The U.S. Congress, as part of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (U.S. Congress 1992), set minimum efficiency levels (see Table B-1) for motors falling under the following description: general purpose, T-frame, single-speed, foot-mounting, polyphase squirrel-cage induction motors of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association Designs A and B, rated for continuous duty and operating on 230/460 V and constant 60 Hz line power. Presently, EPAct lists energy efficiency levels for 1-200 hp electric motors. Since October 1997, all motors covered under EPAct (or "covered" motors) that are either manufactured alone or as a component of another piece of equipment must comply with EPAct efficiency levels and also be labeled with a certified efficiency value. This appendix will summarize the law and its implementation.

General purpose, one of several terms used to describe the type of motors covered, was not defined by EPAct. To avoid confusion, DOE’s Office of Codes and Standards undertook the task of more clearly defining what motors are covered equipment as part of the final rule to implement EPAct directives concerning electric motors (Federal Register 1999). In general, DOE has interpreted general purpose to mean any motor that is designed in standard ratings, standard operating characteristics, and standard mechanical construction, and can be used without restriction in a broad range of common applications. This broad definition was clarified in the rule by a set of guidelines and examples of mechanical and electrical modifications, which can be used to determine whether a motor is considered covered equipment. Table B-2 displays the examples.

In addition, EPAct energy efficiency levels apply to electric motors that are rated in kilowatts or horsepowers other than those specified in NEMA MG 1, Table 10-4. Table B-1 shows the standard horsepower/kilowatt-equivalent ratings for metric motors. For other kilowatt-rated motors, the conversion to horsepower is done using the formula:

1 kilowatt = (1/0.746) horsepower

For motors with power ratings that fall between the values in the table, the appropriate nominal efficiency level is determined as follows: round up for a horsepower rating at or above the midpoint between two consecutive horsepowers and round down for below the midpoint.

In order to comply with EPAct, the average full-load efficiency of each basic model of electric motor must be determined by either testing or the application of an alternative efficiency determination method (AEDM). Basic model refers to all units of a given type of motor that reflect the fundamental efficiency characteristics of a family of motors. Such characteristics are derived from the same general design and are anticipated to have similar efficiency values.

In general, efficiency is determined in accordance with NEMA Standard MG 1-1993, with Revisions 1–4 (NEMA 1993) and either IEEE Standard 112-1996,Test Method B, as amended (IEEE 1996) or CSA Standard C-390-93,Test Method 1 (CSA 1993).

This method is the alternative to testing every basic model of motor for efficiency. It is based on testing a statistically valid sample of motors and applying the results to a mathematical model that represents the electrical, mechanical, and energy efficiency characteristics of a basic model. The accuracy and reliability of an AEDM must be substantiated before it can be used. In general, the tested losses must agree within 10 percent of the estimated losses.

A manufacturer or private labeler must certify its electric motors are in compliance through either independent testing or a certification program nationally recognized in the United States.

If independent testing is used, the testing laboratory must be accredited by:

1. the National Institute of Standards and Technology/National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NIST/NVLAP);
2. an accreditation body having a mutual recognition arrangement with NIST/NVLAP; or
3. an organization that has petitioned and is classified by DOE as an accreditation body. Such a testing laboratory must be an independent facility in order to render test reports objectively and without bias.

If a certification program is used, the certification organization must meet certain criteria and submit a petition to DOE to be classified as being nationally recognized.

Upon acceptance of a manufacturer’s or private labeler’s certification that its electric motors comply with the energy efficiency requirements contained in the EPAct final rule (Federal Register 1999), DOE will issue a Compliance Certification (CC) number to that manufacturer or private labeler.

The nominal full-load efficiency, as determined by testing or use of an AEDM, must be marked on the motor’s permanent nameplate. The CC number must be displayed on the permanent nameplate within 90 days of the number’s issuance by DOE. In addition, a manufacturer or private labeler has the option to mark its complying electric motors with the encircled lowercase letters "ee", as in the following example, or with some comparable designation or logo.

Also, such energy efficiency information must be prominently displayed in motor catalogs and other materials used to market the motor.

Any covered motor imported into the United States, whether it is manufactured alone or as a component of another piece of equipment, must meet the energy efficiency requirements prescribed by EPAct. These motors must also comply with certification and labeling requirements set forth in the EPAct final rule (Federal Register 1999). The importer would be responsible for certifying compliance if the covered motor had not already been certified for compliance by the manufacturer or private labeler.

Typically, DOE relies upon the marketplace to identify potential violations of the statutory requirements for electric motors. Upon receiving written information alleging that there has been a violation, DOE will investigate to determine whether a violation actually has occurred. DOE follows a prescribed procedure for enforcement as spelled out in the EPAct final rule (Federal Register 1999). As part of the enforcement process, the Department can require the testing of motors under investigation. A violation can result in penalties, as provided under Section 431.128 in the final rule, and/or an order for "cessation of distribution of a basic model."