EU 2019/1781 sets new requirements for electric motors and variable speed drives
The new Ecodesign Regulation (EU) 2019/1781 came into effect in October 2019 and it applies to low-voltage induction electric motors rated at less than 1,000 V alternating current (AC) and to variable speed drives (VSD). The regulation will be implemented in two steps starting on July 1, 2021. The second stage, which expands the scope further and increases the requirements for motors, commences two years later, on July 1, 2023
From July 1, 2021; 3-phase single-speed motors 50 Hz, 60 Hz, 50/60 Hz for direct-on-line operation with continuous duty defined as S3 ≥ 80% and S6 ≥ 80%. It is important to note that the option of IE2 + VSD ceases. 3-phase induction motors
• rated for operation on 50 Hz, 60 Hz or 50/60 Hz supplies and
• rated for continuous duty i.e. duty class S1, S3≥80%, S6≥80% The following types of motor will have efficiency requirements for the first time:
• pole numbers: 8-poles
• Motors for explosive atmospheres Ex ec, Ex tb, Ex tc, Ex db Ex db eb and Ex dc,
• brake motors2 ,
• Totally Enclosed Air Over (TEAO) motors. “to note”: The option of IE2 + VSD is no longer applicable
IE2 efficiency mandatory for 3-phase motors with rated output from 0.12 kW and below 0.75 kW.
AC Drives IE2 it is now mandatory to meet the efficiency requirements
The regulation will cover 3-phase standard drives (diode rectifier) from 0.12 kW ≤ Pn ≤ 1,000 kW.
Does not apply to:
• Motors with brushes, commutators, slip rings or other electrical connections to the rotor, often described as multi-speed motors.
• High-Voltage Motors (define > 1000V)
Major exemptions from these efficiency requirements
• Mining Motors
• ATEX motors Ex eb covered by Directive 2014/34/EU (for explosive atmospheres)
• Totally Enclosed Non-Ventilated (TENV) motors
From July 1, 2023; the regulations will apply to;
3-phase induction motors:
• rated for operation on 50 Hz, 60 Hz or 50/60 Hz supplies and
• rated for continuous duty i.e. duty class S1, S3≥80%, S6≥80%
• pole numbers: 2-, 4-, 6- and 8-poles • Motors for explosive atmospheres1) Ex ec, Ex tb, Ex tc, Ex db, Ex db eb and Ex dc,
• brake motors,
• Totally Enclosed Air Over (TEAO) motors. “to note” IE4 for 3-phase will become mandatory only for 2-, 4- and 6-poles single speed motors between 75 to 200 kW which are not brake motors, Ex eb increased safety motors, or other explosion-protected motors
Does not apply to:
• Motors with brushes, commutators, slip rings or other electrical connections to the rotor, often described as multi-speed motors.
• High-Voltage Motors (define > 1 000V)
Major exemptions from these efficiency requirements
• Mining Motors
• Totally Enclosed Non-Ventilated (TENV) motors