New efficiency classes for motors

Reduction of energy usage and CO2 emission

Overview

General
Efficiency classes for motors at a glance
Exceptions in the EU Regulation
When do the new regulations come into force?
Which IE2 motor series can you change your motors over to?

General

Extensive legislation on energy efficiency has been passed in the European Union with the objective of reducing energy usage in the private and industrial sectors and therefore CO₂ emission. Here, you can understand the impact of these laws, when they come into force, and the opportunities they offer:

New efficiency classes for motors

New efficiency classes have been defined in IEC 60034-30 for induction motors (IE = International Efficiency):

IE1 (Standard Efficiency)
IE2 (High Efficiency)
IE3 (Premium Efficiency)

** still being coordinated

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Efficiency classes for motors at a glance

Here you find a comparison of the previous rules and the new legislation on efficiency classes for motors.

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Exceptions in the EU Regulation

Exceptions with respect to the efficiency classes: Motors that have been designed so that they can be operated completely submerged in a liquid;

Motors that are completely integrated into a product (for example, a gear unit, a pump, a fan or a compressor) where the motor efficiency cannot be determined independently of this product;

Motors equipped with brake;

Motors that have been specially designed for operation under the following conditions:

at altitudes greater than 1000 meters above sea level;
at ambient temperatures above 40 °C;
at max. operating temperatures above 400 °C;
at ambient temperatures below -15 °C (any motor);
at cooling liquid temperatures at the inlet of below 5 °C or above 25 °C;
in hazardous zones in the sense of Directive 94/9/EC of the European Parliament and Council;

The following types are not involved

8-pole motors

Pole-changing motors

Synchronous motors

Motors for intermittent duty S2 ... S9

Motors that have been specifically developed for converter operation

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When do the new regulations come into force?

When will the new regulations become effecitive?

Future dates are:

from 1.1.2015: The legally specified minimum efficiency IE3 must be maintained for power ratings from 7.5 kW up to 375 kW, or as an alternative an IE2 motor plus converter
from 1.1.2017: The legally specified minimum efficiency IE3 must be maintained for power ratings from 0.75 kW up to 375 kW, or as an alternative an IE2 motor plus converter

Future standards – already today

As far as the efficiency classes for motors are concerned, Siemens implemented the changeover from the EFF labeling to the legally stipulated IE nomenclature already back in 2009.

From 6.16.2011, IE1 standard motors may no longer be marketed in the European economic area. From this date onwards, it is a legal requirement that all standard motors that are marketed must comply with the IE2 classification as a minimum. This means changing over to a higher class of motor – from IE1 to IE2 – by this date at the latest. For projects extending over a longer period, the changeover to IE2 must already have been completed by this date. Please note, the motor types, weights, certain dimensions, etc. will change. Take the first step: Effective immediately, you can demonstrate your environmental credentials by using IE2 motors and save energy and costs for your customers. With Siemens, you are ideally equipped for the future. Simply speak to your Siemens contact partner in your region about the new efficiency classes for motors.

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