NZL/82
WTO/TBT
NZ New Zealand
  • 29 - Electrical engineering
2018-07-30
2018-05-30

Three-phase cage induction motors (electric motors) Motors (ICS 29.160.30)

1. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) test standard IEC 60034-2-1:2014, Rotating electrical machines - Part 2-1: Standard methods for determining losses and efficiency from tests (excluding machines for traction vehicles). 

2. The Energy Efficiency (Energy Using Products) Regulations 2002 (the Regulations). The current version of the Regulations (into which these proposed changes will be incorporated, subject to Cabinet approval) is available for viewing at: http://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2002/0009/latest/DLM108730.html?search=ts_act%40bill%40regulation%40deemedreg_energy+efficiency_resel_25_a&p=1#DLM108798

The IEC 60034-2-1:2014 test standard is the established international test procedure for determining the energy efficiency of electric motors internationally, including minimum performance standards (MEPS).

Change in the scope of the regulations

Electric motors are currently regulated in New Zealand under the Energy Efficiency (Energy Using Products) Regulations 2002 (the regulations).

Minor changes to wording and definitions in the scope of the regulations will be required to adopt the IEC test standard, and to clarify ambiguities, including the definition of families of electric motor models, and the classes of products that are covered or not covered by the amended regulations.

The scope of the regulations will be updated to align with the wording used in the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (Three-Phase Cage Induction Motors) Determination 2012, when the Determination is next updated.

Change in the test method used to measure energy performance

The current test method AS/NZS 1359.5:2004 which applies to electric motors under the regulations provides for two alternative test methods (A and B) and different MEPS levels.

The international test method IEC 60034-2-1:2014, used for determining the energy consumption of three-phase cage induction motors (electric motors), will be adopted in place of AS/NZS 1359.5:2004.

Adopting the IEC standard will achieve alignment with international standards and best practice. It will replace outdated test requirements, and will reduce business compliance as many motors available on the local market are already being tested to the international standard. It will also address inconsistencies with the existing standard providing for two alternative test methods with different MEPS levels.

Revisions to Minimum Energy Performance Standards

In Australia and New Zealand MEPS are currently prescribed by the standard AS/NZS 1359.5:2004, which incorporates minimum energy performances standards requirements for electric motors. The proposed changes involve minor updates and revisions to current MEPS:

·         Adjust MEPS for electric motors to make them compatible with IEC 60034-2-1:2014. This will involve minor adjustments to MEPS that will make compliance easier and be less costly to businesses, without materially affecting compliance rates. To update the wording on the scope and exemptions that apply under MEPS, to provide greater clarity. As currently worded, the scope is ambiguous on how MEPS apply to electric motors that operate on intermittent duty cycles. It will be reworded to clarify that these are exempt from meeting MEPS.