EISA and its mandates for efficient induction motors
What it is
The Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) is new legislation that will regulate, among several other things, the efficiency of motors that can be legally bought and sold in the United States.
When it takes effect
EISA goes into effect December 19, 2010. Mark your calendar: Motors manufactured after this date and falling under EISA categories must comply with EISA guidelines.
One source for the Copper Development Association recommends a proactive approach to compliance.
What it means to you
EISA has far-reaching implications for many industries — with 300 pages worth of goals and mandates, and new laws to increase the efficiency of a wider range of motors than ever before. More specifically, the law affects all engineers that specify or purchase electric motors, as well as those responsible for motor-powered plant operations. In some cases, the physical size and design of motors are also affected.
Considering a workaround? Though EISA does allow rewinding and repairing of motors already in use, it’s not widely recommended.
Other resources:
More information on EISA 2010 and related global legislation and standards is available from WEG Electric Corp.
A Motion System Design article on this topic by LEESON that explains the legislation preceding EISA 2010, plus the coming standard's implications
Machine Design editor Leland Teschler covered EISA’s initial passing in a 2008 article.
Energy Efficiency and Technology magazine offers several articles on EISA.
A PDF from Baldor that details which motors must meet EISA guidelines, as well as their EISA initiatives
Are you wondering which motors are covered by EISA and which aren’t? You’re not alone. A no-nonsense flowchart from Baldor Electric Co. makes clear the motors that will be impacted by changes in the law, and those that are exempt…for now. Check it out here.
The website of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association
Why was this act passed?
The statistics are staggering. Industrial electrical motors:
- Consume about 65% of generated electrical energy
- Account for up to 75% of total electricity costs in industrial plants
- Use 50% of total electricity consumed by commercial buildings.
EISA was passed by Congress and signed into law December 19, 2007, and builds on the previous Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct), updating mandated efficiency standards for general-purpose, three-phase ac industrial motors from 1 to 500 hp that are manufactured for sale in the United States. The U.S. Department of Energy is responsible for establishing rules to implement and enforce EPAct.
