UK MARKET WATCH | MOTOR EFFICIENCY EVIDENCE
The UK Energy Technology List updated its AC motor criteria on 15 September 2026. This guide shows OEM buyers which model, test and transition evidence to request.
Industrial AC motor and centrifugal fan assembly on an efficiency test bench
Current position as checked on 30 September 2026. The UK Energy Technology List published its 2025 to 2026 criteria update on 15 September 2026. Existing listings are not automatically cancelled, but affected manufacturers may be asked for updated evidence. The Energy Technology List is a UK energy efficiency scheme. It is not the Intertek ETL safety certification mark used in North America.
What changed
The Energy Technology List reviewed 18 sub technologies and changed criteria across 11. For line operated AC motors, three changes matter to OEM purchasing teams. The dimensional eligibility reference moved to IEC 60072-1 2022. The performance tables were revised for three phase motors from 0.12 to 1000 kW, Ex eb increased safety motors and single phase motors. The prescribed efficiency test reference moved to BS EN IEC 60034-2-1 2024.
The update changes the evidence package, not only the efficiency number. A supplier now needs to connect the exact motor identity to its frame dimensions, duty rating, cooling method, test method, full load result and applicable threshold. A general IE class statement or a family brochure does not establish Energy Technology List eligibility for a specific model.
First remove the ETL ambiguity
|
Term |
What it is |
What it can prove |
What it cannot prove |
|---|---|---|---|
|
UK Energy Technology List |
A UK government backed list of energy efficient products with category specific criteria |
That an exact listed product has met the current scheme requirements |
North American electrical safety certification |
|
Intertek ETL mark |
A product safety certification mark used mainly for the United States and Canada |
Conformity to the safety standard and model scope shown in the certification record |
Eligibility for the UK Energy Technology List |
Purchase orders, declarations and supplier questionnaires should spell out Energy Technology List when the UK scheme is intended. Writing only ETL can send the evidence request to the wrong department and return a valid certificate for the wrong decision.
The current line operated AC motor boundary
The current criteria page covers standard single phase and three phase motors designed for direct line operation. The eligibility boundary includes the following conditions.
- A totally enclosed AC motor with a maximum rated operating voltage above 50 V and up to 1000 V.
- A 2 pole, 4 pole, 6 pole or 8 pole design with an eligible cooling method classified as IC 410, IC 411 or IC 418.
- Dimensions and a power rating conforming to IEC 60072-1 2022, subject to the listed transition for older products.
- A 50 Hz rating, direct compatibility with the UK public supply or an appropriate fixed frequency private AC supply, and S1 continuous duty.
- Rated output of at least 0.12 kW. The three phase category has an upper boundary of 1000 kW.
- An appropriate conformity assessment mark and efficiency at full load meeting the threshold for the exact power, pole count and safety classification.
Classification boundary. An integrated EC fan, converter fed motor or complete commercial fan is not automatically assessed under the line operated AC motor category. The correct Energy Technology List category must be checked before requesting evidence.
Test evidence expected by the current criteria
|
Evidence item |
Current requirement or purchasing check |
Buyer control |
|---|---|---|
|
Test method |
BS EN IEC 60034-2-1 2024 using method 2-1-1B for induction machines |
Record the edition and method on the approved evidence index |
|
Load point |
Full load at 100 percent of maximum continuous rated output |
Reject peak or part load figures presented as the listing result |
|
Supply |
Normally 400 V AC three phase 50 Hz; 230 V or 690 V where the product is not designed for 400 V |
Match the report supply to the declared model rating |
|
Result format |
Efficiency presented to one decimal place and compared with the exact applicable table |
Retain the raw result and the rounded assessment result |
|
Single model |
One detailed test report |
Match model, suffix, rating plate and drawing |
|
Product range |
Summary results may be submitted when detailed reports exist for each tested model and can be inspected |
Require the range logic, tested representatives and report availability |
The transition rules buyers should preserve
The current criteria preserve specific older evidence routes. Products listed before 1 January 2026 to the older IEC 60072-1 1991 dimensional reference continue to be accepted. Until further notice, tests to BS EN 60034-2-1 2007 remain accepted for products listed before September 2020, and tests to the 2014 edition remain accepted for products listed before March 2024.
