Final regulation for electric motors entered into force the 12 August 2009. The requirements are estimated to lead to savings of 135 TWh per year within the EU when reaching their full impact.

The proposal covers motors of power range 0,75 to 375 kW. The definition of motors is electric single speed motors with three-phase 50 Hz or 60 Hz or 50/60 Hz, squirrel cage induction motors in accordance with IEC 60034-1. Additional parameters (rated voltage, rated output, poles etc) are also specified in Annex II. This kind of motors usually figures in industrial fans, pumps and compressors.

Up to the present time performance requirements for electric motors in Europe have been low compared to other important markets (e.g. USA and Australia). Only a voluntary agreement between the Manufacturers Association and the EC has been applied since 1998.

According to the proposal, efficiency of motors shall be tested in accordance with IEC 60034-2-1:2007 and classified according to IEC 60034-30:2008, where the energy classes are defined as IE1, IE2 and IE3 (with IE3 as the best performance).

Some of the minimum energy efficiency requirements are:

• From 2011: Minimum energy performance at the IE2 efficiency level
• From 2015: Minimum energy performance at the IE3 efficiency level, or IE2 if the motor is combined with a Variable Speed Drive (VSD)
• From 2017: Minimum energy performance at the IE3 efficiency level for all motors

The Commission recommends national and local authorities to take complementary measures in public procurement and encourages MS to set requirements for motors with minimum energy efficiency values of the second phase of Annex I (the IE3 levels) already from the beginning of the measure.

When the performance requirements for motors reach their full impact (by 2020), including the application of variable speed drives in variable load applications, they are estimated to save 135 TWh per year within the EU.

Products & status