Motors placed on the market after 1 January 2015, with a rated output between 7.5 – 375 kW, shall have a minimum efficiency class of IE3, or minimum IE2 if they are operated or equipped with electronic speed control, essentially a variable-speed drive (VSD).

It is estimated that electric motors consume 70% of the energy used by European industry.  If you then consider life-cycle energy consumption costs are likely to be 3300% higher than the cost of the motor, it can be no surprise that EU legislation has been introduced to encourage the adoption of higher efficiency motors.  The EU estimates savings of 20-30% in motor consumption are achievable from the new regulation and which will support the European CO2 reduction programme.

The first phase of European regulation 640/2009 came into force in June 2011.  This required that all single-speed, three-phase squirrel-cage induction motors with ratings from 0.75 to 375kW sold in the UK must have an efficiency rating of at least IE2: it applied to motors with two, four or six poles and up to 1000V.

From January 2015

The next phase comes into force in January 2015 and all motors from 7.5 to 375kW sold after that time must meet efficiency level IE3 or higher.  However, it will still be permissible to install IE2 motors provided they are equipped with an electronic variable speed drive (VSD).  The final phase from January 2017 will include motors from 0.75kW.

999 Inverters works closely with the manufacturers of both variable frequency inverter drives and motors to ensure its product offering always meets the highest standards, and conforms with current and future regulations.

For more information on COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 640/2009 of 22 July 2009 implementing Directive 2005/32/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to Ecodesign requirements for electric motors can be found in the Official Journal of the European Union or go here

There is a very helpful independent booklet called Electric Motor System Efficiency produced by CAPIEL, the European low voltage Switchgear and Controlgear manufacturers association and available on the GAMBICA website.

Go here for variable speed drives (VSD) from stock at discounted prices