Commission Regulation (EU) No 548/2014 of 21 May 2014 on implementing Directive 2009/125/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to small, medium and large power transformers
Commission Regulation (EU) No 548/2014of 21 May 2014on implementing Directive 2009/125/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to small, medium and large power transformers THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,Having regard to Directive 2009/125/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 establishing a framework for the setting of ecodesign requirements for energy-related productsOJ L 285, 31.10.2009, p. 10., and in particular Article 15(1) thereof,After consulting the Ecodesign Consultation Forum,Whereas:(1)The Commission has carried out a preparatory study that analysed the environmental and economic aspects of transformers. The study was developed together with stakeholders and interested parties from the Union and the results have been have made publicly available. Transformers are considered as energy related products within the meaning of Article 2(1) of Directive 2009/125/EC.(2)The study showed that energy in the use phase is the most significant environmental aspect that can be addressed through product design. Significant amounts of raw materials (copper, iron, resin, aluminium) are used in the manufacturing of transformers, but market mechanisms seem to be ensuring an adequate end-of-life treatment, and therefore it is not necessary to establish related ecodesign requirements.(3)Ecodesign requirements set out in Annex I apply to products placed on the market or put into service wherever they are installed. Therefore such requirements cannot be made dependant on the application in which the product is used.(4)Transformers are usually purchased under framework agreements. In this context, purchase refers to the act of contracting with the manufacturer for the delivery of a given volume of transformers. The contract is deemed to have come into force on the date of signature by the parties.(5)Certain categories of transformers should not be covered by this Regulation, due to their specific function,. The energy consumption and saving potential of such transformers is negligible compared to other transformers.(6)Regulatory concessions are granted because of the weight limitations for mounting transformers on utility poles. In order to avoid misuse of transformers specifically manufactured for pole-mounted operation, they should include a visible display "For pole-mounted operation only", so as to facilitate the work of national market surveillance authorities.(7)Regulatory concessions are granted to transformers equipped with equipment capable of performing voltage regulation functions to integrate distributed generation from renewable sources into the distribution grid. Such concessions should gradually be phased out as this emerging technology matures and measurement standards become available to separate the losses associated to the core transformer from those associated to the equipment performing additional functions.(8)Ecodesign requirements for the energy performance/efficiency of medium power transformers and for the energy efficiency of large power transformers should be set with a view to harmonising ecodesign requirements for these devices throughout the Union. Such requirements would also contribute to the efficient functioning of the internal market and to improving Member States' environmental performance.(9)Establishment of ecodesign requirements for medium and large power transformers is also necessary to increase the market penetration of technologies and design options improving their energy performance or efficiency. Total losses of the transformers fleet in the EU27 in 2008 amounted to 93,4 TWh per year. The cost-effective improvement potential through more efficient design has been estimated in about 16,2 TWh per year in 2025, which corresponds to 3,7 Mt of CO2 emissions.(10)It is necessary to provide for a staged entry into force of the ecodesign requirements in order to provide an appropriate timeframe for manufacturers to redesign their products. Time limits for the implementation of those requirements should be set taking into account impacts on the costs for manufacturers, in particular small and medium size enterprises, while ensuring timely achievement of the policy objectives.(11)To allow an effective implementation of the regulation, National Regulating Authorities are strongly advised to take account of the effect of minimum efficiency requirements on the initial cost of the transformer and to allow for the installation of more efficient transformers than the regulation requires, whenever these are economically justified on a whole life cycle basis, including an adequate evaluation of losses reduction.(12)To facilitate compliance checks, manufacturers should be asked to provide information in the technical documentation referred to in Annexes IV and V to Directive 2009/125/EC.(13)The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee established by Article 19(1) of Directive 2009/125/EC,HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:
