Transformer EcoDesign Regulations
EcoDesign Regulations
An Ecodesign Directive from the European Commission, (COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) No 548/2014 implementing Directive 2009/125/EC) for small, medium and power transformers to save energy and reduce network losses is approaching the second stage of the regulation.
Published in the Official Journal of the European Union, the regulation imposes, for supply into the EU, the maximum level of losses and minimum efficiencies for transformers placed on the market / put into service.
The regulation detailed two stages of introduction
Stage 1 “Tier 1”, imposing maximum loss levels and minimum efficiencies came into force on 1st July 2015.
Stage 2 “Tier 2”, imposing reduced maximum loss levels and increased minimum efficiencies commencing 1st July 2021
As such from 1st July 2021, small, medium and large power transformers must meet the requirements of Tier 2 losses / efficiency, with transformer manufacturers being fully responsible in applying the law.
Rational : European Union commitments
The EU is continuing the implementation of its «20-20-20» program:
• Reduction of 20 % of greenhouse gases emission
• Reduction of 20% of energy consumption
• Reach 20% from renewable energy in total production
• Power Transformer losses represents about 2.5% of total EU energy consumption
EcoDesign aims for two major objectives on the Transformer product:
• Reduce electrical losses (1 step in 2015/ 2nd step in 2021)
• Clarify and make more visible indication of performance
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Eco Regulations -
T&D Europe -
View MV Transformers
The new directive will apply to small, medium, and large transformers (there are listed exceptions).
The rules regarding the manufacturing and delivery of Tier 2 transformers are subject to guidance set out in the Blue Guide, which covers European Union product regulation from 2016.
In the Blue Guide, the two stages are defined below.
1) Placing on the market A product is placed on the market when it is made available for the first time on the union market. This phase is only relevant to for manufacturers or importers. In normal situation (when there is no concession), this means that after 1st July 2021 manufacturers and importers will not have the right to “transfer of ownership” of transformers Tier 1. Then, only Tier 2 Transformers can be supplied, even if contract has been signed before 1st July 2021. The meaning of transfer of ownership depends of Incoterms applied with the contract.
2) Making available Products made available on the market must comply with the applicable Union harmonisation legislation at the moment of placing on the market. In the case of a distributor that had received transformers from a manufacturer or importer, then the transformers have been placed on the market and made available. The Blue Guide demands “to place on the market” or to “put in service” transformers compliant with Tier 2 after the 1st July 2021 but not necessarily both of these steps. That means that from 1st July 2021, a distributor can transfer to the user or another distributor and put in service Tier 1 Transformers if these transformers have been placed on the market before 1st July 2021.
Further reference
Links to the Eco Regulations and the interpretations from T&D Europe can be found via the following links. Eco Regulations > T&D Europe >
Medium Voltage Transformers
Manufactured to the EcoDesign specifications.
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