AC Nema Motor Sales
We are your premium efficient motor experts! We are driven to save you energy!
How will the new EISA law affect your choices of electric motors?
Q: What is EISA?
The Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) was signed into law on December 19, 2007. Section 313, "Electric Motor Efficiency Standards," established updated standards for electric motors and expanded efficiency requirements to motor types not yet regulated. These standards took effect December 19, 2010.
Q: What motors are affected by EISA?
EISA raises the minimum efficiency standards for general purpose two-, four- and six-pole motors in the 1--200 horsepower range from the originally legislated levels in the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT) to NEMA Premium® levels, as defined by NEMA MG-1, Table 12-12 (see below). This category includes general purpose motors that are:
• Foot-mounted
• IEC (90 frame and up)
• C-face mounted
• Explosion-proof
• Severe-duty
• Encoder-ready
• Washdown duty
• Brakeless brake motors
Q: What other motors are covered by EISA?
EISA also mandates efficiency requirements for other motor types and horsepower ranges that previously were not covered by EPACT. These newly regulated motors will need to meet EPACT nominal full load efficiency levels (see NEMA MG-1, Table 12-11; see below) by December 19 2010. This expanded list of motor types includes:
• U-frame motors
• Design C motors
• Close-coupled pumps
• Eight-pole
• Fire pump
• Round body
• Footless (C-face or D-flange without base)
• Vertical solid shaft normal thrust (P-base)
• Poly-phase <600 volts (not 230v and 460v)
• General purpose, Design B, 201HP-500HP
Q: What motors are NOT affected by EISA?
• DC motors
• Two-digit NEMA frame (ex. 48 or 56 frame)
• Single-phase motors
• 50 Hertz motors
• Multi-speed
• Design D (high torque)
• Special shaft extension
• Vertical high thrust
• Special inverter duty
• Voltages greater than 600V
• Integral gear motor or brake motor designs
Q: What if a motor is part of an OEM system?
All listed motor types must meet the efficiency standards as defined by EISA regardless if they are manufactured in or imported to the U.S., whether shipped loose or shipped as a component of another piece of equipment.
Q: Are inverter duty motors covered by EISA?
If an inverter duty motor can be used for general purpose applications, it must meet EISA efficiency requirements. However, motors with special volts/Hertz designs are exempt.
Q: NEMA Premium® motors will cost more than EPACT motors. Why?
NEMA Premium® efficiency motors use greater quantities of steel and copper than their EPACT equivalents. In addition, NEMA Premium® motor designs generally require higher quality commodities and engineered components to deliver improved efficiencies. Although the initial costs are higher for NEMA Premium® motors, the payback from energy savings will help offset this expense.
Q: Who should I contact for more information on EISA and how it will affect my motor choices?
Your Customer Service team at Matlock Electric can answer any other questions on EISA regulations, NEMA Premium® motors, drives and other energy-saving products and services. We are driven to save you energy! Contact us today!
Sales
