Europe’s new motor efficiency requirements welcomed

Ulrich Spiesshofer, head of ABB's discrete automation and motion division, makes the point that the new requirements are in-line with ABB's own focus on high efficiency motors both for the NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) market in the US and IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) users throughout the rest of the world. The requirements, in the form of Commission Regulation EC 640/2009 – EU MEPS (Minimum Energy Performance Standard) – came into force yesterday (16 June 2011). Its requirements cover most two-, four- and six-pole motors in the power range 0.75-375kW for ac power supplies at 50 and 60 Hz. In brief, all motors covered by EU MEPS to be placed on the European market after 16 June must achieve a minimum efficiency of IE2 (International Efficiency standard level 2). Some motors, such as those for explosive atmospheres, are currently excluded from EU MEPS, but ABB anticipates that these types of motors will also have to comply with standard IEC 60034-30 and has provided such motors with IE markings. "ABB will not offer, sell or deliver IE1 CE marked products in any markets across the globe from 16th June 2011 onwards," says Spiesshofer. "ABB will ensure that it complies with the regulations under all circumstances." The second stage of EU MEPS will apply from January 2015, when the minimum requirement for motors with output powers above 7.5kW will be IE3 efficiency levels or IE2 if combined with a variable speed drive. The third stage of EU MEPS, which will apply from January 2017, will extend the requirement to achieve IE3 efficiency levels or IE2 with a variable speed drive to include motors down to 0.75kW power output.