For food retailers, refrigeration is not only essential to product quality and food safety; it is also one of the largest continuous energy users in store operations.

With energy costs under pressure and the move toward lower-GWP refrigerants accelerating, supermarket refrigeration systems need fan and motor technology that is efficient, reliable, easy to integrate, and ready for global standards.

The new iQx EC motor from ebm-papst has been developed specifically for supermarket refrigeration applications such as bottle coolers, refrigerators, refrigerated display cabinets, freezer islands and condensing units. It replaces the previous NiQ and long term the iQc motor ranges and offers a highly efficient, universally applicable solution for both new equipment and retrofit projects.

The iQx is mechanically compatible with existing shaded-pole and previous EC motors, enabling straightforward 1:1 replacement thanks to identical installation dimensions. For retailers and refrigeration contractors, this makes it possible to improve energy efficiency without redesigning the cabinet or fan assembly. With motor efficiency of up to 68% and a service life of more than 40,000 hours depending on ambient conditions, the iQx is designed for the long duty cycles typical of commercial refrigeration.

Available as an OEM component or as a plug-and-play complete system, the compact motor can be supplied with matching axial composite impellers in diameters of 172, 200, 230 and 254 mm. The aerodynamically optimised impeller design can reduce noise by up to 8 dB(A) compared with standard metal impellers, while also delivering additional energy savings of up to 6%. Where required, the iQx can also be used with standard metal impellers that remain common in the market.

Built for natural refrigerants and demanding store environments

Modern refrigerated display cases increasingly use natural and flammable refrigerants such as R290. The iQx complies with EN 60335-2-24 and EN 60335-2-89, supporting safe and sustainable use in commercial refrigeration applications. Its wide voltage input range of 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, makes it suitable for worldwide use, while standard approvals including UL, CSA, VDE and CCC simplify international deployment. Protection class IP65 further supports reliable operation in humid or dusty environments.

Key benefits for food retailers

• Energy-efficient EC motor technology for high-duty-cycle refrigeration applications
• Simple retrofit potential through mechanical compatibility and identical installation dimensions
• Motor efficiency of up to 68% and service life of more than 40,000 hours, depending on conditions
• Plug-and-play system option with matched axial impellers from 172 to 254 mm
• Reduced operating noise and additional energy savings with optimised composite impellers
• Suitable for modern refrigeration systems using natural refrigerants

By reducing electrical consumption and lowering waste heat inside the refrigerated space, EC motor upgrades can contribute to lower total operating costs over the life of the cabinet. For supermarkets, wholesalers and refrigeration service providers, this makes the iQx a practical step toward more efficient, quieter and future-ready refrigeration.

As retailers continue to focus on energy efficiency, food safety and sustainable store operation, the iQx range gives the market a flexible EC motor platform that is easy to apply across multiple supermarket refrigeration formats. It supports both OEM design and retrofit strategies, helping operators protect product quality while managing energy demand.

About ebm-papst

ebm-papst is a global technology leader in fans and motors, with core competencies in motor technology, electronics, digitalisation and aerodynamics. Its energy-efficient solutions are used across ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, heating, information technology, mechanical engineering and medical technology.

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