Baldor has announced the European availability of Nema three-phase motors that meet the increased energy efficiency demands required by the USA's forthcoming Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA). This legislation, which becomes mandatory on 19 December 2010, sets stringent new efficiency standards for a broad range of three-phase motors - including explosion-proof, severe-duty and brake motors with power ratings from 1 to 500 HP. After this date, imports of equipment containing non-compliant motors will be rejected at the USA port of entry. By making EISA-compliant motors directly available to European OEM exporters, Baldor is effectively enabling its customers to stay one step ahead of the game.
In addition to the EISA, similar legislation is due to become mandatory across Canada in 2011, and new energy efficiency standards will be implemented across the European Union in 2015.
The relevant part of the EISA, namely section 313 'Electric Motor Efficiency Standards,' effectively replaces the current 1992 Energy Policy Act (Epact) legislation that covers low-voltage, general-purpose (Subtype I), three-phase electric motors in the 1 to 200 HP (0.75 to 150 kW) range. It raises the minimum energy efficiency requirements of these motors from Nema 'Energy Efficient' to Nema 'Premium Efficient' (equivalent to the recently-created IEC 60034-30 standard, 'IE3 Level of efficiency'). It also encompasses Subtype II motors not previously within the Epact scope, such as close-coupled pump motors, vertical motors and motors from 201 to 500 HP (150 to 375 kW), all of which must now be rated to at least Nema 'Energy Efficient.'
All Baldor Super-E motors - a product line that includes nearly 1000 different standard models - already meet or exceed the Nema 'Premium Efficient' levels mandated by the EISA for 1 to 200 HP Subtype I motors. Furthermore, Baldor's extensive existing line of Standard-E motors will meet the Nema 'Energy Efficient' rating, in order to comply with the EISA requirements for 1 to 200 HP subtype II and 201 to 500 HP general-purpose electric motors.
Baldor has produced an informative white paper on the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which includes a comprehensive Q&A section. Copies can be downloaded from Baldor's website.
Mark Crocker, Baldor UK's Marketing Director, comments: "We have heard a lot recently about forthcoming mandatory minimum efficiency standards for motors in Europe, but not many people are aware that the USA is moving even more quickly, and upgrading from current Epact Energy Efficiency levels to EISA Premium Efficiency levels in less than 18 months' time! Machinery exporters consequently need to start thinking about this now. Baldor is the leading manufacturer of Nema motors and we're offering advice to help OEMs make the transition."
For more information, visit www.baldor.com
