First Japanese Electrical Equipment Manufacturer to Obtain International Certification, Contributing to a Global Hydrogen Society

TMEIC Corporation (President & CEO: Akira Kawaguchi; hereinafter “TMEIC”) obtained IECEx international certification in July 2025 for its pressure-resistant explosion-proof motors designed for hydrogen gas environments—making it the first Japanese electrical equipment manufacturer to receive this certification^*1. From September 2025, TMEIC began full-scale sales of these motors to 79 countries and regions worldwide^*2.

With the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, hydrogen energy initiatives are progressing across power generation, transportation and industrial sectors in Japan and overseas. However, since hydrogen has the highest explosion pressure among flammable gases, motors that are used at facilities handling hydrogen gas are expected to have high pressure-resistant explosion-proof performance to withstand the pressure.

To address such needs, TMEIC obtained IECEx certification for its pressure-resistant explosion-proof motors for driving pumps and compressors used in hydrogen-handling facilities and equipment. The key features of these motors are as follows:

1. Capability to operate safely in hydrogen gas environments in 79 countries and regions
   Hydrogen exhibits the highest explosion pressure among flammable gases, and motors used in hydrogen-handling facilities must possess exceptional pressure-resistant explosion-proof performance to withstand this pressure. TMEIC’s motors comply with the international explosion-proof standard IEC 60079-1^*3 and are engineered to operate safely in hydrogen gas environments. The IECEx certification is recognized in 79 countries and regions, including Japan, Europe, Asia and Oceania^*4.
   
2. Expanded explosion-proof range with extended motor lineup
   Current international explosion-proof certification is obtained for pressure-resistant explosion-proof motors with output ranging from 37kW–185kW. Additionally, current certification enables domestic explosion-proof certification, which was previously certified for frame size 280: 160kW–185kW models, to address small capacities of 37kW–160kW, thereby expanding the product lineup from small to medium capacities. In addition to the 160 kW–185 kW models (frame size 280) for which explosion-proof certification was first obtained in Japan, TMEIC has now secured international explosion-proof certification for lower-output models starting from 37 kW (frame size 250), expanding the product’s explosion-proof coverage. By extending the lineup of pressure-resistant explosion-proof motors from small to medium capacity, TMEIC can meet the needs of a wider range of customers. Furthermore, the certification includes inverter-driven operation, enabling compatibility with both fixed-speed commercial power supply and variable-speed inverter drives.
   
3. Achieves IE3-level efficiency to reduce energy use and operating costs
   Although explosion-proof motors are not subject to high-efficiency regulations^*5, TMEIC leveraged its design expertise from high-efficiency motors to achieve efficiency equivalent to the IE3 standard in this product. This contributes to energy savings and lower operating costs for facilities that handle hydrogen, such as hydrogen stations.

Comments by Hideki Iwanaga, Executive Officer and General Manager, Rotating Machinery Systems Division:

“With a view toward accelerating the realization of a carbon-neutral society, we have expanded our lineup of explosion-proof motors that can be applied not only to domestic but also overseas hydrogen-handling facilities. Going forward, we will continue to deliver products and services that lead the way in energy efficiency.”

*1 Based on TMEIC research as of October 2025.
*2 This product obtained domestic explosion-proof certification in April 2023.
Press release: https://www.tmeic.co.jp/news_event/pressrelease/2025/20251031.pdf (Japanese)
*3 Explosive atmospheres – Part 1: Equipment protection by flameproof enclosures «d»
*4 Use of this product (frame size 250) in Japan requires a procedure to switch to domestic explosion-proof certification. Please contact your sales representative for details.
*5 In Japan, the Top Runner Program mandating high-efficiency motors began in April 2015. Not all motors are subject to these standards; only those meeting the criteria specified under JIS C 4034-30: Rotating electrical machines – Part 30: Efficiency classes of single-speed, three-phase, cage induction motors (IE code) are covered.

Basic Specifications of the Hydrogen Explosion-Proof Motor Series (Pressure-Resistant Type)