Gambica, the UK trade association for automation and controls suppliers, has published a free guide to choosing high-efficiency motors and controls, aimed at managers and decision-makers looking to cut their organisations’ energy costs.

The Selection of Efficient Motors & Controls guide (above) addresses the differences in motor efficiency ratings, the control methods available, and issues that affect the choice of fixed or variable speed control.

The concise, non-technical publication focuses on the lifecycle costs of motor-driven systems. A key message is that, although higher efficiency drive systems may cost more initially, the reduced energy costs are much more significant, often paying back quickly and many times over.

“In a single year, the energy cost of running a motor can be up to ten times its purchase price,” explains Gambica’s deputy director, Steve Brambley. “Over the life of the motor, energy is by far the most significant cost and anyone purchasing a motor should take this into consideration.

“As an example,” he adds, “a high-efficiency motor and variable speed drive might cost £2,000 more than a standard-efficiency motor, but can save £5,000 per year on the energy bill.”

The guide is available as a free download from Gambica’s Web site.