What test methods and test method standards does your laboratory use for testing motors for energy efficiency?

This is the second in a series of articles for members of the new International Testing Centres Network and others who are interested in sharing experience of energy efficiency testing of industrial three-phase electric motors.

Effective motor testing depends on both manufacturers and independent test centres undertaking tests as consistently as possible. The aim of this series of articles is to encourage discussion between technical experts from test labs around the world on interpreting the new international test method standard IEC 60034-2-1. Other topics that will be covered include measurement techniques, procedures and equipment. One of the intended outcomes is to encourage improvements in motor compliance and check testing programs around the world.

Test method standards used around the world

The new international test method standard, IEC 60034-2-1 Rotating Electrical Machines – Part 2-1: Standard methods for determining losses and efficiency from tests (excluding machines for traction vehicles), was published in late 2007. This new international standard is an important step towards global harmonisation of motor efficiency testing. International harmonisation of test method standards will help to reduce the burden on manufacturers and suppliers of products.

IEC 60034-2-1 is written in the style of its predecessor, IEC 60034-2, and covers AC induction motors, as well as AC synchronous and DC motors. It includes methods for both measuring and assigning additional load losses which are technically identical to those described in IEC 61972.

There are a number of other test method standards that have been used around the world in the past, and some of these test methods are still used today. This is a list of some of these test method standards:

• BS4999.102
• JIS C4210
• NEMA MB-1-1987
• ANSI/IEEE112
• AS/NZS1359.102.3
• AS1359.102.1

Questions for discussion:

Question 1 What test method standards does your laboratory use to test induction motors for energy efficiency?

Question 2 Does your laboratory use the new test method standard IEC 60034-2-1? If yes, which particular test methods do you use in IEC 60034-2-1?

Question 3 If you use the new IEC 60034-2-1 test method standard, what changes did your laboratory need to make? For example, did you need to buy new equipment or change how you do the tests?

Question 4 Do you have an opinion about the different test method standards used around the world?

These questions are just to start a discussion about which test method standards are used around the world. Feel free to add any other comments you would like to make – the discussion is not restricted to these questions. Please post any answers or comments below.

We look forward to hearing from you!