EN   EN 
 
 
 EUROPEAN  
COMMISSION   
Brussels, XXX  
[…](2018) XXX  draft  
 
COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) …/…  
of XXX  
amending 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  
(Text with EEA relevance)   EN 1  EN COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) …/…  
of XXX  
amending  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  
(Text with EEA relevance)  
THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,  
Having regard to th e 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 setting out  a framework for the setting of ecodesign requirements  for 
energy -related products1 and in  particular Article  15(1) thereof,  
Whereas:  
(1) Article  7 of Commission Regulation (EU) No 548/20142 requires the Commission to 
review that Regulation in the light of technological progress and present the results of 
this review to the Consultation Forum in 20 17. 
(2) The Commission has carried out a review study that analysed the specific aspects set 
out in Article  7 of Regulation (EU) No 548/2014. The study was undertaken together 
with stakeholders and interested parties from the Union and the results have been 
made publicly available.  
(3) The study confirmed that the impact of energy consumption during the use phase on 
the Global Warming Potential remains dominant. The analysis made did not provide 
sufficient evidence to support proposing environmental requirements other than a 
minimum ener gy performance.  
(4) The study confirmed that Regulation (EU) No 548/2014 has had a positive effect on 
the efficiency of power transformers being placed on the market , and found that 
available transformer models can fulfil minimum requirements set in Tier 1 (J uly 
2015) without difficulties.  
(5) It is generally recognised that the most appropriate method to optimise transformer 
designs in order to minimise electricity losses continues to be the valuation and 
capitali sation of future losses using  proper capitali sation factors for load and no load 
losses in the tendering process. However, for the purposes of product regulation only 
the use of prescribed values for minimum efficiency or maximum losses is feasible.  
                                                 
1 OJ L 285 , 31.10.2009 , p. 10. 
2 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  (OJ L 152, 22.5.2014, p. 1 ). EN 2  EN (6) An enquiry among transformer manufacturers concluded th at there are no major 
technical barriers to  manufactur ing transformers compliant with the minimum 
requirements set out in Tier 2 for entry into force in July 2021.  
(7) The study analysed the economic viability of transformers compliant with minimum 
requirement s set out in Tier 2 applicable as of July 2021 and found that lifecycle costs 
for Tier  2 compliant medium and large power transformers are always lower than 
Tier 1 compliant models, when these are being put into service in new installation 
sites. However, in specific situations where medium power transformers are being 
installed in existing urban substation locations, there can be space and weight 
constraints that affect the maximum size and weight of the replacement transformer to 
be used. Therefore, when the replacement of an existing transformer is technically 
infeasible or entails disproportionate costs, a regulatory relief should be justified.  
(8) An existing regulatory exemption for the replacement of large power transformers 
related to disproportionate co sts associated with their transportation and/or installation 
should be complemented by an exemption for new installations, where such cost 
constraints are also applicable.  
(9) The existence of a market for the upgrade, repair, refurbishment and retrofitting of  
transformers makes it necessary to provide guidance on the circumstances under which 
a transformer that has undergone some or all of those operations can be considered a 
new product. Where a transformer has undergone upgrade or retrofitting activities 
such that it can be considered a new product, it must comply with the minimum energy 
performance requirements set out in Annex I of the to this Regulation, as well as with 
any other applicable Union  product legislation, when it is placed on the market or put 
into service.  
(10) Experience gained in implementing Regulation (EU) No 548/2014 has revealed the 
existence of national deviations in standard voltages in electricity distribution grids in 
certain Member States . These deviations  justify  different threshold voltage levels in 
the categorisation of transformers , and they inform what minimum energy 
performance requirements should be  applicable.  
(11) The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the 
Committee e stablished by Article  19(1) of Directive 2009/125/EC , 
HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:  
Article  1 
Regulation (EU) No 548/2014  is amended as follows:  
(1) Article  1 is replaced by the following : 
"Article  1 
Subject matter and scope  
1. This Regulation sets out  ecod esign 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.  
This Regulation shall apply  to transformers purchased after 11 June 2014 . 
2. This Regulation shall not apply  to transformers specifically designed and used for the 
following applications:  EN 3  EN (a) all three -phase medium power transformers with a power rating below 5 kVA;  
(a) instrument transform ers, specifically designed to transmit an information signal to 
measuring instruments, meters and protective or control devices or similar apparatus;  
(b) transformers specifically designed and intended to provide a DC power supply to 
electronic or rectifier lo ads. This exemption does not include transformers that are 
intended to provide an AC supply from DC sources such as transformers for wind 
turbine and photovoltaic applications or transformers designed for DC transmission 
and distribution applications;  
(c) transformers specifically designed to be directly connected to a furnace;  
(d) transformers specifically designed to be installed on fixed or floating offshore 
platforms, offshore wind turbines or on board ships and all kinds of vessels;  
(e) transformers specifically  designed to provide for a situation limited in time when the 
normal power supply is interrupted due to either an unplanned occurrence  (such as a 
power failure ) or a station refurbishment, but not to permanently upgrade an existing 
substation;  
(f) transformers  (with separate or auto -connected windings) connected to an AC or DC 
contact line, directly or through a converter, used in fixed installations for railway 
applications;  
(g) earthing or grounding transformers . These are  three -phase transformers connected in 
a power system to provide a neutral connection for earthing either directly or via an 
impedance;  
(h) traction transformers specifically designed to be mounted on rolling stock, connected 
to an AC or DC contact line, directly or through a converter, for specific use in fixed 
installations for railway applications;  
(i) starting transformers, specifically designed for starting three -phase induction motors 
so as to eliminate supply voltage dips and that remain de -energi sed during normal 
operation;  
(j) testing transformers, s pecifically designed to be used in a circuit to produce a 
specific voltage or current for the purpose of testing electrical equipment;  
(k) welding transformers, specifically designed for use in arc --welding equipment or 
resistance -welding equipment;  
(l) transforme rs specifically designed for explosion -proof  applications in accordance 
with Directive 94/9/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council3 and 
underground mining applications;  
(m) transformers specifically designed for deep water (submerged) applications;  
(n) medium Voltage (MV) to Medium Voltage (MV) interface transformers up to 5 
MVA . These are  interface transformer s used in a network voltage conversion 
programme and placed at the junction between two voltage levels of two medium 
voltage networks and that need  to be able to cope with emergency overloads;  
                                                 
