Are you ready for IE3? Although mainly affecting manufacturers, the new regulations have some significant implications for everyone in the supply chain, as Ian Allan explains. Although 1st January 2015 seems a long way off, there are only 18 months to go to a time when IE3 (International Efficiency Class 3) motors become mandatory. As specified in EC regulation 640/2009 [see boxed item below], any motors placed on the market after this date, with a rated output between 7.5 to 375kW, will need to have a minimum efficiency class of IE3, or a minimum of IE2 if they are operated with a variable-speed drive (VSD). From 1st January 2017, the regulations will also apply to motors rated up to 7.5 kW.
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