IE3 vs IE4 Electric Motors — European Buyer's Guide
A practical 5-minute reference for procurement engineers sourcing IEC three-phase asynchronous motors in the EU under Ecodesign Regulation 2019/1781.
What "IE class" actually means
The IE (International Efficiency) classes — defined by IEC 60034-30-1 — measure how much electrical energy a three-phase asynchronous motor converts into mechanical work rather than waste heat. Higher class = lower losses = lower lifetime electricity cost.
- IE1 — Standard efficiency. No longer permitted for most new EU installations.
- IE2 — High efficiency. Permitted only with variable-frequency drive in the EU since 2017.
- IE3 — Premium efficiency. Mandatory for most 0.75–1000 kW motors in the EU since 1 July 2021.
- IE4 — Super-premium efficiency. Mandatory for 75–200 kW motors since 1 July 2023.
- IE5 — Ultra-premium. Not yet mandated, available in selected ranges (typically synchronous reluctance technology).
EU Regulation 2019/1781 — what you actually need to specify
Equipta's sourcing engineers see the following compliance gaps most often in incoming RFQs:
- 0.12–0.75 kW single-phase: must be IE2 since July 2023.
- 0.75–200 kW three-phase: IE3 minimum since July 2021.
- 75–200 kW three-phase: IE4 mandatory since July 2023.
- ATEX zone 21/22 motors: IE3 not required if certified for hazardous areas — confirm with manufacturer.
IE3 vs IE4 — when each is the right choice
| Scenario | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Continuous duty >4000 h/year | IE4 — 18-month payback at €0.20/kWh |
| Intermittent / variable load | IE3 + VFD — flexibility wins |
| Replacement of legacy IE2 | IE3 minimum (mandatory) |
| 75–200 kW new install | IE4 required by EU 2019/1781 |
| ATEX zone 1/21 | IE3 typical (Ex e); confirm zone & gas/dust group |
IE3 / IE4 motors stocked on Equipta
Brands carried at Equipta with IE3 and IE4 product lines, ordered by available models:
- ELVEM (Italy) — 1139 motor models
- AC-Motoren (Germany) — 260 motor models
- Hoyer (Denmark) — 140 motor models
- Siemens (Germany) — 139 motor models
- Electro Adda S.p.A. (Italy) — 82 motor models
- Seipee (Italy) — 54 motor models
- Schneider Electric (France) — 33 motor models
- Neri motori (Italy) — 27 motor models
- WEG (Brazil) — 25 motor models
- Lammers (Germany) — 21 motor models
Browse all 2,267 electric motors →
How to spec the right motor for your application
- Confirm the IEC frame size from your existing nameplate or mechanical drawing (e.g. 132M, 160L, 200L).
- Calculate required power at the worst-case operating point — including service factor (typically 1.15).
- Pick efficiency class per EU regulation + lifecycle cost target.
- Specify mounting (B3 foot, B5 flange, B14 face, B34 / B35 combinations).
- Confirm voltage and frequency (typical EU: 400 V / 50 Hz; export markets often 460 V / 60 Hz).
- Add IP rating (IP55 standard, IP65 wash-down, IP69K food-grade).
- Add ATEX if hazardous area — confirm Zone, gas group, temperature class.
Request a quote from Equipta
Send your IEC frame, power, mounting and efficiency target — Equipta's sourcing engineers will reply within 24 hours with EUR price, lead time, and cross-reference alternatives if your preferred brand is constrained.