Article 1Subject matter and scope1.This Regulation establishes ecodesign requirements for placing on the market or putting into service power transformers with a minimum power rating of 1 kVA used in 50 Hz electricity transmission and distribution networks or for industrial applications. The Regulation is only applicable to transformers purchased after the entry into force of the Regulation.2.This Regulation shall not apply to transformers specifically designed and used for the following applications:instrument transformers, specifically designed to supply measuring instruments, meters, relays and other similar apparatus,transformers with low-voltage windings specifically designed for use with rectifiers to provide a DC supply,transformers specifically designed to be directly connected to a furnace,transformers specifically designed for offshore applications and floating offshore applications,transformers specially designed for emergency installations,transformers and auto-transformers specifically designed for railway feeding systems,earthing or grounding transformers, this is, three-phase transformers intended to provide a neutral point for system grounding purposes,traction transformers mounted on rolling stock, this is, transformers connected to an AC or DC contact line, directly or through a converter, used in fixed installations of railway applications,starting transformers, specifically designed for starting three-phase induction motors so as to eliminate supply voltage dips,testing transformers, specifically designed to be used in a circuit to produce a specific voltage or current for the purpose of testing electrical equipment,welding transformers, specifically designed for use in arc welding equipment or resistance welding equipment,transformers specifically designed for explosion-proof and underground mining applicationsEquipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres is covered by Directive 94/9/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 100, 19.4.1994, p. 1).,transformers specifically designed for deep water (submerged) applications,medium Voltage (MV) to Medium Voltage (MV) interface transformers up to 5 MVA,large power transformers where it is demonstrated that for a particular application, technically feasible alternatives are not available to meet the minimum efficiency requirements set out by this Regulation,large power transformers which are like for like replacements in the same physical location/installation for existing large power transformers, where this replacement cannot be achieved without entailing disproportionate costs associated to their transportation and/or installation,except as regards the product information requirements and technical documentation set out in Annex I, points 3 and 4.
Article 2DefinitionsFor the purpose of this Regulation and its annexes the following definitions shall apply.(1)"Power transformer" means a static piece of apparatus with two or more windings which, by electromagnetic induction, transforms a system of alternating voltage and current into another system of alternating voltage and current usually of different values and at the same frequency for the purpose of transmitting electrical power.(2)"Small power transformer" means a power transformer with a highest voltage for equipment not exceeding 1,1 kV.(3)"Medium power transformer" means a power transformer with a highest voltage for equipment higher than 1,1 kV, but not exceeding 36 kV and a rated power equal to or higher than 5 kVA but lower than 40 MVA.(4)"Large power transformer" means a power transformer with a highest voltage for equipment exceeding 36 kV and a rated power equal or higher than 5 kVA, or a rated power equal to or higher than 40 MVA regardless of the highest voltage for equipment.(5)"Liquid-immersed transformer" means a power transformer in which the magnetic circuit and windings are immersed in liquid.(6)"Dry-type transformer" means a power transformer in which the magnetic circuit and windings are not immersed in an insulating liquid.(7)"Medium power pole mounted transformer" means a power transformer with a rated power of up to 315 kVA suitable for outdoor service and designed to be mounted on the support structures of overhead power lines.(8)"Voltage Regulation Distribution Transformer" means a medium power transformer equipped with additional components, inside or outside of the transformer tank, to automatically control the input or output voltage of the transformer for on-load voltage regulation purposes.(9)"Winding" refers to the assembly of turns forming an electrical circuit associated with one of the voltages assigned to the transformer.(10)"Rated voltage of a winding" (Ur) is the voltage assigned to be applied, or developed at no-load, between the terminals of an untapped winding, or of a tapped winding connected on the principal tapping.(11)"High-voltage winding" refers to the winding having the highest rated voltage.(12)"Highest voltage for equipment" (Um) applicable to a transformer winding is the highest r.m.s phase-to-phase voltage in a three-phase system for which a transformer winding is designed in respect of its insulation.(13)"Rated power" (Sr) is a conventional value of apparent power assigned to a winding which, together with the rated voltage of the winding, determines its rated current.(14)"Load loss" (Pk) means the absorbed active power at rated frequency and reference temperature associated with a pair of windings when the rated current (tapping current) is flowing through the line terminal(s) of one of the windings and the terminals of the other windings are in short-circuit with any winding fitted with tappings connected to its principal tapping, while further windings, if existing, are open-circuited.(15)"No load loss" (Po) means the active power absorbed at rated frequency when the transformer is energised and the secondary circuit is open. The applied voltage is the rated voltage, and if the energized winding is fitted with a tapping, it is connected to its principal tapping.(16)"Peak Efficiency Index" (PEI) means the maximum value of the ratio of the transmitted apparent power of a transformer minus the electrical losses to the transmitted apparent power of the transformer.
