Electric Motor Selection for Washed Food Conveyors: Water Exposure and Mounting Position

Motor selection for a washed food conveyor starts with how much water the motor will be exposed to and by which cleaning method. A standard three-phase motor with IP55 protection can be used on many lines when it is placed in a protected position above or beside the belt, where the water jet is not aimed directly at it. On lines where the motor is washed directly with pressurised water or foaming chemicals, or stands in the product contact zone, a hygienically designed (stainless or washable) special motor is needed.

Define the cleaning regime first

The expression "washed conveyor" can describe different conditions. Before selecting the motor, write down clearly how the line is cleaned, because each regime puts a different load on the motor:

IP55 means protection against dust and resistance to water jets from any direction. This does not mean that the motor can be washed at close range with a high-pressure washing gun. Pressurised water strains the seals and cable glands; the pressure difference that forms inside as the motor cools after washing can also draw moisture in.

Mounting position: keeping water away from the motor

On a washed line, what determines motor life most is where and in which orientation it is mounted. The same motor that fails quickly under the belt standing in a puddle can run for years above and beside the belt.

• Height: Do not place the motor close to the floor and the dripping line. If possible, position it beside the upper level of the belt, out of the direction in which wash water flows.
• Terminal box: The cable entry should face downwards so that water running along the cable is not directed into the terminal box. Connect the cable with a downward drip loop before the entry.
• Fan side: The motor is cooled by its own fan (IC411). Do not block the front of the fan cover; make sure the cover does not face a pit that collects water. You can find more on cooling in our cooling methods article.
• Vertical mounting: In shaft-up mounting (V3, V6), water can run down the shaft towards the motor's front end shield. If a vertical position is required, state this with the order; for shaft-down applications see our vertical mounting article.
• Product contact zone: The motor should not be placed directly above the zone where open food product passes; the risk of grease or paint particles falling is not acceptable for hygiene.

Mounting arrangements (B3, B5, B14, B34, B35 and vertical V1/V3/V5/V6/V15) are offered according to the frame; the flange size is confirmed with the order. Remember that the gearbox is in the same environment; the gearbox breather plug and seals are also affected by wash water.

Condensation: the invisible water after washing

When a hot motor is washed with cold water, or when a line running in a cold room is cleaned with hot water, condensation can form inside the motor. This water gradually reaches the winding and bearings; the failure often appears weeks after washing. The following measures reduce this risk:

• If possible, carry out washing after the motor has stopped and cooled a little.
• If the line will stand idle for a long time, make sure the motor is dry before restarting; the checks in our article on storing spare motors also apply after long standstills.
• If additional features such as condensate drainage or a winding heater are needed, ask about them separately with the order; such options are not listed on the standard model pages.

Distinguishing a standard motor from a hygienic special motor

On some food lines, the motor itself must be washed, must stand in the product contact zone, or must have no fins and recesses on its surface that could trap dirt. In this case smooth, finless or stainless-frame hygienic design motors are used. This task requires a special motor; it may fall outside the scope of the standard series in HEM Motor's 2026 catalogue. Ask us with the nameplate and application details.

A standard three-phase motor is assessed on washed lines where the motor stands outside the product zone in a protected position and cleaning does not target the motor directly. In frame material selection, aluminium and cast iron have the same protection and insulation class; state the cleaning agent used with the order for the surface paint and chemical resistance. The ambient temperature should also be stated with the order.

Example models for food conveyors

Food conveyors mostly run with low-power, 4-pole geared motors. Aluminium frame examples for use in a protected position:

• 71M2-4: 0.37 kW, 4 poles, 1,340 rpm, 230/400 V, IEC 71M, rated current at 400 V 0.92 A.
• 80M2-4: 0.75 kW, 4 poles, 1,420 rpm, 230/400 V, IEC 80M, rated current 1.75 A.
• 90S-4: 1.1 kW, 4 poles, 1,445 rpm, 230/400 V, IEC 90S, rated current 2.48 A.

The power decision is made according to the actual load, length and duty of the belt. Review suitable HEM Motor models and current prices on the buy electric motors page. General information for packaging and food lines is on the packaging machine motors page.

Conclusion and information before ordering

On a washed food conveyor, first define the cleaning regime, then position the motor outside the water jet and the product zone, with the terminal entry facing downwards. If the motor is to be washed directly, a hygienic special motor should be discussed instead of a standard IP55 motor. With the order, send together the cleaning method (pressure, temperature, chemicals), the motor's position on the line and mounting arrangement, the ambient temperature, power, speed, voltage and a photo of the current motor's nameplate.

You can see suitable models and current prices in our online sales section. Send the nameplate photo, speed and mounting details of your current motor through the send nameplate page and request a quotation for the suitable model. To consult us about your line conditions, you can use our contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an IP55 motor be washed with pressurised water?

Washing it directly and at close range with pressurised water is not recommended. IP55 defines resistance to water jets; for high-pressure or hot washing the motor should be placed in a protected position or a special motor should be chosen.

Should the motor on a food conveyor be placed below or above the belt?

It should be placed where water does not collect and outside the dripping line; on most lines this means beside the belt at its upper level. It should not be placed directly above open product.

Why does the motor fail weeks after washing?

When a hot motor is washed with cold water, condensation can form inside, and this moisture gradually reaches the winding. Washing after the motor has cooled and turning the terminal entry downwards reduce the risk.

Is a stainless food-grade motor part of the standard series?

Hygienically designed stainless motors belong to the special motor group and may fall outside the scope of the standard series in the 2026 catalogue. Ask us with your application details.