ROSSLYN, VA. — The National Electrical Manufacturers Assn. is pursuing legal action against the California Energy Commission, claiming over-regulation of electrical products, including motors. The commission is attempting to force manufacturers to add labeling to products that states California requirements and compliance.

According to NEMA president Malcolm O'Hagan, the new regulations are the same as federal regulations already in place.

"The cost to industry would be many millions, but no energy savings would be obtained from this redundant piece of regulation," O'Hagan said.

Last December, a state judge granted an injunction to NEMA and three other electrical manufacturer associations to temporarily halt any action on labeling requirements. However, in March, the associations claimed that the CEC has not adequately dealt with the matter of state regulation of federally regulated products, and continued the lawsuit.

Motor manufacturers have traditionally produced motors that exceed federal efficiency regulations, said Doug Thrift, manager of market research for Baldor Electric Co., Fort Smith, Ark. Thrift said the Energy Policy Act of 1992 contains efficiency standards followed by all United States manufacturers. On top of that, all American manufacturers now follow stricter standards in the NEMA Premium^™ efficiency requirements, which are more stringent than federal regulations, he said.

While labeling requirements and efficiency standards are generally separate issues, any regulation that affects the efficiency of all motors is costly.

"Added efficiency means more expense because it always means adding material to motors, generally copper and steel, to reduce heat or insulate from heat," Thrift said. "As motors become more efficient, they typically weigh more and cost more."

The court in California will decide if federal regulations in these matters automatically supersede state regulations. No date was announced for a decision.