Efficiency in electric motors is classified by the IEC 60034-30-1 standard. These classes show how much energy a motor converts to mechanical power and how much it loses. As the class rises, losses fall and energy savings increase.

IE Efficiency Classes

The classes are defined as IE1 (Standard), IE2 (High), IE3 (Premium), IE4 (Super Premium) and IE5 (Ultra Premium). At the same power and speed, a higher-class motor does the same work while drawing less electricity than a lower-class one.

Why Does High Efficiency Matter?

In continuously running motors the energy cost far exceeds the purchase cost. High-efficiency motors reduce this operating expense and pay back the investment over the medium term. In many applications regulation also mandates a minimum IE3 class.

Which Class to Choose?

As daily running hours increase, a higher efficiency class (IE4, IE5) becomes more worthwhile. For lightly used applications IE3 is often a balanced choice.

DRG Motor for Efficient Motors

DRG Motor offers IE3, IE4 and IE5 motors from 0.55 to 355 kW and helps you determine the efficiency class best suited to your application.