Article 3Eco-design requirementsSmall power transformers, medium power transformers and large power transformer shall meet the ecodesign requirements set out in Annex I.
Article 4Conformity AssessmentConformity assessment shall be carried out applying the internal design control procedure set out in Annex IV to Directive 2009/125/EC or the management system procedure set out in Annex V to that Directive.
Article 5Verification procedure for market surveillance purposesWhen performing the market surveillance checks referred to in Directive 2009/125/EC, Article 3(2), Member State authorities shall apply the verification procedure set out in Annex III to this Regulation.
Article 6Indicative BenchmarksThe indicative benchmarks for the best-performing transformers technologically possible at the time of adoption of this Regulation are identified in Annex IV.
Article 7ReviewNo later than three years after the entry into force, the Commission shall review this Regulation in the light of technological progress and present the results of this review to the Consultation Forum. Specifically, the review will assess, at least, the following issues:the possibility to set out minimum values of the Peak Efficiency Index for all medium power transformers, including those with a rated power below 3150 kVA,the possibility to separate the losses associated to the core transformer from those associated with other components performing voltage regulation functions, where this is the case,the appropriateness of establishing minimum performance requirements for single-phase power transformers, as well as for small power transformers,whether concessions made for pole-mounted transformers and for special combinations of winding voltages for medium power transformers are still appropriate,the possibility of covering environmental impacts other than energy in the use phase.
Article 8Entry into forceThe Regulation shall enter into force on the 20th day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.Done at Brussels, 21 May 2014.For the CommissionThe PresidentJosé Manuel BarrosoANNEX IEcodesign requirements1.Minimum energy performance or efficiency requirements for medium power transformersMedium power transformers shall comply with the maximum allowed load and no-load losses or the Peak Efficiency Index (PEI) values set out in Tables I.1 to I.5, excluding medium power pole-mounted transformers, which shall comply with the maximum allowed load and no load losses values set out in Table I.6.1.1.Requirements for three-phase medium power transformers with rated power ≤ 3150 kVA
Table I.1: Maximum load and no-load losses (in W) for three-phase liquid-immersed medium power transformers with one winding with Um ≤ 24 kV and the other one with Um ≤ 1,1 kVMaximum losses for kVA ratings that fall in between the ratings given in Table I.1 shall be obtained by linear interpolation.
Tier 1 (from 1 July 2015)Tier 2 (from 1 July 2021)
Rated Power (kVA)Maximum load losses Pk (W)Maximum no-load losses Po (W)Maximum load losses Pk (W)Maximum no-load losses Po (W)
≤ 25Ck (900)Ao (70)Ak (600)Ao – 10 % (63)
50Ck (1100)Ao (90)Ak (750)Ao – 10 % (81)
100Ck (1750)Ao (145)Ak (1250)Ao – 10 % (130)
160Ck (2350)Ao (210)Ak (1750)Ao – 10 % (189)
250Ck (3250)Ao (300)Ak (2350)Ao – 10 % (270)
315Ck (3900)Ao (360)Ak (2800)Ao – 10 % (324)
400Ck (4600)Ao (430)Ak (3250)Ao – 10 % (387)
500Ck (5500)Ao (510)Ak (3900)Ao – 10 % (459)
630Ck (6500)Ao (600)Ak (4600)Ao – 10 % (540)
800Ck (8400)Ao (650)Ak (6000)Ao – 10 % (585)
1000Ck (10500)Ao (770)Ak (7600)Ao – 10 % (693)
1250Bk (11000)Ao (950)Ak (9500)Ao – 10 % (855)
1600Bk (14000)Ao (1200)Ak (12000)Ao – 10 % (1080)
2000Bk (18000)Ao (1450)Ak (15000)Ao – 10 % (1305)
2500Bk (22000)Ao (1750)Ak (18500)Ao – 10 % (1575)
3150Bk (27500)Ao (2200)Ak (23000)Ao – 10 % (1980)
Table I.2: Maximum load and no-load losses (in W) for three –phase dry-type medium power transformers with one winding with Um ≤ 24 kV and the other one with Um ≤ 1,1 kV.Maximum losses for kVA ratings that fall in between the ratings given in Table I.2 shall be obtained by linear interpolation.
