Difference between IE2 and IE3 motors

Following the ban on IE1 (Standard Efficiency) motor from 1st October, 2017. This follow up article highlights the features and key differences between IE2 and IE3 motors. But before we dive into the differences, let us understand what is meant by an IE Motor.

IE stands for “International Efficiency”. According to the IEA (International Energy Agency) electric motor driven systems are responsible for 53% of global electricity use. The IEC has contributed to the definition of energy-efficient electric motor systems through the internationally relevant test standard IEC 60034-2-1 for electric motors and the IEC 60034-30-1 classification scheme comprising four levels of motor efficiency (“IE-code”):

  • IE1 Standard Efficiency
  • IE3 Premium Efficiency
  • IE2 High Efficiency

These IE-codes serve as a reference for governments who specify the efficiency levels for their minimum energy performance standards (MEPS).

Government of India has specified adoption of IE3 Motors, which are Premium Efficiency motors.

In 2020, the point was reached where countries consuming 76% of the global electricity consumption by electric motor systems have set MEPS for motors at either IE2 or IE3 level. This is a high level of international alignment for a globally traded product, recognizing at the same time that MEPS can differ according to the market situation of individual countries or regions. The barriers to trade are reduced through the transparent nomenclature and definitions of the IE-code (MEPS levels at IE2 / IE3 / IE4).

Motor energy efficiency standards used around the world:

 

Key Features

  • IE stands for International Efficiency
  • IE2 motors: High efficiency motors
  • IE3 motors: Premium efficiency motors
  • Above efficiency class motors are in accordance with the standards IEC 60034-30:2008 and IS 12615:2011. These standards defines efficiencies for
    • Low rating motors from 0.75 kW to 375 kW
    • Single speed motors
    • Motors range from 2, 4 or 6 Poles
  • This standard supercedes all other previous standards in which stray losses was assumed to 0.5%, now instead they are determined by taking measurements.
  • In March 2014 the standard IEC 60034-30-1 has been published which extends the range upto 1000 kW and 8 Poles motors.

Comparison of efficiency between IE2 and IE3 motors

kW 2-Pole 4 Pole 6 Pole
Frame Size Efficiency % Frame Efficiency % Frame Efficiency %
IE2 IE3 Size IE2 IE3 Size IE2 IE3
0.37 71 72.2 75.5 71 70.1 73 80 69 71.9
0.55 71 74.8 78.1 80 75.1 78 80 72.9 75.9
0.75 80 77.4 80.7 80 79.6 82.5 90S 75.9 78.9
1.1 80 79.6 82.7 90S 81.4 84.1 90L 78.1 81
1.5 90S 81.3 84.2 90L 82.8 85.3 100L 79.8 82.5
2.2 90L 83.2 85.9 100L 84.3 86.7 112M 81.8 84.3
3.7 100L 85.5 87.8 112M 86.3 88.4 132S 84.3 86.5
5.5 132S 87 89.2 132S 87.7 89.6 132M 86 88
7.5 132S 88.1 90.1 132M 88.7 90.4 160M 87.2 89.1
11 160M 89.4 91.2 160M 89.8 91.4 160L 88.7 90.3
15 160M 90.3 91.9 160L 90.6 92.1 180L 89.7 91.2
18.5 160L 90.9 92.4 180M 91.2 92.6 200L 90.4 91.7
22 180M 91.3 92.7 180L 91.6 93 200L 90.9 92.2
30 200L 92 93.3 200L 92.3 93.6 225M 91.7 92.9
37 200L 92.5 93.7 225S 92.7 93.9 250M 92.2 93.3
45 225M 92.9 94 225M 93.1 94.2 280S 92.7 93.7
55 250M 93.2 94.3 250M 93.5 94.6 280M 93.1 94.1
75 280S 93.8 94.7 280S 94 95 315S 93.7 94.6
90 280M 94.1 95 280M 94.2 95.2 315M 94 94.9
110 315S 94.3 95.2 315S 94.5 95.4 315M 94.3 95.1
125 315M 94.5 95.3 315M 94.6 95.5 315M 94.4 95.2
132 315M 94.6 95.4 315M 94.7 95.6 315L 94.6 95.4
160 315L 94.8 95.6 315L 94.9 95.8 355M 94.8 95.6
200 315L 95 95.8 315L 95.1 96 355M 95 95.8
250 355M 95 95.8 355M 95.1 96 355L 95 95.8
315 355L 95 95.8 355L 95.1 96 355L 95 95.8

In recent years, the focus on motor efficiency has shifted from the product “motor” to the “Electric Motor Driven System” which is the system consisting of the motor control with a variable frequency converter, the motor itself, the mechanical equipment and the driven application (pump, fan, compressor, etc.).

Bicon Consultants is advising companies on BIS certification. Contact us for details.

Bicon also specializes in energy audits and evaluation of motor sizing, appropriate type of motors for your equipments.



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