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An Overview of the Energy Independence & Security
Act of 2007 (EISA)
What is EISA?
The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) was passed by Congress and signed into law on December 19, 2007. EISA builds upon the previous EPAct (Energy Policy Act of 1992) updating mandated efficiency standards for general purpose, three-phase AC industrial motors from 1 to 500 horsepower which are manufactured for sale in the United States. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is responsible for establishing the rules to implement and enforce EPAct.
When is the effective date for EISA?
EISA applies to motors manufactured after Dec. 19, 2010. The Canadian version begins Jan. 1, 2011.
What are the efficiency standards under EISA?
For each general-purpose rating (Subtype I) from 1 to 200 horsepower that was previously covered by EPAct, the law specifies a nominal full-load efficiency level based on NEMA Premium® efficiency as shown in NEMA MG 1, Table 12-12. All 230 or 460 volt (and 575 volts for Canada) motors currently under EPAct, manufactured after December 19, 2010, must meet or exceed this efficiency level.
General Purpose Electric Motors (Subtype II) not previously covered by EPAct will be required to comply with Energy Efficient efficiencies as defined by NEMA MG 1, Table 12-11. The term `general purpose electric motor (subtype II) means motors incorporating the design elements of a general purpose electric motor (subtype I) that are configured as one of the following:
• U-Frame motor
• Design C motor
• Close-coupled pump motor
• Footless motor
• Vertical solid shaft normal thrust motor (as tested in a horizontal configuration)
• An 8-pole motor (900 rpm)
• A poly-phase motor with voltage of not more than 600 volts (other than 230 or 460 volts
• Fire pump motors 1-200 Hp
• 201 – 500 horsepower motors not previously covered by EPAct will be required to comply with Energy Efficient efficiencies as defined by NEMA MG 1, Table 12-11
Are fractional HP and 48 or 56 frame motors included in EISA?
Only 1 – 500 HP motors with 3-digit frame NEMA numbers (143T-up) included in EISA. This also includes equivalent IEC frame designations (IEC 90 frame-up excluding 100 frame).
What Motors are not covered by EISA?
• Design D with high slip
• Adjustable speed with optimized windings
• Customized OEM mounting
• Intermittent duty
• Integral with gearing or brake where motor cannot be used separately
• Submersible motors
• Single Phase motors
• DC motors
• Two-digit frames (48-56)
• Multi-speed motors
• Medium voltage motors
• TENV and TEAO enclosures
Does EISA apply to every three-phase electric motor from 1 to 500 horsepower?
Not every configuration, but almost all motors except some special OEM designs with proprietary mounting configurations. The following motor configurations are exempt from EISA compliance:
• Integral gearmotors
• Integral brake motors
• Inverter duty motors with windings optimized for ASD use that cannot be line-started
• Design D high-slip motors
How about motors included in OEM equipment that require listing or certification?
EISA will require that any custom motors that fall within the guidelines of the act will comply with the efficiency levels for that type of motor.
How about duty-cycle rated motors?
EISA makes no distinction for duty cycle rating. Again, one has to look at the EPAct definition of “electric motors” and “general purpose” to determine if a particular design falls under the requirements.
Does EISA include IEC frame motors?
Yes, the DOE considers motors built to IEC metric frame dimensions equivalent to NEMA T-frame dimension to fall under EISA. These include IEC 90 and larger, excluding IEC 100 frame.
Does EISA apply to both stock and custom motors?
Yes. EISA makes no distinction between stock or custom motors. The determining factor under EISA is whether a particular motor meets the law’s definition of “electric motor”. Stock and custom motors should be treated the same and follow EISA guidelines.
Can I change the design of the general purpose NEMA or IEC motor presently purchased to an exempt configuration to avoid an efficiency upgrade and higher priced motor?
The U.S. Department of Energy advises that they will be posting guidelines discouraging this activity which does not comply with the intent of the EISA law and penalties may result.
Does EISA apply to motors manufactured outside of the United States and imported for use?
Yes. The requirements of EISA include imported electric motors. This also includes the electric motors “as a component of another piece of equipment”.
How about electric motors for export outside of the United States?
EISA does not apply to motors exported outside the United States, including motors mounted on equipment. The DOE will require these motors or their boxes to be specifically marked “Intended for Export”. Countries outside of the United States are enacting their own Minimum Efficiency Performance Requirements (MEPS) that may require compliance.
Distributors or OEM’s who sell these “intended for export” motors in the US will be subject to enforcement and penalties/fines from the U.S. Department of Energy.
Does EISA require any motors in use to be replaced?
No, EISA does not contain any requirement to replace electric motors in use.
How about electric motors in inventory?
EISA does not affect any inventories of electric motors. The law only applies to motors manufactured after December 19, 2010. Motors in inventory on that date can be sold or used as before the law.
Does EISA apply to rebuilt, repaired or rewound motors?
No, EISA only applies to new motors manufactured after the effective date.
How is full-load nominal efficiency determined?
Like EPAct, EISA specifies that the test procedures for determining a motor’s efficiency shall be as specified in NEMA MG 1-2006 and IEEE Standard 112, Test Method B or CSA 390. The full-load nominal efficiencies of all Baldor motors are and have been determined in accordance with these standards.
What are the labeling requirements under EISA?
Like EPAct, EISA requires that an electric motor’s nameplate include the nominal full-load efficiency for that motor rating. EPAct and EISA also require that product catalogs and literature include motor efficiency information.
What is the difference in the Canadian law which goes into effect January 1, 2011?
Standard motors 1-200 HP include all voltages less than 600V and also footless frames requiring NEMA Premium® efficiency per MG 1 table 12-12.
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