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Charlotte Stonestreet
Managing Editor |
IE3-compliant switchgears
05 May 2015
WEG has developed IE3-compliant switchgears to ensure excellent reliability when operating IE3 high-efficiency motors, despite higher inrush currents compared to IE2 motors.

As a result of using the new switchgear, users can be confident their drive system provides the highest levels of energy efficiency over a long service life, enabling them to reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO) while complying with current environmental regulations, claims the company.
"Although using premium efficiency motors is now mandatory, the choice of low-voltage switchgear, such as motor protection circuit breakers, is still left to the user. To ensure reliable equipment operation despite higher inrush and starting currents typically found in IE3 motors, users should always consider IE3 compatibility when selecting low-voltage switchgear,” says Zoltan Schaaf, manager low voltage switchgear at WEG in Germany.