What does a BEE star rating on an induction motor mean?
BEE rates three phase induction motors from 1 star (IE2) to 5 star (IE3++, equivalent to IE4) by full-load efficiency. A 7.5 kW, 4 pole motor needs 88.7 percent for 1 star, 90.4 for 3 stars and 92.6 for 5 stars. Labelling is voluntary.
Stars and efficiency classes
- 1 star: IE2 up to IE2(+).
- 2 star: IE2(+) up to IE3.
- 3 star: IE3 up to IE3(+).
- 4 star: IE3(+) up to IE3(++).
- 5 star: IE3(++), which BEE equates to IE4 values.
What it covers
Schedule 6 covers 2, 4 and 6 pole squirrel cage motors for continuous duty, as per IS 12615:2011, from 0.37 kW to 375 kW. IE2 is the entry level for a label. There is no tolerance on the star band: the motors tested must meet the threshold.
Using it when you buy
- Find your motor's rating and poles in the schedule table.
- Compare the efficiency at each star level.
- Weigh the price difference against running hours, as in the IE2 to IE4 replacement page.
Schedule 6, 4 pole motors (nominal efficiency, percent)
- 7.5 kW: 1 star 88.7, 2 star 89.6, 3 star 90.4, 4 star 91.5, 5 star 92.6
- 37 kW: 1 star 92.7, 2 star 93.3, 3 star 93.9, 4 star 94.6, 5 star 95.3
From BEE Schedule 6, Table 2. Check the table for your rating and pole count.
What Senseible does here
Senseible reads your electricity bills into monthly Scope 2 records, so a motor upgrade appears as a measured drop in kWh at the same production.
Sources: BEE Schedule 6, energy efficient three phase induction motors (revision 2, 2013; fee amendment 2016), BEE, Standards and Labelling programme overview
Last reviewed 2026-10-23.