Noise levels for outdoor generating sets
- Are they within their rights to enforce this ban with immediate effect?
- Do portable generators fall under the 97/88/EC NRMM directive?
- Yes, the VCA can implement an immediate ban on products which they consider does not meet the relevant standards. The noise directive covers generating sets in the range 0 to 400 kW with a reporting process in place for equipment above this power level.
- Yes, portable generators are subject to the NRMM directive 97/68/EC as amended by 2002/88/EC, 2004/26/EC and 2006/105/EC. The scope has always included “transportable generating sets” i.e. ones that are not permanently installed in a single location, but the limits were only applied from 31st December 2006. Currently (2017) the directive does not include generators below 19 kW or above 560kW (except for marine or rail application). The delayed start date has continued for Stage II and IIIA compared to variable speed engine driven machinery.
Additional Information
Sale of product (Placing on the Market) in the European Union (EU) requires compliance with the relevant European Directives and depending upon the product may require CE marking.
It is essential that the correct documentation can be produced to confirm compliance, for example the product’s Technical Construction File. Furthermore, any such product test data must be clearly identifiably as being specific to the product being sold.
The relevant EU Directives for generating sets are as follows:-
- Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC
- Directive on Environmental Noise 2006/14/EC
- Directive on Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM) Emissions 97/68/EC with amendments as given above.
- Low Voltage Directive 2006/42/EC
- Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2004/108/EC