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As defined in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), “small electric motor” means a National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) general purpose alternating current single-speed induction motor built in a two-digit frame series in accordance with NEMA Standards Publication MG1-1987, including International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) metric equivalent motors. The scope of this webpage only includes the small electric motors regulated in 10 CFR 431, Subpart X and does not include those electric motors regulated in 10 CFR 431, Subpart B.
DOE has published a Federal Register notice of Final Determination pertaining to energy conservation standards for small electric motors (SEMs). DOE has determined that more-stringent standards for SEMs would not be cost-effective and, therefore has determined that standards for SEMs should not be amended.
- The effective date of this final determination is March 16, 2026.
DOE has published a Federal Register notice proposing to rescind its regulations establishing a small electric motor nationally recognized certification and testing laboratory accreditation program.
For the latest information on the planned timing of future DOE regulatory milestones, see the current Office of Management and Budget Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions. All planned dates are preliminary and subject to change.
Standards
Final Determination - Federal Register, 91 FR 6743 (February 13, 2026)
Proposed Rule - Federal Register, 90FR20915 (May 16, 2025)
Proposed Determination - Federal Register, 88FR7629 (February 6, 2023)
Comment Extension Notice
Request for Information
The small electric motor conservation standards rulemaking docket EERE-2022-BT-STD-0014 contains all notices, public comments, public meeting transcripts, and supporting documents pertaining to this rulemaking.
Public Meeting Information
There is no public meeting scheduled at this time.
Submitting Public Comments
The comment period has closed.
Test Procedure
Public Meeting Information
There is no public meeting scheduled at this time.
Submitting Public Comments
The comment period is closed.
Small electric motors manufactured and distributed in commerce, as defined by 42 U.S.C. 6291(16), must meet the energy conservation standards specified in the Code of Federal Regulations at 10 CFR 431.446 through 431.448.
Manufacturers must follow the test procedure methods specified in 10 CFR 431.443 through 431.445 to determine that electric motors that are currently manufactured or distributed into commerce are in compliance with DOE standards.
Compliance
Records Maintenance Requirements
DOE has established records maintenance requirements for electric motor manufacturers in section 10 CFR 431.403 of the Code of Regulations. These requirements describe the types, organization, and retention duration of the required documentation.
Waivers
For information on current test procedure waivers, see DOE’s Waivers webpage.
For information about obtaining test procedure waivers, see 10 CFR 431.401.
Exceptions
Currently, there are no exemptions for electric motors authorized by DOE's Office of Hearings and Appeals. For information about obtaining exception relief, see 10 CFR part 1003.
Import and Export Provisions
10 CFR 431.404 contains provisions on importing electric motors into the United States.
10 CFR 431.405 contains provisions on exporting electric motors from the United States.
Subpoena Authority for Energy Efficiency
10 CFR 431.406 explains subpoena authority given to the Secretary of Energy related to carrying out part 431 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Confidentiality of Electric Motor Data and Information
10 CFR 431.407 explains the protocol for confidentiality requests for manufacturers or private labelers of electric motors to follow when submitting data and information to the DOE.
Guidance and Frequently Asked Questions
For information on further guidance and answers to frequently asked questions on all covered products, see DOE’s Further Guidance database.
State Exemptions to Federal Pre-emption
DOE has not exempted any state from this energy conservation standard. States may petition DOE to exempt a state regulation from preemption by the federal energy conservation standard. States may also petition DOE to withdraw such exemptions. For details, see 10 CFR 431, Subpart W.
For more information related to this product, please email:
ApplianceStandardsQuestions@ee.doe.gov