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Is my motor still legal? EU IE3 / IE4 rules for 2026

Which IE class a new motor must be in the EU, whether an old IE1 or IE2 motor may keep running or be rewound, and what an upgrade saves — with a checker for your nameplate. One sheet, fits A4 and US Letter.

Download Excel (.xlsx) Print, or choose “Save as PDF” in the print dialog. The Excel file has every table as its own sortable tab.

Check your motor

Pick what the nameplate says. The answer updates as you go.

Whatever the class, an installed motor may keep running.

EU motor efficiency rules — what you may buy, keep and repair

Regulation (EU) 2019/1781 · IE2/IE3/IE4 by size · repair vs replace · energy saved

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EU minimum class — Regulation (EU) 2019/1781, new motors

MotorMinimumSinceNotes
3-phase 0.12–0.75 kWIE21 Jul 20212, 4, 6, 8 poles
3-phase 0.75–1000 kWIE31 Jul 20212, 4, 6, 8 poles
3-phase 75–200 kWIE41 Jul 20232, 4, 6 poles; not brake motors or Ex motors (these stay IE3)
Ex eb (increased safety)IE21 Jul 20230.12–1000 kW
Single-phase ≥ 0.12 kWIE21 Jul 2023
Variable speed drive 0.12–1000 kWIE21 Jul 2021drive's own IE scale (IEC 61800-9-2)

Your motor — what the rules mean for it

SituationWhat applies
Installed and running, below today's classMay keep running: the rules cover selling, not using.
It has failedRepair or rewind is allowed; a repaired motor is not a new product.
Buying a replacementMust meet today's class, unless it is exempt.
Buying a machine with a motor in itThe motor must comply, unless it is built in and cannot be tested on its own.
Running it on a VSDThe motor still needs its class; the drive needs IE2.

Out of scope or exempt (check Article 2 before relying on one): motors fully built into a product and not testable on their own; motors that run submerged; motors made for use above 4000 m, ambient above 60 °C or below −30 °C, or over 400 °C; some like-for-like spares for motors built into older machines, for a limited time.

Energy saved per year — 4-pole, 6000 h, full load

kWIE2→IE3 kWhIE2→IE3 €IE3→IE4 kWhIE3→IE4 €
1.53206435070
4630126740148
7.59501901180236
1112902581470294
2221704342250450
3730606123230646
5541008204010802
75504010084930986
1106590131864701294
1609500190083001660

€ at an example price of €0.20/kWh; scale by your own tariff and hours. A motor costs its purchase price in electricity every few months: one class up usually pays back in 1–3 years on two shifts.

IE5 (IEC TS 60034-30-2) exists but no EU rule requires it in 2026.

Regulation (EU) 2019/1781 as amended by (EU) 2021/341: induction motors rated 50–1000 V at 50, 60 or 50/60 Hz, placed on the market or put into service in the EU. It sets what may be sold, not what may keep running. Efficiency from IEC 60034-30-1 minimum values. A summary, not legal advice.

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Related: How to choose a motor · How to read a motor nameplate · Motor Efficiency Class Chart · Motor register workbook

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