Energy Efficiency

New Efficiency Classes for Low-Voltage 3-phase Motors

Along with the international discussion on energy efficiency a worldwide harmonized energy efficiency standard classification system has been established for low-voltage three-phase asynchronous motors.

For many years low-voltage three-phase motors have been sold in the European Union in three efficiency classes EFF3, EFF2 and EFF1.

Aside from this, many different efficiency classification systems have been introduced and well-proven in many countries all over the world. 

This was the reason for the International Electrotechnical Commission IEC to develop and publish an energy efficiency standard which replaces all the previous national issues. In parallel IEC developed and issued a new standard for determining motor efficiency.

Scope of the Commision Regulation EU 2019/1781 & 2021/341 (from 2021-07-01)

New international efficiency classes of motors (IE = International Efficiency)

The new IEC 60034-30-1 standard defines and harmonizes the efficiency classes IE1, IE2, IE3 and IE4 for low-voltage three-phase asynchronous motors in the power range from 0,12kW to 1000kW (2p = 2 - 8):

• IE1 = Standard Efficiency
• IE2 = High Efficiency
• IE3 = Premium Efficiency
• IE4 = Super Premium Efficiency

Complying with IEC 60034-30-1 standard the efficiency has to be determined in accordance with the new requirements given in the IEC 60034-2-1.

Sub-assembly / part-name	Method of utilization
casing, bearing brackets and covers, terminal box body, box cover	Scrap iron
Cores: stator and rotor	Scrap steel (generator sheet) - after removing winding with isolation adn melting Al.
Aluminium squirrel cage	Aluminium scrap - after melting
Winding with isolation	Scrap copper (removal and utilization of insulation in a specialized company)
Shaft, sleeves, steel ventilator, ventilator cover, connectors	Scrap steel
Bearings	Scrapt steel(after removing grease - grease for utilization in a specialized company)
Rubber parts (seals, rings, etc.)	Utilization in a specialized company
Plastic elements (terminal board, terminal block, ventilator)	Utilization in a specalized comapny

Recycling process and environmental issues

Following the Directive 2009/125/EC - ecodesign requirements for energy-related products and regulation (EC) 640/2009 with focus on the ecological requirements of electric motors please find our indications relevant for recycling process. In case of scraping the motor, it should be passed on to a professional company dedicated to recycling of electrical appliances according to national regulations. In the corresponding table we present the methods of utilization of particular parts of electric motors.