The difference between NEMA motors and IEC motors.

The difference between NEMA motors and IEC motors.

Since 1926, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has set standards for motors used in North America. NEMA regularly updates and publishes MG 1, which helps users select and apply motors and generators correctly. It contains practical information on performance, efficiency, safety, testing, manufacturing, and fabrication of alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) motors and generators. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) sets standards for motors for the rest of the world. Similar to NEMA, IEC publishes standard 60034-1, the Guide to Motors for the Global Market.

What is the difference between the NEMA standard and the IEC standard? China’s motor standard uses the IEC (European standard) and NEMA MG1 is the American standard. Fundamentally, the two are basically the same. But it is also a little different in some places. The NEMA standard and the IEC standard differ in the motor power utilization factor and rotor temperature rise. The power utilization factor of the NEMA motor is 1.15, and the IEC (China) power factor is 1.The way of marking other parameters is different, but the substantive content is basically the same.

Different comparisons

In general, the main difference is the large difference in mechanical size and installation. IEC is more stringent in terms of sealing. In terms of electrical requirements, Nema electrical requirements have a long-term overload factor of 1.15 and the high insulation requirements commonly seen in UL.

Comparison of the main differences between Nema and IEC motors

Comparison of Nema and IEC motor base sizes

While NEMA and IEC have many similarities, there are few fundamental differences between the two motor standards. NEMA’s philosophy emphasizes more robust designs for wider applicability. Ease of selection and breadth of application are two fundamental pillars in its design philosophy; IEC focuses on application and performance. Selecting IEC equipment requires a higher level of application knowledge, including motor loading, duty cycle, and full load current. In addition, NEMA designs components with safety factors that may be as high as 25% service factor, while IEC focuses on space and cost savings.

IE5 Energy Efficiency Class.

The IE5 efficiency class is a motor classification established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that signifies the highest level of energy efficiency in motor design. In China, the IE5 efficiency class is in line with the country’s commitment to embrace energy efficiency technologies and reduce its carbon footprint. IE5 motors achieve superior energy efficiency, minimizing energy losses during operation, achieving significant cost savings and environmental benefits.

NEMA has not provided a definition standard for IE5 in the North American market, although some manufacturers are marketing VFD-driven motors as “super-advanced efficiency.” The same concept applies to achieving IE5 equivalent efficiency levels with variable speed drives at full and partial loads. Integrated motor drives using ferrite-assisted synchronous reluctance technology are another solution that delivers IE5 levels of efficiency and simplifies setup while eliminating expensive wiring and installation time.

Why is energy efficiency a hot topic?

Motors and motor systems account for approximately 53% of global electricity consumption. Motors can remain in use for 20 years or more, so the energy used by inefficient motors accumulates over the life of the product, causing unnecessary stress on the grid. By focusing on selecting the best motor to improve overall system efficiency and avoid CO2 emissions, environmental impact and cost savings can be reduced, which can be passed on to customers. In addition to reducing greenhouse gases and energy costs, efficient motors can also improve air quality, reduce equipment downtime, and increase end-user output.

Mingteng Motor Advantages

Anhui Mingteng (https://www.mingtengmotor.com/) produces and develops permanent magnet synchronous motors with power levels and installation dimensions that fully comply with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards, with energy efficiency levels as high as IE5 levels, high-voltage motor product systems that save 4% to 15%, and low-voltage motor product systems that save 5% to 30%. Anhui Mingteng is the preferred brand for motor energy-saving transformation!

Copyright: This article is a reprint of the WeChat public number “今日电机”, the original linkhttps://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/aycw_j6BV0JJiZ63ztf5vw

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