Electric motor, non boating related.

[pstephens46]

Merry Christmas to all!

Electric motors and dust buildup - barn here in SE GA. 10 stalls. Normally pretty warm so there are many fans for the mules. Very dusty environment with much “wood” dust from shavings. Is the dust buildup on these motors going to create a fire issue at some point? Compressed air sufficient to clean? I know we have an electrician here in the forum and
possibly a few engineers. Thoughts?

[99yam40]

what kind of electric motors.
AC, DC. open, closed, fan cooled
what voltage,
belt driven fans?
any pics?

If dust can get inside and build up it could cause them to over heat, but most AC motors have over temp cut outs.
dust on the out side may insulate and not let them dissipate heat very well

[Sheff 69]

Used to work in a heavy manufacturing plant in NE Ohio. We had many sub arc welding machines. If we let the machines sit for a few months they would accumulate dust (no wood dust, just normal air born dust) and then when we started them up next time, they would catch on fire. Our preventative maintenance program had us blow them out with compressed air before restart.

[pstephens46]

what kind of electric motors.
AC, DC. open, closed, fan cooled
what voltage,
belt driven fans?
any pics?

If dust can get inside and build up it could cause them to over heat, but most AC motors have over temp cut outs.
dust on the out side may insulate and not let them dissipate heat very well

Typical small AC motors. Diameter of fan blades not more than 28-30 inches. Open versus closed? Regarding open windings that can be seen from outside? If yes, then they are open.

[99yam40]

I would think if you used compressed air or a leaf blower to blow the dust off and out of them it would help some.

I would not get carried away with it and blow it deeper inside into places it would not normally collect.
if it is loose dust and not stuck together I would try blowing it off/out

[Bluefish]

Short answer yes, it’s a hazard, normal operation little chance of a fire in the motor, motor overheat, overheat safety shutdown. Safety gets insulated by dust buildup doesn’t work fire, motor winding acre potential for fire. Dust particles suspended in air needs to reach a certain level and you have an explosion, the type of material the blades are made of can cause a static discharge and if dust levels are at the right concertation you get an explosion. Its usually never one thing that causes a problem its multiple failures. Are you are trying to cool the barn in the winter? If so, go with a thermostat con*****ed hazarded roof vent pulling in cool outside air from bellow. Here’s a link that might get you started on your research to decide what’s best for your application.
How to Select Motors for Hazardous Locations | EC&M (ecmweb.com)