Ecodesign Ventilation Fans

EcoDesign Regulations Ventilation Fans (327/2011)

ErP FAQ

 

FläktGroup offer guidance about ErP and FMEG

 

January 2015 signalled the introduction of the second tier of efficiency requirements for fans under the ErP Directive. As a result, fan manufacturers and specifiers were required to ensure that all units complied with the new legislation when designing projects. To establish whether a fan is compliant, the FMEG (Fan and Motor Efficiency Grade) must be considered and, in support of the directive, FläktGroup answers some of the most frequently asked questions about the new regulations:

 

What is FMEG?

 

This is a minimum efficiency requirement related to the electrical input power of the fan at its optimum efficiency point, addressing the overall efficiency of an entire fan and motor assembly. FMEG levels are already defined within Regulation 327/2011 (as “N” grades) and vary dependant on fan type (e.g. axial, centrifugal backward or forward curved, etc.). Each fan type has a target efficiency associated with its required efficiency grade. The calculation for target efficiency considers the effects of fan efficiency and motor efficiency. The actual overall fan and motor efficiency must be at, or above, the target efficiency, for the fan to comply. It is illegal for non-compliant fans to be sold or put into service within the European Economic Area (EEA).

 

What factors determine if a product is ErP compliant?

 

The standard clearly defines what information should be displayed on a product’s labelling, including its overall efficiency and efficiency grade at the optimum energy point. The product must also feature a valid CE mark, while the measurement and efficiency categories should also be listed. Finally, the label should confirm if the product’s efficiency is based on the use of a variable speed drive (VSD). If a product does not have such a label, customers should question if it is actually compliant.

 

Are there any allowable exceptions?

 

Fans with electrical input powers less than or equal to 125W and greater than or equal to 500 kW are exempt, as are those with continuous operational temperatures above 100°C. Fans integrated into kitchen hoods are also exempt, providing the total electrical input power is less than 280W.

 

Are fire safety fans exempt?

 

If a fan is designed for a “once off” emergency use only, then it is exempt. However, if the fan is designed to have a dual role – such as to provide ventilation, as well as being capable of extracting smoke during an emergency – it still needs to comply, although it will benefit from a 5% reduction to the 2015 FMEG target.

 

What are the actual FMEG values?

 

The FMEG pass target for a wall-mounted, ‘type A’ Axial fan is currently FMEG 40, whereas for a fan that is part of a duct-mounted, ‘type D’ system, it is FMEG 58. FläktGroup urges specifiers and Engineers to ensure any fans being used are installed in line with the correct testing or measurement type (which aligns with how it is actually installed) in order to deliver the expected performance – and to fully comply.

 

If a fan is fitted inside an enclosure, such as a Box Fan, Energy Recovery or Roof unit, does it have to comply?

 

Lot 11 (Regulation 327/2011) of the ErP Directive clearly states that even if a fan and motor is incorporated into another product, it must still comply. In 2016, on the 1^st January, a new ErP regulation (1253/2014) was introduced to cover these products, however, the fans inside the units must still comply with Lot 11.

 

Can non-compliant fans be sold as a replacement for an existing fan?

 

Non-compliant products cannot be sold as replacements into building service type applications within the EEA. Not only does this apply to complete products, it now applies to the supply of spare parts, but excluding items such as motor bearings. If a non-compliant fan is required to be replaced, the customer should now purchase a new and fully compliant fan.  

 

Fans exempt or out of scope of this regulation

 

• Fans where the motor input power is less than 125W or greater than 500kW
• Hazardous area ATEX fans
• Dedicated High Temperature emergency use smoke extract fans
• Fans for conveying materials – Industrial applications
• Fans for within a toxic or corrosive environment
• Fans for ambient temperatures of 100°C or above
• Fans driven by non-electrical devices