Generator Noise Compliance: 2000/14/EC Limit Values, Annex VI–VII–VIII and Calculator

Generators are products subject to a noise limit under Directive 2000/14/EC, which regulates the noise emission of equipment for use outdoors. For these products the CE marking alone is not enough; the noise label, the EC declaration of conformity, the notified body certificate and the noise test report must all be in place. This article looks in detail at how generators stand under the noise legislation: the limit values, the measurement method, the conformity assessment procedures and the machinery safety side. It also includes a calculator with which you can work out the limit value of your generator from its kVA or kW rating.

Which Generators Are Covered by 2000/14/EC?

The Outdoor Noise Directive 2000/14/EC, applied in Türkiye through the harmonised national regulation, treats generators as two separate types of equipment:

• Power generators (< 400 kW): Generating sets driven by a combustion engine and providing a continuous supply of electrical power. Portable petrol generators, canopied/open-type diesel generators and trailer-mounted (mobile) generators are in this group. The limit depends on the electric power (P_el).
• Welding generators: Engine-driven rotary devices which produce a welding current. The limit depends on the P_el value calculated from the conventional welding current, the load voltage and the duty factor.

Power generators with an electric power of 400 kW or more are not on the list of equipment subject to noise limits. The power used here is the prime power on the generator’s rating plate (ISO 8528-1), not the standby power. Values given in kVA are usually converted to kW using cos φ = 0.8.

Noise Limit Values for Generators

“lg” is the base-10 logarithm. The calculated value is rounded to the nearest whole number (down if less than 0.5, up if 0.5 or more).

Generator Noise Limit Calculator

Select the input type and enter the kVA or kW value of your generator (for a welding generator: current, voltage and duty factor). If you enter the guaranteed value on your label, it is also compared with the limit.

For information only. P_el: for power generators, the prime power according to ISO 8528-1; for welding generators, the conventional welding current × the conventional load voltage × the lowest duty factor. The limit value is rounded to the nearest whole number.

Example Limit Values for Common Ratings (cos φ = 0.8)

A 450 kVA (360 kW) generator is still in scope; 500 kVA (400 kW) and above is out of scope. As the table shows, the limit value stays within a narrow band of 95–98 dB; the design of the canopy and the silencer is therefore decisive, especially for open-type and high-power generators.

How Is Generator Noise Measured?

The measurement is carried out according to the power generator test code in Annex III, Part B of 2000/14/EC, using the basic standard EN ISO 3744:

• Set-up: The generator is placed on a reflecting (hard) surface; skid-mounted generators are placed on a support 0.40 m high.
• Measurement surface: A hemisphere with 6 microphone positions according to Annex III, Part A, or a parallelepiped (rectangular box) with a measurement distance d = 1 m according to EN ISO 3744.
• Operating conditions: In accordance with the relevant clause of ISO 8528-10, the generator is run under load, warmed up and in steady-state operating conditions.
• Result: The A-weighted sound power level (L_WA) is calculated from the sound pressure levels at the microphone positions; background noise and environmental corrections are applied.

The difference between the measured value and the guaranteed value (the allowance for uncertainty and production variation) is determined by the manufacturer and justified in the technical documentation.

Noise Conformity Assessment Procedures: Annex VI, Annex VII and Annex VIII

Power generators (< 400 kW) and welding generators are listed in Article 12 of 2000/14/EC, i.e. among the equipment subject to noise limits. It is therefore not sufficient for the manufacturer to declare conformity through its own internal control of production (Annex V) alone; a notified body must be involved. The manufacturer chooses one of the following three procedures:

As Notified Body No. 2908, TESTPLUS performs conformity assessment under all three procedures of 2000/14/EC: Annex VI, Annex VII and Annex VIII. Measurements can be carried out at your production facility or on site.

