The European Ecodesign Regulation
AC motors and inverters are included in the EU ecodesign regulation
As per July 1st 2021 a ecodesign regulation with new rules on energy efficiency for electric motors and inverters was implemented. Motors manufactured after this date that do not meet the requirements of the regulation may not be marketed, sold or used in Denmark, the EU or the EEA area if they do not meet the new requirements after this date. However, it is still permitted to market, sell and use products in Denmark, the EU or the EEA area manufactured before July 1st 2021 after this date.
The regulation changed on July 1st 2022 and again per July 1st 2023 as per this date more types of electric motors will be covered by the new efficiency regulation. The regulation also covers ATEX motors.
Read more about the regulation below.
Rules valid until 1/7-2021
Motors
"Current regulations cover electric motors in the size 0.12 kW - 375 kW which account for more than 90 percent of the total electricity consumption for electric motors in the EU. The lower limit of 0.75 kW corresponds to 1 hp, and is approximately the size of electric motors in much machinery and in a wide range of consumer products. The upper limit corresponds to a motor in a compressor for a larger cold store.
The requirements do not apply to electric motors that are fully integrated into a product, for example in a compressor. They also do not apply to special electric motors, e.g. types that are built to work completely submerged in a liquid. Electric motors that do not meet the energy requirements may not be marketed in the EU. It is European producers and importers who are responsible for ensuring that the rules are complied. The requirements for the motors' energy efficiency depend on the motor's size and number of poles. There is also a requirement for product information on the motor (on/near the nameplate), in the manufacturer's technical documentation and on a publicly accessible website".
Inverters
"The rules apply to three-phase frequency inverters for operation with a motor covered by regulation (EU) 2019/1781, with an output between 0.12 and 1000 kW, a voltage between 100 and 1000 V AC and which has only one AC rated voltage. Frequency inverters are also covered when they are included in other products”.
Source: Danish Energy Agency
The full regulation can be read here.
Step 1. (applicable from 1/7 2021)
Includes 2, 4, 6 and 8-pole motors designed for continuous operation (S1) Power from 0.12 to 0.55kW IE2 requirements
Power from 0.75 to 1,000Kw IE3 requirements
Brake motors are covered
IE2 motor with frequency converter is omitted
Step 2. (applicable from 1/7 2022)
In future, information must be provided on power loss as a percentage of the rated power at various operating points
Step 3. (applicable from 1/7 2023)
ATEX motors (EX eb) from 0.12 to 1,000kW must be IE2
1-phase motors from 0.12 kW must be IE2
Motors from 75 to 200kW (2.4 and 6-pole) must be IE4
Type overview of electric motors and efficiency classes
Below you will find an overview of the different types of electric motors, which Brd. Klee sells. Example KLEEdrive T2A = IE2. () indicate whether the motor is made of aluminum (alu) or cast iron.
KLEEdrive
T2A = IE2 (alu)
T3A = IE3 (alu)
T4A = IE4 (alu)
T2C = IE2 (cast iron)
T3C = IE3 (cast iron)
T4C = IE4 (cast iron)
Bonfiglioli
BE = IE2 (alu)
BX = IE3 (alu)
Icme
THE = IE2 (alu)
TPE = IE3 (alu)
What does it mean to you?
When you buy motors and inverters from us, they will naturally meet the requirements. However, there may be a transition period during which we continue to offer products produced before the cut-off date. Read the complete regulation from the European Commission here.
Need help?
If you haven't found an answer on this page, or if you need guidance, you are always welcome to contact us.