Tier 1 (1 July 2015)Tier 2 (1 July 2021)
Rated Power (kVA)Maximum load losses Pk (W)Maximum no-load losses Po (W)Maximum load losses Pk (W)Maximum no-load losses Po (W)
≤ 50Bk (1700)Ao (200)Ak (1500)Ao – 10 % (180)
100Bk (2050)Ao (280)Ak (1800)Ao – 10 % (252)
160Bk (2900)Ao (400)Ak (2600)Ao – 10 % (360)
250Bk (3800)Ao (520)Ak (3400)Ao – 10 % (468)
400Bk (5500)Ao (750)Ak (4500)Ao – 10 % (675)
630Bk (7600)Ao (1100)Ak (7100)Ao – 10 % (990)
800Ak (8000)Ao (1300)Ak (8000)Ao – 10 % (1170)
1000Ak (9000)Ao (1550)Ak (9000)Ao – 10 % (1395)
1250Ak (11000)Ao (1800)Ak (11000)Ao – 10 % (1620)
1600Ak (13000)Ao (2200)Ak (13000)Ao – 10 % (1980)
2000Ak (16000)Ao (2600)Ak (16000)Ao – 10 % (2340)
2500Ak (19000)Ao (3100)Ak (19000)Ao – 10 % (2790)
3150Ak (22000)Ao (3800)Ak (22000)Ao – 10 % (3420)
Table I.3: Correction of load and no load losses in case of other combinations of winding voltages or dual voltage in one or both windings (rated power ≤ 3150 kVA)
One winding with Um ≤ 24 kV and the other with Um > 1,1 kVThe maximum allowable losses in Tables I.1 and I.2 shall be increased by 10 % for no load losses and by 10 % for load losses
One winding with Um = 36 kV and the other with Um ≤ 1,1 kVThe maximum allowable losses in Tables I.1 and I.2 shall be increased by 15 % for no load losses and by 10 % for load losses
One winding with Um = 36 kV and the other with Um > 1,1 kVThe maximum allowable losses indicated in Tables I.1 and I.2 shall be increased by 20 % for no load losses and by 15 % for load losses
Case of dual voltage on one windingIn case of transformers with one high-voltage winding and two voltages available from a tapped low-voltage winding, losses shall be calculated based on the higher voltage of the low-voltage winding and shall be in compliance with the maximum allowable losses in Tables I.1 and 1.2. The maximum available power on the lower voltage of the low-voltage winding on such transformers shall be limited to 0,85 of the rated power assigned to the low-voltage winding at its higher voltage.
In case of transformers with one low-voltage winding with two voltages available from a tapped high-voltage winding, losses shall be calculated based on the higher voltage of the high-voltage winding and shall be in compliance with the maximum allowable losses in Tables I.1 and I.2., The maximum available power on the lower voltage of the high-voltage winding on such transformer shall be limited to 0,85 of the rated power assigned to the high-voltage winding at its higher voltage.
If the full nominal power is available regardless of the combination of voltages, the levels of losses indicated in Tables I.1 and I.2 can be increased by 15 % for no load losses and by 10 % for load losses.
Case of dual voltage on both windingsThe maximum allowable losses in Tables I.1 and I.2 can be increased by 20 % for no load losses and by 20 % for load losses for transformers with dual voltage on both windings. The level of losses is given for the highest possible rated power and on the basis that the rated power is the same regardless of the combination of voltages.