3 Directive 94/9/EC of  the European Parliament and the Council on the  approximation of the laws of the 
Member States concerning equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive 
atmospheres  (OJ L 100, 19.4.1994, p.1).  EN 4  EN (o) medium and large power transformers specifically designed and qualified to ensure 
the safety of nuclear installations, as defined in Article  3 of Council Directive 
2009/71/Euratom4,  
except  as regards the produ ct information requirements and technical documentation 
set out in points 3 and 4  of Annex I  to this Regulation . 
3. Medi um and large power transformers, regardless of when they were first placed on the 
market, shall be considered as new products if they ar e subject to upgrade or retrofit activities. 
This is without prejudice to the legal obligations under other U nion's  harmonisation 
legislation that these products could be subject to.  
An ‘upgrade’ means an overhaul activity that improves significantly the energy efficiency of a 
transformer without extending its life expectancy. Examples of upgrade activities include:  
– replacing the core (or part of it) using a material with lower specific loss  than the 
original one ; 
– replacing one or more windings with new on es providing lower load loss . 
‘Retrofit’ means an overhaul activity that both improves significantly the energy efficiency 
and extends the life expectancy of a transformer. Examples of retrofit activities include:  
– replacing a complete active part with a ne w one providing increased energy 
performance ;  
– replacement of the tap changer, of the bushings and of the complete insulation 
resulting in a significant change in efficiency.  
Power transformers on which routine repair or refurbishment operations are perfor med shall 
not necessarily be considered as new products.  
‘Repair’ means an activity that neither increase s significantly the energy performance nor 
extend s the life expectancy of a transformer. Routine repair operations include, in particular, 
the following:  
– replacing major components (tap changer, motor drive unit, bushings) without 
changing the overall efficiency significantly ; 
– replacing all coils on a specific leg in a three -phase transformer ; 
– replacing one or more windings, or parts of them, without changing the load losses ; 
– replacing fans or pumps ; 
– fixing/replacing a limited number of core sheets, involving no more than 20  % of the 
core weight ; 
– drying  and pressing the active part  of the transformer ; 
– repairing leakages and/or applying corrosion protection . 
‘Refurbishment ’ means an overhaul activity that increases the life expectancy of a transformer 
without increasing its energy performance. Refurbishme nt operations include, in particular, 
the following:  
– increasing the level of outer cooling (fans or pumps) to lower the relative thermal 
ageing rate ; 
                                                 
