IEC Low Voltage Electric Motors – IE2, IE3 and IE4
Three-phase, single-phase and brake motors to IEC 60034, 0.06 – 200 kW, frame 56 – 315, for 50 Hz and 60 Hz networks. Choose the efficiency class your country requires and the version for your site – KJ Export supplies the Gulf from Dubai.
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Our low voltage motor range
IE3 premium efficiency
Lafert AMPE (400 V 50 Hz) and AMPH (460 V 60 Hz, NEMA Premium).
IE4 super premium
Lafert AMQE for continuous duty – lowest losses in standard IEC frames.
IE2 and two-speed
Lafert AMHE / AMEE and AM / AMV two-speed motors.
Single-phase motors
Capacitor motors with standard or high starting torque, IE2 and dual-voltage.
Brake motors
Fail-safe DC and AC brakes for hoists, conveyors and machinery.
Explosion-proof motors
For Zone 1 / 2 hazardous areas: flameproof Ex db, Ex eb and Ex ec motors by RAEL.
Building axial fans? See the Lafert pad mounting motors for axial fans (IE3, IE4, IE5) – and for hazardous areas the flameproof RAEL Tube.
How to choose a low voltage motor
1. Efficiency class (IE code)
IEC 60034-30-1 defines four efficiency classes. The higher the class, the lower the losses – nominal efficiency at 50 Hz, 4 pole:
| Class | Name | 1.1 kW | 7.5 kW | 55 kW |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IE1 | Standard efficiency | 75.0% | 86.0% | 92.1% |
| IE2 | High efficiency | 81.4% | 88.7% | 93.5% |
| IE3 | Premium efficiency | 84.1% | 90.4% | 94.6% |
| IE4 | Super premium efficiency | 87.2% | 92.6% | 95.7% |
2. What your country requires
The IE class sets the levels; each country decides the minimum (MEPS). For Gulf projects the client specification often adds its own requirement – check it before you order.
| Market | Regulation | Minimum level (three-phase) |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | SASO 2893 (since 01.01.2017) | IE3 for 0.75 – 375 kW, 2 – 8 poles, 380 / 400 V 60 Hz |
| European Union, UK, Switzerland, Turkey | EU 2019/1781 + 2021/341 (since 01.07.2023) | IE2 0.12 – 0.75 kW · IE3 0.75 – 1000 kW · IE4 75 – 200 kW (2 – 6 poles) |
| USA and Canada | DOE 10 CFR 431 / CSA C390-10 | NEMA Premium (IE3), 1 – 500 HP, 60 Hz |
| Other Gulf countries | Project / client specification | We supply IE2, IE3 or IE4 as specified |
3. Voltage and frequency
Standard three-phase motors are rated 230/400 V Δ/Y (up to about 3 kW) or 400/690 V Δ/Y (from 4 kW), 50 Hz, and single-speed motors are also marked with the 60 Hz voltage range. A 50 Hz motor on 60 Hz with proportionally higher voltage runs 1.2× faster and gives 1.15× the output. For Saudi Arabia (380 / 400 V 60 Hz) we select motors with the correct 60 Hz rating.
4. Mounting arrangement
| Code | Mounting | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| IM B3 | Foot mounted, horizontal | Pumps on baseplates, belt drives, general machinery |
| IM B5 | Large flange (type A, through holes) | Gearboxes, pumps with lantern |
| IM B14 | Small face flange (type C, tapped holes) | Compact machines, small pumps and fans |
| IM B35 / B34 | Feet + flange | Heavier flange-mounted drives |
| IM V1 / V5 / V6 | Vertical, shaft down or up | Vertical pumps, mixers, fans |
5. Hot sites: derating above 40 °C
Rated outputs are for 40 °C ambient and up to 1000 m altitude. With class B temperature rise the motor must be derated:
| Ambient temperature | 45 °C | 50 °C | 55 °C | 60 °C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Output (class B rise) | ≈ 95% | ≈ 90% | ≈ 85% | ≈ 80% |
A winding utilised to class F (105 K) needs no derating up to 55 °C. For outdoor and coastal Gulf sites also consider a higher degree of protection, special K1 paint, anti-condensation heaters and a protective cowl for vertical mounting.
6. Duty and starting
Permissible starts per hour (load torque rising with the square of the speed):
| Shaft height | 2 poles | 4 poles | ≥ 6 poles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 56 – 71 | 100 | 250 | 350 |
| 80 – 100 | 60 | 140 | 160 |
| 112 – 132 | 30 | 60 | 80 |
| 160 – 180 | 15 | 30 | 50 |
| 200 – 225 | 8 | 15 | 30 |
| 250 – 315 | 4 | 8 | 12 |
For frequent starts and stops, holding loads or emergency stopping choose a brake motor; for variable speed, frame 90 and up run on frequency inverters in standard design.
Frequently asked questions
Which efficiency class do I need in Saudi Arabia?
IE3 for three-phase motors from 0.75 to 375 kW, according to SASO 2893. IE4 motors also meet this requirement.
What is the difference between IE2, IE3 and IE4?
They are efficiency classes defined in IEC 60034-30-1: IE2 high, IE3 premium and IE4 super premium efficiency. Each step reduces the motor losses by roughly 15 – 25%.
Can I use a 50 Hz motor on a 60 Hz supply?
Yes, if the voltage is adjusted: with a proportional voltage increase the speed rises by 1.2× and the output by 1.15×. Without the higher voltage the output cannot be increased.
What is the difference between B5 and B14 flanges?
B5 is a large flange with through holes (type A to DIN 42948); B14 is a smaller face flange with tapped holes (type C). The mounting must be stated in the order.
Do motors need derating in the Gulf?
Above 40 °C ambient, yes: about 5% per 5 °C for class B temperature rise, unless the winding is utilised to class F. Tell us your site temperature and we confirm the rating.
Need low voltage motors?
Send us kW, poles, voltage, frequency, mounting and efficiency class – or a nameplate photo – and we reply with a quotation.