MEPS Requirements for Distribution Transformers

Note: MEPS 2 negotiations for transformers are currently underway. Please click here for more information.

From 1 October 2004, distribution transformers manufactured in or imported into Australia must comply with Minimum Energy Performance (MEPS) requirements which are set out in AS 2374.1.2-2003. The scope of transformer MEPS covers oil-immersed and dry-type distribution transformers with power ratings from 10 kVA to 2500 kVA intended to be used on 11 kV and 22 kV networks. The intention of MEPS is to increase energy efficiency by eliminating low efficiency transformers from the market and to encourage the use of high efficiency transformers.

The standard also defines minimum efficiency levels for "High Power Efficiency Transformers". Only products which meet the specified efficiency levels can apply this term to promotional or advertising materials.

Transformers within the scope of MEPS are required to have on their rating plate a statement that indicates compliance with AS 2374.1.2.

The Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for distribution transformers are set out as power efficiency levels at 50% of rated load in AS 2374.1.2 when tested in accordance with AS 2374.1 or AS 2735, as applicable.

A copy of these standards can be purchased from SAI Global under licence from Standards Australia.

MEPS does not apply to the following types of transformers:

transformers other than those on 11 or 22 kv networks;
instrument transformers;
auto transformers;
traction transformers mounted on rolling stock;
starting transformers;
testing transformers;
welding transformers;
three phase transformers with three or more windings per phase;
arc-furnace transformers;
earthing transformers;
rectifier or converter transformers;
uninterruptible power supply (ups) transformers;
transformers with an impedance less than 3% or more than 8%;
voltage regulating transformers;
transformers designed for frequencies other than 50 hertz;
gas-filled dry-type transformers; or
flameproof transformers.

MEPS Levels

MEPS levels, set out as minimum power efficiency levels at 50% of rated load for various transformer types, are set out below. Reference should be made to AS 2374.1.2-2003 for detailed conditions and test methods.

MINIMUM POWER EFFICIENCY LEVELS FOR OIL-IMMERSED TRANSFORMERS

Type	kVA	Power efficiency @ 50% load
Single phase(and SWER)	10	98.30
	16	98.52
	25	98.70
	50	98.90
Three phase	25	98.28
	63	98.62
	100	98.76
	200	98.94
	315	99.04
	500	99.13
	750	99.21
	1000	99.27
	1500	99.35
	2000	99.39
	2500	99.40

NOTE: For intermediate power ratings the power efficiency level shall be calculated by linear interpolation.

MINIMUM POWER EFFICIENCY LEVELS FOR DRY-TYPE TRANSFORMERS

Type	kVA	Power efficiency @ 50% load
Type	kVA	Um=12kV	Um=24kV
Single phase(and SWER)	10	97.29	97.01
	16	97.60	97.27
	25	97.89	97.53
	50	98.31	97.91
Three phase	25	97.17	97.17
	63	97.78	97.78
	100	98.07	98.07
	200	98.46	98.42
	315	98.67	98.59
	500	98.84	98.74
	750	98.96	98.85
	1000	99.03	98.92
	1500	99.12	99.01
	2000	99.16	99.06
	2500	99.19	99.09

Note: For intermediate power ratings the power efficiency level shall be calculated by linear interpolation.

High Power Efficiency Levels

Minimum efficiency levels for "High Power Efficiency Transformers", set out as minimum power efficiency levels at 50% of rated load for various transformer types, are set out below. Reference should be made to AS 2374.1.2-2003 for detailed conditions and test methods.

HIGH POWER EFFICIENCY LEVELS FOR OIL-IMMERSED TRANSFORMERS

Type	kVA	Power efficiency @ 50% load
Single phase(and SWER)	10	98.42
	16	98.64
	25	98.80
	50	99.00
Three phase	25	98.50
	63	98.82
	100	99.00
	200	99.11
	315	99.19
	500	99.26
	750	99.32
	1000	99.37
	1500	99.44
	2000	99.49
	2500	99.50

Note: For intermediate power ratings the power efficiency level shall be calculated by linear interpolation.

HIGH POWER EFFICIENCY LEVELS FOR DRY-TYPE TRANSFORMERS

Type	kVA	Power efficiency @ 50% load
Type	kVA	Um=12kV	Um=24kV
Single phase(and SWER)	10	97.53	97.32
	16	97.83	97.55
	25	98.11	97.78
	50	98.50	98.10
Three phase	25	97.42	97.42
	63	98.01	98.01
	100	98.28	98.28
	200	98.64	98.60
	315	98.82	98.74
	500	98.97	98.87
	750	99.08	98.98
	1000	99.14	98.04
	1500	99.21	99.12
	2000	99.24	99.17
	2500	99.27	99.20

Note: For intermediate power ratings the power efficiency level shall be calculated by linear interpolation.

Find out how to make an application for MEPS.

You can also download the MEPS 2004 Distribution Transformers Registration Fact Sheet for more information on making an application. (factsheet-trans.pdf 29kB)

Go back to Distribution Transformers Main Page

This page last modified 12 October 2009