A motor efficiency labelling programme that designates energy efficiency classes for low voltage AC motors has been introduced in the European Union.
The classification and banding scheme, which came into effect on 1 January, is intended to inform users of the importance of electric motor efficiency and to increase awareness of what is available when specifying or selecting electric motors.
Results are anticipated to be a reduction in Europe’s energy consumption, reduced costs for industry and a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.
Manufacturers of motors sign up voluntarily to the scheme which has been established by the European Commission and the European Committee of Manufacturers of Electrical Machines and Power Electronics (CEMEP).
The scheme involves labelling motor name rating plates and providing motor efficiency information in product literature.
There is potential for the scheme to be developed into future EU legislation to enforce the use of energy efficient electric motors. A similar scheme in the USA, under the Energy Policy Act (EPAct), has already gone further in that there is legislation against the sale of electric motors that are less efficient than the EPAct standard.
