Fans (ecodesign 2024/1834): verification tolerance for rotational speed widened from 2 % to 5 %, new definition of “own speed”, test results corrected to standard air conditions, electric input power measured at an ambient temperature of 15–30 °C
Commission Regulation (EU) 2025/2481, published on 8 December 2025, amends Regulation (EU) 2024/1834 on ecodesign requirements for fans driven by motors with an electric input power between 125 W and 500 kW, applicable from 24 July 2026. The changes concern the definitions of the best efficiency point (BEP) and of own speed, transitional provisions for integrated and replacement fans, corrections of test results, and the speed tolerance applied by market surveillance authorities in verification.
- Verification: in Table 3 “Verification tolerances” the row “Fan speed” is replaced by “Own speed at BEP (rpm)” — the determined value shall not deviate by more than 5 % from the declared value (previously 2 %). Recital 6: consultations showed that, given the variability of other parameters affecting speed, a wider tolerance is appropriate. The other rows of the table are unchanged: efficiency at least 93 % of the declared value at BEP and 85 % at part load, input power at most 107 % and 110 %, flow and pressure ±5 % and ±10 %, noise of a low-noise fan at most 3 dB above 32 dB.
- Definitions: own speed is the rotational speed of the impeller at rated voltage and frequency; with variable speed drives — the maximum speed or the speed for which the manufacturer gives the efficiency, consistent with safe operation; with a multi-speed motor — the highest speed made available to the customer. BEP is determined at own speed. Tip speed u_tip (m/s) and impeller diameter D_impeller (mm, maximum diameter at the blade tips) are added; the factor C_c is a function of the input power P_e in kW.
- Testing: results are corrected according to the applicable standards to standard air conditions and, where relevant, to own speed, and details of the corrections are given in the technical documentation; Member State authorities compare the corrected values with the tolerances. Input power P_e is measured at the motor terminals or at the variable speed drive according to EN IEC 60034-2-1:2014 (mains-fed motors) or EN IEC 61800-9-2:2017 (with a complete drive module), applying the ambient temperature clauses (5.10 and 7.10) — between 15 °C and 30 °C.
- Curves and dates: performance is described by at least three performance curves — at own speed, at 40–50 % of own speed and one in between (±10 percentage points). Regulation (EU) No 327/2011 is repealed on 24 July 2026, but its Annexes I–III continue to apply until 24 July 2027 to fans integrated in other products and until 24 July 2037 to replacement fans. Article 6 on circumvention is deleted — Article 40 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1781 takes its place.