What is a ’model family‘ definition for three phase electric motors?

The use of families is intended to allow a range of very similar products to be covered by a single registration. Three phase electric motors registered for MEPS are a special case and some regulators will allow grouping of motors into ’families‘ for the purposes of registration on the basis of motor output and number of poles (kW) or by frame size (to reduce costs for registrations of a whole series of motors that are registered together). This is only permitted for bulk registrations (typically more than 20 motors registered at the same time). Each motor kW/frame/pole combination is separately identified within the registration database. You can get more information on ’families‘ in Attachment 3 of the Administrative Guidelines.

Which motors need to be registered for MEPS?

General information about MEPS 2 for three-phase electric motors is available here. All motors that fall under the scope of MEPS 2 must be registered before they can be legally sold in Australia. Information about the regulatory requirements and registration is available here. Further information is available in the Standard AS/NZS 1359.5-2004.

Does MEPS apply to single-phase motors?

In regards to mandatory Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS), there are no regulations currently in place for single phase motors.However, there may be other state or federal laws (for example, electrical safety laws) that may apply to single phase motors. You may wish to contact the electrical safety department in your state or territory for further information.

Does MEPS apply if the electric motor is part of new packaged equipment?

Clause 1.2 Exclusions in AS/NZS 1359.5-2004, item b) says that MEPS requirements of this Standard do not apply to ‘Motors that are integral with, and not separable from, a driven unit. Note: An example is a motor constructed on the same shaft as a compressor for an air-conditioning unit.’Further clarification on this exclusion is available here.  If your motors are not covered by this exclusion, it is a mandatory requirement to use MEPS 2 compliant motors and register them before sale in Australia.

Why are there two different test methods for the motor efficiency levels and what is the difference between them?

The AS/NZS standard 1359.5:2004 describes two internationally recognised test methods for motor efficiency levels. Both are valid for MEPS and are referred to as Test Method A and Test Method B.The main difference between the two test methods is in the way stray load losses are accounted for.The following is an extract from AS/NZS: 1359.5:2004:Method A: This method is identical to Method 1 of IEC 61972. It is also technically equivalent to the method specified in IEEE 112-B (USA). This method requires direct measurement of additional load losses and differs from Method B described below.Method B: This method is drawn from AS 1358:102.1, which is based on IEC 60034-2, including Amendment 1:1995 and Amendment 2:1996. In this method, an allowance of 0.5% fixed stray (additional load) loss is assumed for all the motors.

Can I register my motors based on the IEC 60034-2-1:2007 test method standard?

The IEC 60034-2-1:2007 test method standard currently lists 10 different test methods, including equivalent (but not identical) test methods to our Method A and Method B.Companies can choose a test method for registration, including IEC 60034-2-1, but they will need to specify whether it is Method A or Method B equivalent in their registration. However, it is the responsibility of companies to ensure that their motors will meet our MEPS 2 levels. All check testing undertaken by the E3 Program will be done to Method A or Method B (whichever has been specified in the registration).

How does the IEC 60034-30 efficiency classes standard relate to MEPS 2 levels for motors?

In regards to motors that are IE2 efficiency class (from IEC 60034-30), there are some differences between the IE2 levels in IEC 60034-30 and the Australian/NZ MEPS levels for some sizes of motors.In particular, IE2 levels are lower than our MEPS 2 levels for the smaller 2 and 4 pole motors. Also, IEC 60034-30 does not cover 8 pole motors. All motor suppliers must ensure that any motors registered and sold in Australia comply with the current Australian/NZ MEPS levels.

In the MEPS standard for motors (AS/NZS 1359.5:2004) which of the efficiency tables are mandatory and which are optional?

In AS/NZS 1359.5:2004, the mandatory Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS 2) requirements are set out as minimum efficiency levels. These mandatory levels came into effect in Australia from 1 April 2006. These are set out in the tables at here as well as in AS/NZS 1359.5:2004. If Test Method A (AS/NZS 1359.102.3) is used, then Table A2 applies. If Test Method B (AS 1359.102.1) is used, then Table B2 applies. AS/NZS 1359.5:2004 also specifies voluntary high efficiency levels – Table A3 (for Test Method A) and Table B3 (for Test Method B).