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NEMA/IEC Explosion-Proof Motor Starters

When motor control equipment operates in environments classified under NEC Class I or Class II, Division 1 or Division 2, the margin for error is zero. Cordyne designs and manufactures explosion-proof motor starters that meet the rigorous demands of hazardous-location installations, with every unit built to match the exact requirements of your application.

Since 1987, we have supplied explosion-proof starters for oil and gas operations, petrochemical facilities, chemical processing plants, mining sites, grain-handling operations, and wastewater treatment systems. Our engineering team works directly with your controls engineers and project managers to ensure that each starter configuration meets the applicable NEC and ATEX regulations for your site.

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Explosion-proof electrical enclosure open showing interior wiring and components

Every Configuration. Every Classification. One Source.

Cordyne builds explosion-proof motor starters for the full range of hazardous location applications, and every unit leaves our facility configured to the customer's exact specification. 

Starter Types

Cordyne offers a full range of explosion-proof motor starter configurations, including Full Voltage Non-Reversing (FVNR), Full Voltage Reversing (FVR), and combination starters with integrated disconnect. Whether your application calls for a standalone non-combination unit or a combination starter with branch circuit protection, we manufacture to the specifications you need.

Components and Ratings

Each explosion-proof starter is assembled using NEMA, UL, CSA, and IEC-rated components from manufacturers including Eaton/Cutler-Hammer, Siemens, Sprecher + Schuh, WEG, and Hubbell-Killark. Our ENSX-K and CNSX-K Series units are rated for NEMA 7/9 applications and are available from 1/4 HP through 500 HP, covering the full spectrum of motor sizes found in classified environments.

Standard Features and Construction

We also build starters with IEC-rated contactors featuring adjustable thermal overloads (Class 10), oversized control power transformers, and external machined flange joint construction. 

Standard features across our explosion-proof product line include integral cast mounting feet, hinged covers, stainless steel captive quick-thread cover bolts, ground lug packages, and steel mounting pans. Enclosures are cast from copper-free aluminum (max 0.25% copper content) and are available in aluminum, stainless steel shot, or sandblasted natural finish.

Assembled industrial electrical enclosures staged for shipping in a manufacturing facility

Explosion-Proof Motor Starter Enclosures

Enclosure selection is critical in hazardous location design. Our explosion-proof motor starter enclosures are rated for NEMA 7 and NEMA 9 applications and are engineered to contain any internal ignition without allowing flames or hot gases to reach the surrounding atmosphere. For installations requiring corrosion resistance, we offer enclosures in stainless steel, polyester/fiberglass, and painted steel, with ratings that include NEMA 4X where environmental exposure demands it.

Every enclosure is pre-wired, fully assembled, and tested before it ships. Components are mounted to the enclosure's back pan, and each unit arrives ready for field installation. 

Electrician testing motor starter components inside an industrial control panel

Our Certifications

Cordyne is a UL 508A, 698A, and 1203 certified panel shop and holds ISO 9001:2015 certification. All explosion-proof starter assemblies are built in compliance with applicable UL, CSA, NEC, and ATEX standards. When your project specifications require documented compliance and traceable certifications, our quality assurance process supports that requirement from design through final testing. 

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30+ Years in Classified Environments

Cordyne has over 30 years of experience engineering motor control solutions for classified environments. Our staff is proficient in developing power project solutions across oil and gas, petrochemical, mining, pharmaceutical, food processing, and pulp and paper applications. We coordinate between motor, drive, and starter to ensure proper ratings across all devices, and we manufacture each unit in-house at our Houston, TX, facility.

We carry inventory from leading manufacturers, and our engineering team can customize any configuration to meet site-specific requirements. If you need a starter built to a specification that falls outside a standard catalog offering, we will work with you to engineer a solution that fits. 

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Contact our engineering team to discuss your explosion-proof motor starter requirements. Provide your application details, hazardous area classification, motor ratings, and any site-specific specifications, and we will respond with a detailed proposal.

Phone: 800-324-1484 (Toll Free) | 713-460-5151 (Local)
Location: 6410 Langfield Road, Building X, Houston, TX 77092 

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Frequently Asked Questions About Explosion-Proof Motor Starters

How do I determine the correct starter size for my motor?

Starter sizing depends on several factors, including the motor's full-load amperage (FLA), operating voltage, duty cycle, ambient temperature at the installation site, and enclosure type. Provide these details when requesting a quote, and our engineering team will size the starter and overload protection to your motor's requirements.

Can Cordyne build starters that comply with both NEC and ATEX standards?

Yes. We design and manufacture explosion-proof starters that meet both NEC (North American) and ATEX (international) regulations. This is relevant for projects with global compliance requirements or for facilities that operate under both regulatory frameworks.

What is the lead time for a custom explosion-proof motor starter?

Lead times vary based on configuration, component availability, and order volume. Contact our team with your project details and timeline, and we will provide a schedule along with your proposal.

Made in THE USA

Cordyne Motor Starter Selector

To help find the motor starter with your exact requirements, we have created a Motor Starter Selector Tool in which you are able to input your requirements and be matched with the appropriate motor starter.

Contact Our Experts

Tell us your ideas and we’ll create the best product for you. Show us your application and we’ll find the product to make it work.