1.2.Requirements for medium power transformers with rated power > 3150 kVA
Table I.4: Minimum Peak Efficiency Index (PEI) values for liquid immersed medium power transformers
Rated Power (kVA)Tier 1 (1 July 2015)Tier 2 (1 July 2021)
Minimum Peak Efficiency Index (%)
3150 < Sr ≤ 400099,46599,532
500099,48399,548
630099,51099,571
800099,53599,593
1000099,56099,615
1250099,58899,640
1600099,61599,663
2000099,63999,684
2500099,65799,700
3150099,67199,712
4000099,68499,724
Minimum PEI values for kVA ratings that fall in between the ratings given in Table I.4 shall be calculated by linear interpolation.
Table I.5: Minimum Peak Efficiency Index (PEI) values for dry type medium power transformers
Rated Power (kVA)Tier 1 (1 July 2015)Tier 2 (1 July 2021)
Minimum Peak Efficiency Index (%)
3150 < Sr ≤ 400099,34899,382
500099,35499,387
630099,35699,389
800099,35799,390
≥ 1000099,35799,390
Minimum PEI values for kVA ratings that fall in between the ratings given in Table I.5 shall be calculated by linear interpolation.1.3.Requirements for medium power transformers with rated power ≤ 3150 kVA equipped with tapping connections suitable for operation while being energised or on-load for voltage adaptation purposes. Voltage Regulation Distribution Transformers are included in this category.The maximum allowable levels of losses set out in Tables I.1 and I.2 shall be increased by 20 % for no load losses and 5 % for load losses in Tier 1 and by 10 % for no load losses in Tier 2.1.4.Requirements for medium power pole-mounted transformersThe levels of load and no load losses indicated in Tables I.1 and I.2 are not applicable to liquid immersed pole-mounted transformers with power ratings between 25 kVA and 315 kVA. For these specific models of medium power pole-mounted transformers, the maximum levels of allowable losses are set out in Table I.6.
Table I.6: Maximum load and no-load losses (in W) for medium power liquid immersed pole-mounted transformersMaximum allowable losses for kVA ratings that fall in between the ratings given in Table I.6 shall be obtained by linear interpolation.
Tier 1 (1 July 2015)Tier 2 (1 July 2021)
Rated Power (kVA)Maximum load losses (in W)Maximum no-load losses (in W)Maximum load losses (in W)Maximum no-load losses (in W)
25Ck (900)Ao (70)Bk (725)Ao (70)
50Ck (1100)Ao (90)Bk (875)Ao (90)
100Ck (1750)Ao (145)Bk (1475)Ao (145)
160Ck + 32 % (3102)Co (300)Ck + 32 % (3102)Co – 10 % (270)
200Ck (2750)Co (356)Bk (2333)Bo (310)
250Ck (3250)Co (425)Bk (2750)Bo (360)
315Ck (3900)Co (520)Bk (3250)Bo (440)
2.Minimum energy efficiency requirements for large power transformersThe minimum efficiency requirements for large power transformers are set out in Tables I.7 and I.8.
Table I.7: Minimum Peak Efficiency Index requirements for liquid immersed large power transformers
Rated Power (MVA)Tier 1 (1 July 2015)Tier 2 (1 July 2021)
Minimum Peak Efficiency Index (%)
≤ 499,46599,532
599,48399,548
6,399,51099,571
899,53599,593
1099,56099,615
12,599,58899,640
1699,61599,663
2099,63999,684
2599,65799,700
31,599,67199,712
4099,68499,724
5099,69699,734
6399,70999,745
8099,72399,758
≥ 10099,73799,770
Minimum PEI values for MVA ratings that fall in between the ratings given in Table I.7 shall be calculated by linear interpolation.
