New EU rules on energy efficiency for electric motors and variable speed drives are now valid from 1 July 2021. The new rules update the previous regulations from 2009. They are applicable to AC induction motors with a power range from 0.12 kW up to 1000 kW. The energy efficiency requirements have been reinforced, reflecting technological progress and market evolution in the past decade. The new rules now regulate the efficiency of variable speed drives as well. Manufacturers are now obliged to provide information about the efficiency of both motors and drives at different load points. This will help engineers to optimise the efficiency of entire systems.
