Advanced Energy Classified as Nationally Recognized Certification Program

On July 6, 2020, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued its final determination classifying Advanced Energy as a nationally recognized certification program for electric and small electric motors.

After achieving Certification Body status under ISO 17065 with the American National Standards Institute in 2018, Advanced Energy petitioned DOE in February 2019 to be recognized for its motor efficiency verification services. DOE published this petition, its supporting documents and a request for public comment in the Federal Register in July 2019. In December 2019, DOE published a favorable interim decision and solicited additional comments.

With the announcement of the final determination, Advanced Energy is pleased to have its product certification program recognized by DOE. Motor manufacturers seeking compliance with DOE regulations as stipulated in 10 CFR part 431, subpart B and subpart X have a new source for motor efficiency certification.

Of the now three DOE recognized certification programs for motor efficiency, Advanced Energy operates the only National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) motor test lab (Lab Code: 200081-0). NVLAP is specifically designed for motor efficiency testing and is administered by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Under current DOE regulations, a NVLAP test lab is required for manufacturers seeking self-certification for their motor products. Advanced Energy has tested thousands of motors since its testing services began in 1990, and with this new recognition, motor manufacturers can choose to utilize Advanced Energy’s expert in-house capabilities or conduct testing in their own labs under witness by Advanced Energy motor system engineers.

“We already offer our existing clients product certification for motor efficiency, and to have that recognized by DOE is a big plus for us as it expands our ability to meet customer needs in our lab or theirs,” said Kitt Butler, Advanced Energy’s director of business development.

In 2016, under a notice of proposed rulemaking, DOE offered three new methods for manufacturers to achieve and maintain electric motor certification. According to this pending regulatory structure, motor manufacturers would no longer be allowed to both test and submit certification for their own products and would require participation of a DOE nationally recognized certification program. Advanced Energy is now well prepared to step into that role.

You can read DOE’s full published Federal Register notice here and learn more about Advanced Energy’s motors and drives team here.