EC fans combine low operating costs with a longer service life than many other fan options due to their lower operating temperatures and smaller heat losses. When compared to AC motors, which tend to have peak efficiency at a single speed, EC motors offer a wide operating window of fairly constant efficiency over a range of speeds. EC motors require little to no maintenance and provide increased reliability. This means equipment is up and running more often with EC fans, which lowers the total operating cost. The brushless DC motor eliminates the sparking and electromagnetic interference that can occur in brushed motors. Because there is no sparking with EC fans, they can be used in higher risk areas where there is a potential for explosions. With the need for non-sparking components in Zone 2 applications, ATEX-certified EC fans are ideal for oil and gas, commercial and process control, refrigeration, HVAC, and electronic enclosures and cabinets. Certain EC fan models are IP55 to IP68-rated against dust and water spray for harsh environments.