Motor efficiency regulations are now in force

17 June 2011

As from yesterday (June 16 2011) it is illegal to place low efficiency motors on the European market. Regulation 640/2009 of the EcoDesign Directive has now come into effect and any motor with an efficiency rating less that IE2 can no longer be placed on the market. Specifically, the Regulations apply to LV motors of type S1 and S3 between the sizes 750W and 375kW.

REMA (Rotating Electric Machines Association) director John Parsons says that “this is a significant moment for the electrical motor industry. IE1 motors, which are banned from 16 June 2011, are believed to represent 80% of the market for smaller motors. The more efficient IE2 and IE3 motors cost more, but are significantly more efficient and will normally pay back their extra cost within a few years.”

Part of electrotechnical industry association BEAMA, REMA has set up an FAQ on the BEAMA web site to explain the details of the new Regulation.

REMA has been working with the National Measurement Office (NMO), which is the UK market surveillance authority for the EcoDesign Directive, to advise the industry how to interpret and comply with the Regulations.

The next step for the Motors Regulations is 1 January 2015 when IE2 motors will be banned.