame be completely tight. The fan is effectively attached on the shaft and it pushes the air over the frame to help in its cooling process.
3. Totally Enclosed Non-Ventilated (TENV)
This one is similar to the above, but it has no existing cooling fan that heavily relies on the convention for its cooling process. There are no vent openings, and it is now being tightly closed to prevent the freely exchange of air.
4. Totally Enclosed Air Over (TEAO)
This one is a dust-tight fan and it has motor blower that is primarily design for some of the shaft mounted fans or even belt driven fans. The motor should be able to be mounted to allow the airflow of the fan.
5. Totally Enclosed Wash down (TEWD)
This is the type of enclosure that is designed to withstand the high pressure brought about by the wash-downs and other high humidity or wet environments. These are available in several types of enclosures that offers enclosed enclosures suitable for hostile and extreme environments.
6. Explosion-proof enclosures (EXPL)
This type of enclosure is the explosion proof one. This is an enclosed machine primarily designed to withstand some of the most dangerous explosions because of a specific gas or vapor happening inside the motor casing. This can also prevent the ignition that can happen outside of the motor because of sparks, flashing or even explosion.
7. Hazardous Location (HAZ)
This type of enclosure is used in hazardous environments where there is an existence of a potential hazard. Some of the characteristics of this material is to be able to protect the machine inside a very harsh environment. The maximum temperature of the casing should be able to be considered as safe for the substance that creates the hazard.