Noise Label and EC Declaration of Conformity

Every generator placed on the market must bear, next to the CE marking, the noise label showing the guaranteed sound power level (the L_WA … dB mark) in a visible, legible and indelible form. The EC declaration of conformity must contain at least the following:

• Name and address of the manufacturer (or its authorised representative),
• Description of the equipment: type, make/trade name, serial number, electric power (kVA/kW),
• The conformity assessment procedure applied (Annex VI, Annex VII or Annex VIII),
• Name, address and identification number of the notified body involved (e.g. NB 2908),
• The measured sound power level and the guaranteed sound power level for this type,
• References to 2000/14/EC and to any other legislation applied (2006/42/EC, 2014/30/EU, etc.),
• Place and date of issue, and the signature of the authorised person.

The guaranteed value is determined by adding the measurement uncertainty and production variations to the measured sound power level, and it must not exceed the limit value. The label shows the guaranteed value, not the measured one.

Noise Compliance Checklist

You can check the compliance of your generators in terms of noise emission against the following points:

1. Does the EC Declaration of Conformity refer to 2000/14/EC? Are the procedure (Annex VI/VII/VIII) and the notified body number stated in it?
2. Is there a notified body certificate, and does it cover the model/power range on the market?
3. Is the noise label on the product, is the guaranteed value the same as in the declaration, and is it below the limit? (You can check with the calculator above.)
4. Has the noise test report been prepared according to the Annex III test code and EN ISO 3744?
5. Is the technical documentation up to date; is the power value on the product consistent with the declaration?
6. Can it be verified that series production is identical to the certified type (changes to the engine, the alternator, the canopy or the silencer)?

The Machinery Safety Side: 2006/42/EC and (EU) 2023/1230

In addition to the noise legislation, generators are covered by the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. As generating sets are not listed in Annex IV of the Machinery Directive (high-risk machinery), the involvement of a notified body is not mandatory for machinery safety; the manufacturer may declare conformity through its own internal checks. In customer requirements and tenders, however, an assessment by an independent body provides the manufacturer with strong evidence.

TESTPLUS provides voluntary certification of generators for machinery safety. The product is examined and tested on the basis of harmonised standards:

• EN ISO 8528-13: Reciprocating internal combustion engine driven alternating current generating sets – Safety,
• EN ISO 12100: Risk assessment and risk reduction,
• EN 60204-1: Electrical equipment of machines (as far as applicable).

From 20 January 2027, the Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 will replace 2006/42/EC in the EU. Declarations of conformity and technical files must be updated to the new Regulation by that date. On the noise side, 2000/14/EC continues to apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

My generator has the CE marking; is a separate document needed for noise?

Yes. The CE marking alone does not demonstrate noise compliance. As power generators are subject to a noise limit, they must have been assessed by a notified body under Annex VI, Annex VII or Annex VIII, and this must be stated in the declaration of conformity.

Is a single measurement enough for different kVA models using the same engine?

The guaranteed value is determined separately for each model/type. For models of the same family, the measurement strategy is assessed with the notified body on the basis of the technical documentation.

What happens if the canopy or the silencer changes?

Any design change that affects noise may mean a deviation from the certified type; the change must be notified to the notified body and, where necessary, the measurement repeated.

What should I do for a few generators that I import?

For small quantities or individual products, Annex VII (unit verification) is the most practical route; each product is measured and certified individually.

For the equipment lists under 2000/14/EC, the conformity assessment procedures, the noise limit calculator and the documents requested for imports, see our noise certification (2000/14/EC CE certification) page.

How Does the Process Work with TESTPLUS?

1. Application: You apply with the product information (model list, power values, existing declaration and reports).
2. Choice of procedure: The Annex VI, Annex VII or Annex VIII procedure is determined according to your production set-up.
3. Measurement and examination: Noise measurements are carried out at your production facility or on site using accredited methods; the technical documentation is assessed.
4. Certification: Once conformity is established, the notified body certificate (NB 2908) is issued; periodic surveillance continues under Annex VI and Annex VIII.
5. Machinery safety (optional): A voluntary machinery safety assessment can be carried out during the same visit.