Electric Motors Test Procedures

The U.S. Department of Energy (‘‘DOE’’) proposes to amend the existing scope of the DOE test procedures consistent with related industry changes for nomenclature and test procedure developments (i.e., for air-over electric motors, submersible electric motors, electric motors greater than 500 horsepower, electric motors considered small, inverter-only electric motors, and synchronous electric motors); add test procedures, metric, and supporting definitions for additional electric motors covered under the proposed scope; and update references to industry standards to reference current versions. Furthermore, DOE proposes to adopt industry provisions related to the prescribed test conditions to further ensure the comparability of test. In addition, DOE proposes to update certain testing instructions to reduce manufacturer burden. Further, DOE proposes to amend the provisions pertaining to certification testing and determination of represented values for electric motors other than dedicated-purpose pool pump motors, apply these provisions to the additional electric motors proposed for inclusion in the scope of the test procedure, and to move both provisions consistent with the location of other certification requirements for other covered products and equipment. Finally, DOE proposes to add provisions pertaining to certification testing and determination of represented values for dedicated-purpose pool pump motors. DOE is seeking comment from interested parties on the proposal.