New regulation from Brussels updates EU MEPS motor efficiency scheme

The European Commission has altered a major directive in a move that should benefit motor suppliers and users by blocking unfair practices. The new regulation amends EU MEPS, the Minimum Energy Performance Standard in the EU motor market.

ABB says: “Regulation (EU) No 4/2014 amends the existing Regulation EC 640/2009, which was passed to implement the EU’s Ecodesign Directive 2005/32/EC.”

Why has this update been made?

The changes have come about since certain loopholes that contravene the spirit of EU MEPS have been identified. It’s hoped that the changes will help make competition fairer.

What are the main changes?

Regulation EU No 4/2014 shall not apply to:

·         Motors specified to operate wholly immersed in a liquid

·         Motors specified to operate exclusively:

(i)   at altitudes exceeding 4000 m ASL

(ii)  where ambient air temperatures exceed 60°C

(iii)  in maximum operating temperature above 400°C

(iv)  where ambient air temperatures are less than -30°C for any motor or less than 0°C for a motor with water cooling

(v)  where the water coolant temperature at the inlet to a product is less than 0°C or exceeding 32°C.

Additionally, the amendment relaxes the marking requirements for the main rating plate. Manufacturers will now need to mark only the efficiency value at 100% of the load where this is dictated by the size of the plate.

When will the new regulation be in effect?

Regulation EU 4/2014 was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on January 7, 2014 and will be applied from July 27, 2014.

Further details regarding the new EU MEPS regulation can be found here. For information on Gibbons electric motors, call 01621 868138 or email info@gibbonsgroup.co.uk.