Food manufacturers will not be forced to change out their existing motors, but if their existing motor fails and the motor is covered under the EISA Legislation rules, their replacement motor will need to be of a higher efficiency. For the most part, these manufacturers use general purpose or washdown duty, 140 frame and larger three-phase motors. These motors will have to be replaced by a Premium efficient motor. Single-phase motors and three-phase motors smaller than 140 frame are not affected by the upcoming legislation.
In the long run, food manufacturers will benefit by using higher efficient motors that are mandated by the upcoming EISA Legislation. They will not only help manufacturers minimize energy consumption, but the motors should also last longer, as they are designed with a premium grade insulation system. Premium efficient motors also typically have a longer warranty period — 3 years — and are also designed to be inverter rated, so a food manufacturer will see additional energy savings if they run these motors with an AC control.
The negative side of this legislation is that a Premium efficient motor costs about 15 percent more than an EPACT rated efficient motor. However, there are many local utility companies offering rebates that will help pay for the cost difference between the current motor and the Premium efficient motor. There are also many motor distributors that will help these manufacturers by coming to their facilities, doing an audit on the current motors they are using today and listing the new Premium efficient motor if the need should arise.
Also worthy of consideration are high efficient gear reducers. Though not affected by the EISA Legislation, such units can certainly reduce energy consumption. In many cases, food manufacturers can use a smaller HP motor in the same application, which will also reduce operating costs.
