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NEMA Premium® Motors
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)
was created in 1926 to provide a means of standardization for electrical equipment.
In 1991, NEMA created NEMA Premium® motors, a designation given to motors
which exceed energy efficiency standards set forth by the U.S. Department of Energy
(DOE). This designation can only be given to manufacturers who belong to NEMA. Did You Know?
❑ NEMA Premium® motors
typically have higher
manufacturing standards than older
standard motors. ❑ NEMA Premium® motors
generally run cooler than standard
motors and have less downtime and
lower repair costs over their lifetime.
Electric motors have a significant impact on total energy operating costs.
Electric motors convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. Like all
electromechanical equipment, motors consume “extra” energy in order to make
the conversion. Efficiency is a measure of how much total energy a motor uses in
relation to the rated power delivered to the shaft. NEMA Premium® electric motors have higher efficiencies, lower electrical
power consumption and costs, and higher system reliability than standard motors.
When installing a new motor or retrofitting existing motors to save money and
energy, consider using a NEMA Premium® motor. While NEMA Premium® motors
may cost more initially, the payback is significant over their operating life in
most applications, especially in areas where electricity prices are continually rising. By installing a standard efficiency 50 hp motor with a motor that meets the lowest or
minimum energy efficiency requirements of the DOE, the expected cost runs around
$2,000 for the motor. With an annual energy savings of 6,185 kWh, savings are
around $618 (at $0.10/kWh) a year. By investing another $1,000 to purchase a
NEMA Premium® motor, savings jump to 7,386 kWh, or $738 annually. When purchasing a new motor,
there are three important
factors to consider: 1) if the motor will be running for
extended lengths of time If the motor is only running sporadically, a retrofit to a NEMA Premium® motor or
other motor will not make economic sense. However, the longer the motor runs, the
greater the potential for savings, and in new installations NEMA Premium® motors are
the standard. Premium efficiency motors are also usually made to higher manufacturing
standards and stricter quality controls than regular efficiency motors. This can often
mean the motor will last longer, with fewer maintenance costs and less downtime.
2) how high the electric bill is in
your local area FOR MORE INFORMATION ON NEMA PREMIUM ® , PLEASE VISIT: 3) selecting the right sized motor
for your application
FOR PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS AND DEFINITION, PLEASE VISIT: 
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www.nema.org/gov/energy/efficiency/premium www.nema.org/stds/complimentary-docs/upload/MG1premium.pdf
For more information, call EnSave at (800) 732-1399. 65 Millet Street, Suite 105 | Richmond, Vermont 05477 | www.ensave.com
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