Motor energy efficiency regulations tighten up11 February 2014

Bauer Gear Motor is reminding plant engineers that additional EC regulations on the energy efficiency of electric motors came into force at the end of 2013 with a transition period of six months.

Commission Regulation 640/2009 relates to the Eco-Design of electric motor drives and currently requires nearly all new equipment with a rated output between 0.75 and 375kW, to meet IE2 efficiency ratings.

There were, however, some exemptions, including equipment operating at an altitude exceeding 1,000m above sea level, or in ambient temperatures below -15°C or above +40°C.

Revisions to these regulations relate to a widening of the operational windows in which they apply – specifically an increase of the working altitude to 4,000m and revising the working ambient temperatures to between -30°C and +60°C.

As a result, IE1 rated motors will no longer be permitted under these conditions. It is currently understood that motors operating in potentially explosive atmospheres remain unaffected.

Next, IE3 efficiency will become mandatory all motors rated between 7.5 and 375kW from 1 January 2015.

This will be extended to include smaller motors, down to 0.75kW, from 1 January 2017, all of which will require motor and gear motor manufacturers to provide a complete range of products designed to meet or exceed these efficiency criteria.

Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Bauer Gear Motor GmbH

This material is protected by MA Business copyright
See Terms and Conditions.
One-off usage is permitted but bulk copying is not.
For multiple copies contact the sales team.