4 Council  Directive  2009/71/EURATOM of 25  June 2009 establishing a Community framework for the 
nuclear safety of nuclear installations . (OJ L 172, 2.7.2009, p. 18 ). EN 5  EN – replacing insulating liquid ; 
– replacing all windings with new ones of the same design and material, replaci ng the 
tap changer, replacing the bushings and the complete insulation .” 
(2) Article 2  is amended as follows : 
(a) points (3) and (4) are replaced by the following:  
“(3) "Medium power transformer ’ means a power transformer with all windings 
having rated pow er lower than or equal to 3  150 kVA , and highest voltage for 
equipment greater than 1 .1 kV and lower than or equal to 36 kV;  
(4) ‘Large power transformer ’ means a power transformer with at least one 
winding having either rated power greater than 3  150 kVA or highest voltage 
for equipment greater than 36 kV; ", 
(b) point (7) is replaced by the following:  
“(7) "Medium power pole -mounted transformer ’ means a power transformer with a 
rated power of up to 400 kVA suitable for outdoor service and specifically 
designed to be mounted on the support structures of overhead power lines. ", 
(c) the following points (17) to (2 6) are added  in Article  2: 
“(17) ‘Declared value(s) ’ mean the values given in the technical documentation 
pursuant to point 2 of Annex IV to Directiv e 2009/125/EC, and where 
applicable, the values used to calculate these values, provided that these are not 
more favourable for the manufacturer or importer than the results of the 
corresponding measurements carried out pursuant to paragraph (g) thereof;  
(18) ‘Winding’ means an assembly of turns forming an electrical circuit associated 
with one of the voltag es assigned to the transformer;  
(19) ‘Dual voltage transformer ’ means a transformer with one or more windings 
with two voltages available in order to be  able to operate and supply rated 
power at two differen t voltage values simultaneously;  
(20) ‘Test house ’ means a governmental or non -governmental third -party 
organisation independent from the manufacturer, possessing the necessary 
competence an d responsibility to carry out product verification in accordance 
with this Regulation ; 
(21) ‘Witnessed testing ’ means conducting a product verification test by examining 
all product and testing documentation, and actively observing the physical 
testing of the product under investigation by another party , to independently 
draw up conclusions on the validity of the parameters being tested. This may 
include conclusions on the compliance of testing and calculations methods 
used with appli cable standards and leg islation;  
(22) ‘Factory acceptance test ’ means a test on an ordered product where the 
customer uses witnessed testing to verify the product’s full accordance with 
contractual requirements at the premises of the manufacturers, before they  are 
accepted or pu t into service in their final destination ; 
(23) “Upgrade”  means an overhaul activity that improves significantly the energy 
efficiency of a transformer without extending its life expectancy , includ ing the 
replacement of the core or part of it using a mater ial with lower specific loss  EN 6  EN and the  replacement  of one or more windings with new ones providing lower 
load loss ; 
(24) “Retrofit” means an overhaul activity that both improves significantly the 
energy efficiency and extends the life expectancy of a transformer. Examples 
of retrofit activities , including the replacement of  a complete active part with a 
new one providing increased ene rgy performance, replacement of the tap 
changer, of the bushings and of the complete insulation resulting in a 
significant change in efficiency ; 
(25) “Repair” means an activity that does neither increase significantly the energy 
performance nor extend the life expectancy of a transformer , in particular  by:  
– (a) replacing major components (tap changer, motor drive unit, bushings) without 
changing the overall efficiency significantly , 
– (b) replacing all coils on a specific leg in a three -phase transformer , 
– (c) replacing one or more windings, or parts of them, without changing the load 
losses , 
– (d) replacing fans or pumps , 
– (e) fixing/replacing limited number of core sheets, involving no mo re than 20% of 
the core weight ,  
– (f) drying and pressing the active part , 
– (g) repairing leakages and/or applying corrosion protection ; 
(26) 'Refurbishment ' means an overhaul activity, which increases the life 
expectancy of a transformer without increasing its energy performance , in 
particular by : 
– (a) increasing the outer cooling (fans or pumps) to lower the relative thermal ageing 
rate, 
– (b) replacing insulating liquid , 
– (c) replacing all windings with new ones of the same design and material, replacing 
the tap changer, replacing the bushings and the complete insulation ."; 
 
(3) Article  3 is amended as follows:  
(a) the following  new paragraph is added:  
“If voltages in electricity distribution networks deviate from the standard ones across the 
Union5, Member States shall notify the Commission accordingly, so that a public notification 
can be made for the correct interpretation of Tables 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.7 and 1.8 in 
Annex 1.” 
(4) Article  7 is replaced by the following : 
“Article 7  
                                                 
5 CENELEC EN 60038 includes in Annex 2B a national deviation in the Czech Republic a ccording to 
which the standard voltage for the highest voltage for equipment in AC t hree-phase systems are 38 .5kV instead 
of 36kV and 25kV instead of 24kV.  EN 7  EN Review  
 
The Commissi on shall review this Regulation and present the results of the review to the 
Consultation Forum no later than 1  July 2023, in the light of technological progress. The 
review shall  in particular address the following issues:  
– the extent to which requirements  set out for Tier 2 have been cost -effective and 
whether it is necessary to consider changes therein and/or introduc e stricter Tier 3 
requirements;  
– the possibility to adopt a completely technology -neutral approach to the minimum 
requirements set out for li quid-immersed, dry -type and, possibly, electronic 
transformers;  
– the appropriateness of setting minimum performance requirements for small power 
transformers;  
– whether the exemptions made for transformers in offshore applications continue to 
be justified;  
– 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, 
including nois e.” 
–  
(5) the Annexes are amended as set out in the Annex to this Regulation.  
Article  2 
This Regulatio n shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of 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,  
 For the Commission  
 The President  
 Jean -Claude JUNCKER