In most cases, no. Solvent vapour is produced in a paint booth, and the booth interior and extract duct may be classified as an explosive atmosphere. A motor located in such a zone, or in contact with that air, must be certified for explosive atmospheres; a standard IP55 fan motor does not meet this requirement.

DRG-132S1-2 5.5 kW 3000 rpm aluminium frame DRG three-phase motor – paint booth fan motor

The zone classification is what decides

Which motor may be used is determined by the hazardous area classification and the explosion protection document commissioned by the operator. In this study, the booth interior, the duct and fan casing, and the place where the motor stands are each assessed separately. The motor type is chosen according to this document and the opinion of a specialist in the field; it is not decided by the guesswork of the seller or user.

DRG's standard range

DRG Motor's range consists of IP55, Class F insulated, self-ventilated three-phase asynchronous IEC motors. Motors certified for explosive atmospheres (Ex) are not part of this range. If the paint booth fan motor falls within a hazardous zone, you will need to turn to a supplier offering certified products.

Cases where a standard motor may be considered

In some plants the motor is placed in a location that the classification study puts outside the hazardous zone; for example, an arrangement where it stands outside the booth on the clean-air side and drives the fan by belt. Even then, the decision must be based on the classification document. Issues such as static build-up on belts, impeller material and paint deposits in the duct also fall within the scope of the assessment.

Questions to ask

  • Is there a zone classification document for the booth, and which zone is the motor position in?
  • Is the motor inside or outside the airstream?
  • What type of paint and thinner is used in the booth?
  • Does the fan share ductwork between the heating and drying cycles?

For general ventilation fans outside hazardous zones, you can read the information on the fan motors page and review the three-phase models in the shop; these models are not an option for use inside the paint booth.