These are listing history rules, not blanket permission to submit an old report for a new model. The evidence file should therefore include the original listing date, exact model identity, test edition and the reason the transition applies. If any one of those is missing, the buyer cannot safely infer grandfathering.
OEM buyer evidence checklist
|
File |
Minimum content |
Acceptance question |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Product identity |
Full model and suffix, rating plate, drawing and controlled BOM revision |
Is this the exact item being purchased |
|
2 Category decision |
Why the product belongs in line operated AC motors rather than commercial fans or converter fed motors |
Has the correct scheme route been selected |
|
3 Eligibility sheet |
Voltage, phase, frequency, poles, S1 duty, rated output, cooling code and conformity mark |
Does every boundary condition match |
|
4 Frame record |
IEC 60072-1 edition, frame number, flange, shaft and power rating |
Can dimensions and rating be traced to the current reference |
|
5 Efficiency report |
Laboratory, method 2-1-1B, supply, full load input and output, losses and efficiency |
Can the result be reproduced and audited |
|
6 Threshold check |
Applicable table row, interpolation where required and one decimal place result |
Does the exact model meet the exact threshold |
|
7 Listing evidence |
Current product entry or application status and original listing date |
Is the claim current and is a transition rule being used |
|
8 Change control |
Triggers for winding, rotor, frame, cooling fan, materials, firmware or supplier changes |
Will the purchased configuration remain the tested configuration |
How to use LONGWELL information
LONGWELL publicly offers AC motors as well as AC, DC and EC fan and motor assemblies. That product breadth helps an OEM compare drive architectures, but it does not by itself establish eligibility for the UK Energy Technology List. No specific LONGWELL model is claimed to be listed or compliant in this article.
For a model level review, ask for the complete model and suffix, 50 Hz and S1 rating, pole count, cooling method, frame and flange dimensions, applicable conformity mark, the full load test report and the exact Energy Technology List category. For a complete fan assembly, add the airflow duty point, static or total pressure, installation arrangement, controller and operating profile because motor evidence does not replace fan system evidence.
Questions purchasing teams ask
Is the UK Energy Technology List the same as the Intertek ETL mark
No. They are separate schemes with different purposes, markets and evidence. Spell out the full scheme name in contracts and questionnaires.
Does an IE4 motor automatically qualify
No. The current criteria use category specific thresholds and other eligibility conditions. The exact model, test method, rating and threshold must all match.
Did the September update cancel every existing listing
No. The official update says existing listings are not automatically invalidated. Affected manufacturers may still be asked for updated information or evidence.
Can a 60 Hz only motor use the line operated AC motor route
The current criteria require a 50 Hz rating. A 60 Hz only declaration does not satisfy that stated boundary.
Is an integrated EC fan assessed as a line operated AC motor
Not automatically. Integrated fans and converter fed drives can fall under different categories. Confirm the category before comparing thresholds.
What should we send for a supplier review
Send destination market, exact model and suffix, rated power, voltage, frequency, poles, duty, cooling code, frame and flange, conformity target, listing status and the test report edition.
Request a model level evidence review
Send the exact motor or fan assembly identity, rated power, voltage, frequency, pole count, S1 duty, cooling method, frame and flange, destination market, required Energy Technology List category, airflow and pressure where a fan is included, and the target date. LONGWELL can then identify the available model documents and any evidence gap that must be closed before approval.
Contact sales@longwellfans.com
Sources
Official update Energy Technology List 2025 to 2026 Annual Research Programme criteria update
Current criteria Line Operated AC Motors eligibility performance and testing requirements
Scheme guidance Energy Technology List testing framework
Category map Motors Drives and Fans on the Energy Technology List
LONGWELL scope LONGWELL AC motor product category
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