for Low-Voltage 3-phase Motors
Along with the international discussion on energy efficiency, a worldwide harmonized energy efficiency classification system has been established for low voltage three-phase asynchronous motors.
The efficiency factor defines the efficiency of motors when transforming electrical into mechanical energy.
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. They differ from each other in terms of scope, wording and values.
That was the reason for the International Electrotechnical Commission IEC to develop and publish an energy efficiency standard which replaces all the previous national issues. Parallelly IEC developed and issued a new standard for determining motor efficiency.
The new IEC 60034-30-1 standard defines and harmonizes the worldwide efficiency classes IE1, IE2, IE3 and IE4 for low-voltage three-phase motors.
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 (comparable to EFF1)
IE2 = High Efficiency (comparable to EFF2)
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.
