Updates to the European Union (EU) Ecodesign Directive implemented in July 2021 revise regulations governing the energy efficiency requirements of new electric motors. To help engineers and designers comply with the revamped regulations, the Association for Electrical and Mechanical Trades (AEMT) has published an easy-to-use reference explaining the implications for motor users.

The guide outlines the changes that came into force under the revised Ecodesign Regulations, particularly around the energy efficiency standard newly supplied motors must meet based on their specification. The new requirements for electric motors and variable speed drives cover induction electric motors without brushes, commutators, slip rings or electrical connections to the rotor, rated for operation on a 50 Hz, 60 Hz or 50/60 Hz sinusoidal voltage. The regulations are also applicable to variable speed drives with three phase input.

The document also outlines several exemptions within the regulations and highlights further changes that are due to come into force in July 2023.