Generating sets are essential to ensure power supply in many sectors, especially those with critical activities such as hospitals or data centers. To this end, they have to meet certain technical characteristics, such as power, operation, and environmental conditions. However, there is another fundamental aspect: compliance with current regulations applicable to generating sets.
Technical, marketing, and installation regulations for generator sets
Any machinery must comply with specific regulations in its design, manufacture, and installation, including generator sets. In this case, the legal provisions that affect generating sets can be classified into three groups: the European directive, the standards, and the CE marking.
In addition, we have the internal regulations that each company applies to ensure the optimal operation of the generating set.
1. European directive that applies to generating sets.
These standards apply to all EU member countries, although once approved, each country applies them with its own law, for example, a Royal Decree. In the case of generator sets, we have:
- Directive 2006/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2006 on machinery and amending Directive 95/16/EC.
- Directive 2014/35/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of February 26, 2014 on the harmonization of the laws of the Member States relating to the placing on the market of electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits (repeals 2006/95/EC).
- Directive 2014/30/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on the harmonization of the laws of the Member States relating to electromagnetic compatibility (repeals 2004/108/EC).
- Directive 2000/14/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 May 2000 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to noise emissions in the environment by equipment for use outdoors.
2. Standards applicable to generating sets
Standards are not legal provisions, but technical specifications approved by a recognized body, such as ISO or UNE standards. They are not mandatory, but serve as a reference for compliance with the directives to which they relate. When a standard is harmonized and valid throughout the European Union, it is indicated by the EN code. In the case of generator sets, these standards would be:
- ISO 8528 Reciprocating internal combustion engine driven alternating current generating sets.
- ISO 3046-1 Reciprocating internal combustion engines – Performance – Part 1: Declarations of power, fuel and lubricating oil consumptions, and test methods – Additional requirements for engines for general use.
- IEC 60034-1 Rotating electrical machines. Part 1: Rating and performance characteristics.
- IEC 60034-5 Rotating electrical machines. Part 5: Degrees of protection provided by the integral design of rotating electrical machines (IP code).
- UNE-EN 12601 Generating sets driven by internal combustion reciprocating engines. Safety.
- EN 60204-1 Safety of machinery. Electrical equipment of machines. Part 1. General requirements.
- EN ISO 3744 Acoustics. Determination of sound power levels of noise sources using sound pressure. Engineering method for free-field conditions over a reflecting plane.
- UNE-EN ISO 9001:2015 Quality management systems.
All of them refer to the design and construction of the groups except for the last one, which refers to quality and environmental management.
3. CE marking
The CE marking is mandatory; it is a declaration by the manufacturer that the product complies with the applicable directives. It is regulated by Directive 93/68/EEC, for all products to be marketed within the EU.
4. Domestic regulations
Although, obviously, internal regulations are not legally binding, companies often have their own requirements that the generator sets must comply with in order to be marketed.
At Electra Molins, these internal regulations are integrated into the quality and environmental system and, in addition to organizational or operational aspects, include aspects related to improving the performance of the equipment for the user, for example:
- Increased fuel autonomy (at least 8 h with 75% load).
- Surface treatment of materials to resist aggressive environments.
- Ease of transport, handling and maintenance.
- Ease of use of control equipment to be self-explanatory.
Are you looking for a reliable and efficient solution for your energy needs? Electra Molins is a company dedicated to the development and manufacture of generator sets. Our state-of-the-art generator sets will give you the peace of mind of having a constant, uninterrupted power supply. Contact us today for a customized quote.
