Ecodesign frequently asked questions

Motors specified for operation exclusively with a variable speed drive are outside the scope of the regulation. Hence the regulation does not cover motors such as synchronous reluctance, permanent magnet and DC motors.

Application and industry specific induction motors for VSD duty, that cannot be DOL connected, such as roller table, highspeed and servo motors, belong to this category. These types of motor can also be labelled ‘VSD only’ or ‘Inverter duty’ motors. These motors may also have an IE class according to EN IEC TS 60034-30-2.

The scope of the regulation covers induction motors rated for continuous duty, i.e. duty class S1, S3≥80% and S6≥80% as defined in the regulation.

Restamping a standard induction motor for S9 duty does not put it outside the scope of the regulation. If a motor is rated for DOL operation then it is covered by the regulation.

However, induction motors that are not rated for 50 Hz or 60 Hz, but are rated for duty cycle S9, e.g. ‘VSD duty only’, may have some non-standard and specific features meeting the conditions to be specifically designed for VSD duty.

The regulation covers 3-phase standard drives with a diode rectifier in the range 0.12 kW ≤ Pn < 1000 kW. After July 1, 2021, the power losses of these drives shall not exceed the maximum power losses corresponding to the IE2 efficiency level.

Drive manufacturers must declare power losses in terms of percentage of rated apparent output power at eight different operating points, as well as standby losses. The International Efficiency (IE) level is given at the nominal point.

The following types of low voltage AC drives are excluded from the regulation: regenerative drives, low harmonic drives (THD < 10%), multidrives (multiple AC-output drives) and 1-phase drives.

A drive cabinet containing a drive module that has already been assessed does not need to be reassessed.

Several other types of drive are excluded, including medium voltage drives, DC drives, integrated drives and traction drives.

The Ecodesign Regulation does not include minimum efficiency requirements for Power Drive Systems (PDS). IEC 61800-9-2 specifies efficiency classes for motor-drive systems (IES), which it refers to as PDS.

Motors and drives covered by the regulation must also meet the efficiency requirements in order to be CE marked.

After July 1, 2021 DOL rated motors covered by the regulation must be IE3 compliant as a minimum in order to be CE marked. 

After July 1, 2021 drives covered by the regulation must be IE2 compliant as a minimum in order to be CE marked.

If a motor or drive covered by the regulation does not fulfill the efficiency requirements, it shall not be labelled with the CE mark and consequently it shall not be placed on the European market. Such a motor or drive (without the CE mark) can be delivered outside Europe, provided that it meets local requirements in the target market.

There is no need to revise ATEX certificates due to the new regulation.

The regulation specifies for market surveillance that three methods are available to manufacturers to determine losses:

• Direct method
• Calorimetric method
• Single loss determination method

The only practical way to check the manufacturer’s data is to use the direct input/output method. This requires sophisticated equipment and suitable conditions to perform testing.

The efficiency level (IE class) of a design or product type must be guaranteed by the manufacturer.

The efficiency value shall be obtained as a band or average of the population of tested or verified samples. Normal variations in production processes, materials and test results shall be considered during the design process by the manufacturer.

The use of tolerances is only allowed by market surveillance to assess the test results and determine whether or not the product is compliant.

Yes, in the case of single speed motors operating at 50 Hz or 60 Hz DOL that have two or more rated voltages and speeds.

No, in the case of multi-speed or pole-changing motors with two or more speeds per frequency, regardless of design.

See also ‘CEMEP/CAPIEL- 2n Edition – May 2021.

Yes, motors must comply with the regulation if their power rating and pole number are within the scope.

Only motors designed specifically for the traction of electric vehicles are outside the scope.

Drives designed for use with both induction and servo motors must meet the minimum requirement of IE2 compliance.

Drives not rated to operate with induction motors are outside the scope of the regulation and do not require Ecodesign marking. However, they are subject to other CE marking requirements.