Standardized efficiency

First global standard has been published to classify energy efficiency for high voltage AC induction motors. The standard, issued by the International Electrotechnical Commission, IEC, defines four efficiency classes ranging from IE1 to IE4. The highest, IE4 class, stands for super premium efficiency.




This new standard applies to direct-on-line connected induction motors with
power range from
200 kW to 2 MW
and with rated voltages from
1000 V up to 11 kV.

From ABB’s portfolio it covers rib-cooled induction motors with frame sizes from 315 to 560 and modular induction motors up to frame sizes 400 to 500.

The new IEC/EN 60034-30-3 standard is an extension of IEC/EN 60034-30-1, which covers efficiency classes for low voltage AC motors.


Towards more efficient solutions

The standard does not yet specify minimum efficiency requirements for high voltage motors, but EU is expected to set them in the next few years - similar to what already exists for small and medium-sized motors in the EU Minimum Energy Performance Standards, MEPS.

As efficiency improvements offer significant energy savings and are key enablers towards a low carbon future, ABB has introduced Top Industrial Efficiency Initiative. It aims to make the highest possible efficiencies optionally available for all of our large motors.

Modular Induction Motor Image 16

Learn more about the standard

In this technical note you can find more information about the new standard, including what it covers, threshold levels for the efficiency classes and related testing methods.

Technical note - efficiency classes for high voltage AC motors
Modular Induction Motor Image 16

Visit also the webpages of our related motors

High voltage rib cooled motors High voltage modular induction motors


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