Advanced Energy Receives NVLAP Audit and Renewal
Motors and drives testing has been a staple of Advanced Energy for nearly 30 years. The motors and drives laboratory follows procedures that are well documented, traceable and repeatable to ensure that the work is always highly accurate.
In February 2017, the lab received an audit and renewal for accreditation from the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP). NVLAP is run by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce that seeks to improve innovation and industrial competitiveness. NVLAP provides third-party accreditation to laboratories engaged in testing a variety of equipment, from biometrics products to construction materials and radio detection instruments. Having accreditation that is specific to electric motor efficiency testing is crucial because manufacturers must have their motors tested in a NVLAP-accredited lab before they can receive compliance from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to sell their motors in the United States.
In 1997, Advanced Energy’s lab was the first in the world to achieve NVLAP designation, and it remains the only such independent lab in North America (Lab Code: 200081-0). To become accredited, a lab must follow the requirements of NIST Handbook 150 and adhere to the ISO 17025 standard, which necessitates, among other things, that equipment be on calibration cycles. A two-day audit occurs every two years to verify the lab is continuing to operate according to the handbook and is testing accurately. Round-robin style testing is conducted periodically with a known set of motors at all NVLAP labs across the globe to maintain accuracy and determine variability between labs. Advanced Energy’s motors lab has accreditation for testing 3-phase motors meeting IEEE 112, Method B, as well as single phase motors meeting IEEE 114. Furthermore, being third-party and independent allows the lab to offer testing without being affiliated with any particular manufacturer and without endorsing products.
“Maintaining an accreditation that is dedicated to electric motor efficiency testing has been a big part of the high accuracy and repeatability our lab has achieved and is well known for.” – Emmanuel Agamloh, Senior Motors and Drives Consultant
NVLAP has been part of DOE requirements for certifying motors for compliance since 1992 and has therefore established a rich history with respect to electric motor efficiency testing for certification. Recently, NVLAP was one of the issues of discussion under the DOE’s rulemaking process, which is evaluating changes to the methods for certifying compliance. NVLAP is expected to continue to provide the benefits of accurate motor efficiency measurement that it has afforded to manufacturers and test labs for years to come.
Advanced Energy understands the importance of electric motor efficiency and the tremendous savings that minimum efficiency performance standards for motors offer in all countries around the globe. Further, the team recognizes that a rising tide lifts all boats and has assisted several others both at home and abroad in achieving NVLAP accreditation. Currently, 16 labs worldwide have accreditation for electric motor efficiency testing, six of which are located in the United States; however, Advanced Energy’s lab is the only one not directly associated with a manufacturer.
Advanced Energy is proud to continue its NVLAP accreditation and will continue to seek out ways to strengthen its skills, training and processes in motor testing. To learn more about our lab, click here.