Table I.8: Minimum Peak Efficiency Index requirements for dry-type large power transformers
Rated Power (MVA)Tier 1 (1 July 2015)Tier 2 (1 July 2021)
Minimum Peak Efficiency Index (%)
≤ 499,15899,225
599,20099,265
6,399,24299,303
899,29899,356
1099,33099,385
12,599,37099,422
1699,41699,464
2099,46899,513
2599,52199,564
31,599,55199,592
4099,56799,607
5099,58599,623
≥ 6399,59099,626
Minimum PEI values for MVA ratings that fall in between the ratings given in Table I.8 shall be calculated by linear interpolation.3.Product information requirementsFrom 1 July 2015, the following product information requirements for transformers included in the scope of this Regulation (Article 1) shall be included in any related product documentation, including free access websites of manufacturers:(a)information on rated power, load loss and no-load loss and the electrical power of any cooling system required at no load;(b)for medium power (where applicable) and large power transformers, the value of the Peak Efficiency Index and the power at which it occurs;(c)for dual voltage transformers, the maximum rated power at the lower voltage, according to Table I.3;(d)information on the weight of all the main components of a power transformer (including at least the conductor, the nature of the conductor and the core material);(e)For medium power pole mounted transformers, a visible display "For pole-mounted operation only".The information under a); c) and d) shall also be included on the rating plate of the power transformers.4.Technical documentationThe following information shall be included in the technical documentation of power transformers:(a)manufacturer's name and address;(b)model identifier, the alphanumeric code to distinguish one model from other models of the same manufacturer;(c)the information required under point 3.If (parts of) the technical documentation is based upon (parts of) the technical documentation of another model, the model identifier of that model shall be provided and the technical documentation shall provide the details of how the information is derived from the technical documentation of the other model, e.g. on calculations or extrapolations, including the tests undertaken by the manufacturer to verify the calculations or extrapolations undertaken.ANNEX IIMeasurement and calculation methodsMeasurement methodFor the purpose of compliance with the requirements of this Regulation, measurements shall be made using a reliable, accurate and reproducible measurement procedure, which takes into account the generally recognised state of the art measurement methods, including methods set out in documents the reference numbers of which have been published for that purpose in the Official Journal of the European Union.Calculation methodsThe methodology for calculating the Peak Efficiency Index (PEI) for medium and large power transformers is based on the ratio of the transmitted apparent power of a transformer minus the electrical losses to the transmitted apparent power of the transformer.32014R0548_en_img_1Where:P0 is the no load losses measure at rated voltage and rated frequency, on the rated tapPc0 is the electrical power required by the cooling system for no load operationPk is the measured load loss at rated current and rated frequency on the rated tap corrected to the reference temperatureSr is the rated power of the transformer or autotransformer on which Pk is basedANNEX IIIVerification procedureWhen performing the market surveillance checks referred to in Article 3(2) of Directive 2009/125/EC, the authorities of the Member States shall apply the following verification procedure for the requirements set out in Annex I.(1)Member States authorities shall test one single unit per model;(2)The model shall be considered to comply with the applicable requirements set out in Annex I of this Regulation if the values in the technical documentation comply with the requirements set out in Annex I, and if the measured parameters meet the requirements set out in Annex I within the verification tolerances indicated in the Table of this Annex;(3)If the results referred to in point 2 are not achieved, the model shall be considered not to comply with this Regulation. The Member States authorities shall provide all relevant information, including the test results if applicable, to the authorities of the other Member States and the Commission within one month of the decision being taken on the non-compliance of the model.Member States authorities shall use the measurement methods and calculation methods set out in Annex II.Given the weight and size limitations in the transportation of medium and large power transformers, Member States authorities may decide to undertake the verification procedure at the premises of manufacturers, before they are put into service in their final destination.The verification tolerances set out in this Annex relate only to the verification of the measured parameters by Member States authorities and shall not be used by the manufacturer or importer as an allowed tolerance to establish the values in the technical documentation.
Table
Measured parameterVerification tolerances
Load lossesThe measured value shall not be greater than the declared value by more than 5 %.
No load lossesThe measured value shall not be greater than the declared value by more than 5 %.
The electrical power required by the cooling system for no load operationThe measured value shall not be greater than the declared value by more than 5 %.
ANNEX IVIndicative BenchmarksAt the time of adoption of this Regulation, the best available technology on the market for medium power transformers was identified as follows:(a)Liquid-immersed medium power transformers: Ao – 20 %, Ak – 20 %(b)Dry-type medium power transformers: Ao – 20 %, Ak – 20 %(c)Medium power transformers with amorphous steel core: Ao – 50 %, Ak – 50 %The availability of material to manufacture transformers with amorphous steel core needs further development, before such values of losses can be considered to become minimum requirements in the future.