Applied Industrial Technologies is Your Resource for Efficient Motors

Effective December 19, 2010, motor manufacturers were required to increase motor efficiencies due to a government regulation known as the Energy Independence and Securities Act of 2007 (EISA). EISA was passed by Congress and signed into law on December 19, 2007. EISA builds upon the previous EPAct (Energy Policy Act of 1992) updating mandated efficiency standards for general purpose, three-phase AC industrial motors from 1 to 500 horsepower which are manufactured for sale in the United States. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is responsible for establishing the rules to implement and enforce EPAct.

While new efficiency requirements are expected to raise initial motor costs, Applied^® will continue to work with motor suppliers to ensure customers receive ample notification. Higher mandated motor efficiencies are intended to reduce motor power consumption and costs exceeding any price increase due to efficiency upgrades. 

• General and definite purpose polyphase motors with three digit frame numbers that today need to meet EPAct efficiency levels will need to meet NEMA Premium^® efficiency levels beginning December 19, 2010.
• Many general and definite purpose polyphase motors with three digit frame numbers that were exempt from EPAct because of voltage, mounting, etc., will need to meet EPAct efficiency levels beginning December 19, 2010.
• The regulation will not apply to smaller motors (two digit frame numbers) and motors that cannot be used in most applications, such as special shafts, blowers or nonstandard frequencies.

What does this mean for you

Eventually, only motors manufactured to the new standards will be available. While initial motor costs for these motors are expected to be higher, the long-term energy savings will make up for the difference.

You may currently have motors that barely fit into an application. New efficiency upgrades will affect C Dimensions and when it comes to length, a new motor may not be a drop-in replacement.

Contact your Applied Account Manager to discuss potential solutions before the time comes to replace motors.

About NEMA Premium Efficient Motors

As part of the new regulation, many motors will meet NEMA Premium efficiency levels. The NEMA Premium label indicates optimized efficiency, reduced electrical power costs and improved system reliability. The savings are so significant, it can be worthwhile to replace fully serviceable standard efficiency motors. Additionally, NEMA Premium motors are generally made to higher manufacturing standards, which typically results in longer life, less maintenance and reduced downtime.

Contact your Applied Account Manager for assistance with selecting the right NEMA Premium efficient motor for your applications.

Download our EISA fact sheet above for additional information.