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Frequently Asked Questions on the new LV Motor Efficiency Standards

Introduction
 

As part of the Ecodesign Directive , the European Commission has passed a regulation that stipulates the minimum efficiency levels for LV electric motors that can be sold within Europe . The Regulation has its first effect in June of 2011 after which motors have to be of an efficiency class IE 2 or higher. In 2015, the minimum rises to IE3 or IE2 if combined with a VSD.
The Ecodesign Directive is a measure that has been introduced to raise the energy efficiency of a wide range of energy using products, ranging from light bulbs to refrigerators to electric motors. According to studies carried out for the Commission, these higher efficiency products should save consumers money in the long term due to their lower operating costs.
Motors are one of the first products to be regulated, reflecting their significance in the energy consumption mix. The regulations have already been passed into UK law and stipulate that:
From 16th June 2011 only LV motors of efficiency class IE2 or greater can be put onto the market in Europe.

REMA FAQs on LV Motor Efficiency Standards

What is the new IE efficiency classification system?


How do the new IE efficiency classes compare with the old EFF efficiency classes?


What motors are in the Scope of the Efficiency Standard?


What is the scope of the EcoDesign Motors Regulations?


What do the Regulations specify?


What does first "placed on the market for the first time" mean?


Who is going to enforce the Regulations?


How are the Regulations going to be enforced?


How will the Manufacturer put things right?


What motors are affected?


Can EFF1 motors simply be relabeled as IE2 without re-testing?


Are motors with an IP rating above IP55 in scope?


Why has the efficiency of my motor changed?


If an OEM has IE1 or EFF2 motors in stock in June 2011 when can they no longer supply a pump fitted with an EFF2 motor?


Will OEM's still be able to buy and / or sell EFF2 motors for use on their export projects in the Middle East etc (i.e. outside of the EU)?


Would a supplier be allowed to import an IE1 motor into Europe for use on this basis?



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