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Canada Energy Efficiency Regulations amended for electric motors and dry-type transformers – April 2012
January 9, 2012 - An amendment to Canada’s Energy Efficiency Regulations, effective April 12, 2012, is expected to increase the stringency and/or scope of minimum efficiency performance standards (MEPS) for a number of products.
January 9, 2012 By Alyssa Dalton
Affected products of particular interest to the industrial sector include electric motors and dry-type transformers that are imported or shipped inter-provincially for sale or lease in Canada. These regulations are, for the most part, harmonized with MEPS established in the United States, with some slight differences, said NRCan.
For electric induction motors, the changes affect those with an output power rating of 0.75 to 375 kilowatts (kW) (1 to 500 horsepower [hp]) and include motors incorporated into other equipment. The MEPS for motors of size 0.75 to 150 kW (1 to 200 hp) will be more stringent. The requirements have also been expanded to cover various motor types, including eight pole construction, close-coupled pump, NEMA U frame, NEMA design C and IEC design H motors. As well, the scope of motors covered has been expanded to include 150 to 375 kW (200 to 500 hp), which had not been regulated previously. Depending on its design and size, a motor will have to meet or exceed the efficiencies outlined for energy-efficient or premium efficiency tables of the Canadian Standards Association standard.
Similarly, more stringent requirements have been made to the Regulations for dry-type transformers. They apply to medium-voltage ones, i.e. those with both a high-voltage winding of 35 kilovolts (kV) or less and a basic impulse insulation level (BIL) greater than 1.2 kV. Dry-type transformers must meet or exceed the MEPS outlined in various tables in the Regulations. There has been no change to the requirements for low-voltage (BIL = 1.2 kV) dry-type transformers.
Regulated electric motors and dry-type transformers manufactured on or after January 1, 2010, must meet the updated requirements as of April 12, 2012.
As before, dealers must submit their energy efficiency reports to NRCan before importing these electric motors and dry-type transformers to ensure compliance and avoid delays. Electric motor manufacturers can test energy performance using the standard C390-10, Test Methods, Marking Requirements and Energy Efficiency Levels for Three-phase Induction Motors. Similarly, manufacturers of transformers can test their products to standard CAN/CSA-C802.2-06, Minimum Efficiency Values for Dry-Type Transformers. These standards are available from the Canadian Standards Association.
CLICK HERE for more information on the new requirements.
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