An explosion proof motor including a stationary assembly and a rotatable assembly is described. The stationary assembly includes a stator that defines a stator bore. The rotatable assembly includes a rotor and a rotor shaft extending substantially axially through the stator bore. The explosion proof motor includes a frame configured to at least partially surround the stator. The frame defines an interior and an exterior of the motor. The explosion proof motor also includes at least one end shield positioned at an end of the frame and a bearing cap positioned proximate to the interior side of the end shield. The explosion proof motor also includes a flame path gap defined between the end shield and the bearing cap. The flame path gap includes at least one section that extends substantially parallel to the rotor shaft.