The Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) was amended by Congress in 1987 to include efficiency standards for such products as air conditioners, furnaces, water heaters, refrigerators and other consumer products. During the 102nd Congress. Representative Ed Markey (D-MA) introduced new legislation. H.R. 2451, that mandated component efficiency standards for such products as lighting, distribution transformers and electric AC motors (known as the Markey bill).
Interested groups (including NEMA) argued against the federal plan for component efficiency standards and called instead for a system approach that would recognize the complex nature of the product involved under the plan. The Energy and Power Subcommittee passed the bill on the theory that the elimination of the least efficient components from the marketplace would ensure that consumers would purchase and use the most efficient products possible. On October 24. 1992, President Bush signed the legislation into law.
The following is a summary of the Act as it pertains to electrical AC motors:
The Act applies to general purpose, T-Frame, single-speed, foot mounted polyphase squirrel-cage induction motors of NEMA design A and B, continuous rated motors, operating on 230/460 Volts and constant 60 Hertz line power. Ratings included under the Act are 1-200 horsepower, 3600, 1800 and 1200 RPM's in Open and Closed enclosures.
According to the Policy, motors in this range that are manufactured after October 24, 1997 must meet a specific full-load nominal efficiency that is consistent with NEMA Standard MG 1-12.55A, Efficiency Levels of Energy Efficient Polyphase Squirrel-Cage Induction Motors (suggested standard for future design). These values are commonly referred to as Table 12-6C of the NEMA Standard. For motors that require listing or certification with a nationally recognized safety testing laboratory, the standards become effective for motors manufactured after October 24, 1999. There are also testing, labeling and exemption regulations that take effect over the five year implementation period.
These standards apply to motors manufactured alone and as a component of another piece of equipment. While exported products are not subjected to the provisions of the Act, imported motors are required to meet the Act's requirements.
