January 2026 Update: Key Standard for Rotating Electrical Machines Published

The first month of 2026 brings a pivotal development for professionals in electrical engineering: the publication of a foundational standard for rotating electrical machines. With FprEN IEC 60034-1:2025, released on January 5th, 2026, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and CLC reassert the global benchmarks for rating and performance of all types of industrial rotating machines. This deeply revised edition incorporates the latest technical advancements, clarifies key definitions and test procedures, and is set to impact manufacturers, quality managers, engineers, and compliance officers across sectors that utilize electrical motors and generators.

Overview / Introduction

The rotating electrical machines sector is at the heart of modern industry, powering essential systems in manufacturing, process automation, energy generation, HVAC, transport, and critical infrastructure. Standards for rating and performance help to ensure that such machines operate efficiently, safely, and reliably in varied environments and applications. As the global transition accelerates toward energy efficiency and digitalized control, updated standards are vital for harmonizing technical expectations, facilitating international trade, and supporting innovation.

In this article, you will discover:

• The scope and primary requirements of the newly published standard
• Key technical and quality assurance considerations
• Changes from previous editions and how they affect compliance
• Recommended steps for organizations to stay ahead in adopting these new specifications

Detailed Standards Coverage

FprEN IEC 60034-1:2025 – Rotating Electrical Machines: Rating and Performance

Rotating electrical machines – Part 1: Rating and performance

The January 2026 edition of FprEN IEC 60034-1:2025 marks the fifteenth major revision and remains the principal reference for manufacturers, buyers, and users of all rotating electrical devices—ranging from industrial AC motors to DC machines, generators, and synchronous compensators (excluding road and rail vehicle applications).

Scope:

• Applies to all rotating electrical machines except those specifically covered by other standards (e.g., rail/road vehicle machines, power systems with integrated EMC-active components).
• Encompasses continuous, periodic, short-time, and non-periodic duty machines, with clear definitions provided for each mode of operation.

Key Requirements & Specifications:

• Duty Classifications: Expanded and clarified cycles (S1–S10), from continuous and short-time, to advanced types with load/speed variations.
• Ratings and Outputs: Detailed procedures for assigning rated power, voltage, and identifying the optimal class for given operational demands.
• Site Conditions: Essential parameters including altitude, temperature (ambient and coolant), storage, and transport stipulations to ensure safe and reliable operation worldwide.
• Electrical Operating Conditions: Specifies input power quality, acceptable variations in voltage and frequency, and requirements for both AC/DC operation.
• Thermal Performance: Stringent rules on temperature rises, cooling classes, embedded thermal protection, and precise test methods (resistance, ETD, thermometer).
• Performance Testing: Routine and type tests, including withstand voltage and current, torque, overspeed, short-circuit, harmonic distortion, protective earth, and insulation resistance.
• Documentation: Mandates enhanced product data, minimum plate and digital information, and robust marking/tracing mechanisms.
• EMC Requirements: Distinctions between machines with and without integrated electronics, harmonized with CISPR standards, and defined emission/immunity limits and test approaches.
• Tolerances & Safety: Specifies schedules for permissible deviations in declared values and explicit earthing/protective measures.

Notable Changes from Previous Versions:

• Extended clarity on machines with integrated EMC-active components and variable speed drives (VSDs)
• Normative reference updates to harmonize with latest IEC standards
• Revised guidelines for test voltages and insulation coordination, including impulse voltage insulation classes
• New requirements for data digitization (clarifies roles for QR codes and digital documentation)
• Updated tables on thermal limits for windings and cooling methods
• Revised definitions and test methods for machines after rewinding/repair
• Strengthened EMC guidance and clarified roles for emission/immunity testing

Who Needs to Comply:

• Manufacturers of industrial motors, generators, and rotating machines
• OEMs and engineering firms specifying motor-driven systems
• Quality assurance and compliance managers
• Procurement professionals sourcing compliant equipment
• Testing and certification bodies

Practical Implications:

• More rigorous documentation, marking, and test records expected
• May drive redesign or requalification of products for new duty cycles or EMC profiles
• Enhanced transparency for end users on machine capabilities, thermal/tolerance limits, and protection requirements

Key highlights:

