What Australian Standards Apply to Electric Motors?

When you are choosing an electric motor, you might find it helpful to use Australian consumer and industrial standards as a guide to the safety, efficiency and operational requirements required in your chosen machine. The standards applying to machinery of this type can differ greatly from country to country, making it important to check that all imported models you consider are safe and reliable for use with Australian machinery.

There are a range of different Australian standards, relating to different types of electric machinery, such as AC and DC, induction and three phase models. One standard, AS/NZS 1359.5, relates to the energy efficiency of three phase electric motors and states a minimum level of efficiency for all such motors in Australia. The standard states the general requirements for energy efficient three phase motors and outlines reliable tests for determining a motor's efficiency.

Global standards often apply to machinery bought and sold in Australia. These standards are set down by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and can relate to a wide range of features concerning electric motor performance, operation and construction. Standards can also apply to the labelling and marketing of industrial products, especially when manufacturers claim their products to be energy efficient or low on noise.

Standards can also give a good guide on what machines can be used for a specific purpose, whether it is high precision robotics or domestic appliances. By searching for Australian standards relating to your industry or particular need you can make a better decision when choosing an electric machine.