U.S. DOE issues final rule for electric motor energy conservation standards

A new motor rule covering low voltage 1-500 HP NEMA and IEC motors raises levels for almost all motors sold in US to IE3 level starting May 8, 2016

The US Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a pre-publication Federal Register final rule regarding energy conservation standards for LV electric motors (May 8, 2014). The new standard will save commercial buildings and industry up to nearly $16 billion and prevent 96 million metric tons of CO2 through 2030, one of the largest energy saving regulations ever passed in the US.

The rule will now include partial motors as used in gear motors and customized electrical and mechanical designs. Also IEC Design N and H motors will be covered along with enclosed NEMA 56 frame and IEC 80.

  • Find more information on the rulemaking, including milestones, statutory authority, rulemaking documents, and any other related rulemakings.
  • All notices, public comments, public meeting transcripts, and supporting documents associated with this rulemaking are included in Docket No. EERE-2010-BT-STD-0027.
  • Find product information about current standards and test procedures; recent product updates; waivers, exceptions, and exemptions; the statutory authority; historical information; and contact information.

The rule is a result of a petition from a coalition including NEMA (ABB & Baldor), energy advocates and other trade groups.

Categories and Tags
About the author

John Malinowski

I'm the General Product Manager for General Purpose and Severe Duty AC Motors at Baldor Electric Company, A Member of the ABB Group, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. I'm a Senior Member of IEEE and a Member at Large on the IEEE Industry Application Society Executive Board. I serve on the IEEE Pulp & Paper Industry Committee, and I'm also active with IEEE Petroleum and Chemical Industry Committee; serves on several IEEE Standards Working Groups. I'm Chairman of NEMA 1MG Motor & Generator Section, and Baldor’s representative for Energy Star Partners. I've published several articles on motor and drive efficiency, maintenance and applications. I act as company advocate with government agencies, professional associations, and industry standards committees.
Comment on this article
Community guidelines