• Comprehensive duty cycle coverage (S1–S10) for ultimate application flexibility
• Harmonized EMC and digital information standards
• Enhanced safety, marking, and quality assurance provisions

Access the full standard:View FprEN IEC 60034-1:2025 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

How the New Standard Affects Electrical Engineering Businesses

Updated international standards like FprEN IEC 60034-1:2025 are a cornerstone for safety, efficiency, and interoperability. For manufacturers and users of rotating electrical machines, compliance ensures:

• Smooth market access: Updated documentation and marking requirements facilitate sales in regulated markets globally.
• Enhanced reliability: Clearly defined test protocols and duty scenarios reduce real-world failure risks and warranty claims.
• Streamlined procurement and project specifications: With well-defined parameters, engineering teams can confidently align procurement with new requirements.

Compliance Considerations and Timelines

• Adoption: Most organizations will need to transition to the new standard as previous versions are superseded. Legal or contractual mandates may dictate specific compliance deadlines.
• Requalification: Existing products may need to undergo additional testing—particularly for EMC, thermal performance, or marking/data requirements.
• Documentation: Manufacturers and suppliers must update technical files, test reports, and product datasheets promptly.

Risks of Non-Compliance

• Limited access to key export markets
• Increased risk of non-conformity during audits or customer acceptance tests
• Potential safety incidents, product recalls, or warranty disputes

Benefits of Early Adoption

• Competitive differentiation through visible compliance and up-to-date documentation
• Improved quality assurance and reliability in end-user applications
• Reduced risks of future rework or testing-related delays

Technical Insights

Common Technical Requirements in FprEN IEC 60034-1:2025

• Multiple Duty Types: 10 duty cycles—S1 (continuous) to S10 (discrete loads)—cater to virtually every industrial application, from constant-load pumps to complex variable-torque drives.
• Environment & Cooling: Machines must withstand defined environmental parameters; designers must consider altitude, temperature, coolant quality, and storage specs for each application.
• Testing Protocols: Includes requirements for resistance, embedded temperature detection, and direct temperature measurement for thermal performance evaluation.
• EMC Compliance: Distinguishes machines with power electronics; requires limits and test methods aligned with CISPR 11 and CISPR 14.
• Information & Marking: New clarity on minimum plate information, plus support for digital records and optional electronic traceability.
• Safety Grounding: Detailed functional and dimensional requirements for protective earth connections.

Implementation Best Practices

1. Conduct a gap analysis: Compare existing designs and documentation to new requirements.
2. Update test protocols: Ensure all product validation tests align with revised procedures and duty cycles.
3. Enhance technical documentation: Build robust, traceable digital records for each machine—including test data, marking, and compliance references.
4. Engage early with suppliers: Source compliant components and request updated certificates for all sub-systems.
5. Train technical teams: Educate engineering and QA personnel on new standards and best practices for application and testing.

Testing and Certification Considerations

• Routine vs. Type Tests: Understand which tests are mandatory for each product type and production batch.
• EMC Testing: Machines with integrated power electronics require higher scrutiny and possibly third-party testing.
• Thermal Limit Validation: Select the appropriate measurement method (resistance, ETD, thermometer) based on machine size and cooling type.
• Tolerance Adherence: Document checks against the expanded schedule of tolerances in the revised tables.
• Certification Management: Maintain up-to-date product certificates and compliance records in anticipation of audits or customer reviews.

Conclusion / Next Steps

The publication of FprEN IEC 60034-1:2025 ushers in a new era for rotating electrical machines, setting a global benchmark for safety, efficiency, and market access. Electrical engineering professionals, manufacturers, and industrial users should proactively align internal processes, documentation, and product designs with these requirements to ensure continued compliance and competitive advantage.

Key takeaways:

• The scope and clarity of requirements have expanded significantly—particularly for duty cycles, EMC, and digital data
• Early compliance delivers market, safety, and cost benefits
• Updated standards foster global harmonization in product performance

Recommendations:

• Start by downloading the full standard and conducting a gap analysis with your product or project portfolio
• Update engineering, quality, and procurement practices to reflect new requirements
• Train relevant teams and partners on best practices for test, documentation, and marking

Stay updated: Explore the latest standards on iTeh Standards and align your business with global best practices in electrical engineering.

Access the latest edition:View FprEN IEC 60034-1:2025 on iTeh Standards