Internal Combustion Engine Standards: Boosting Safety, Performance, and Compliance

In today’s rapidly evolving energy landscape, the operation and maintenance of reciprocating internal combustion engines rely more than ever on international standards to ensure safety, efficiency, regulatory compliance, and sustainability. Four critical ISO standards form the backbone of best practices for measuring engine performance, vibration, sound, and emissions in modern industrial, marine, and non-road applications. Adopting these standards isn’t just about ticking a compliance box—it’s a strategic move that increases productivity, safeguards workers, reduces costly downtime, and ensures scalability as your business grows.

Overview

Reciprocating internal combustion engines remain the heart of countless energy and heat applications, from power generation to transportation, marine propulsion, and critical industrial processes. With rising expectations for environmental protection, noise control, and emission limits, businesses are pressed to not only optimize engine operation but also to document and prove their commitment to quality and compliance.

This guide explores four foundational ISO standards:

• ISO 13332:2026 – Measurement of structure-borne noise
• ISO 15619:2025 – Measurement of exhaust silencer performance
• ISO 6798-3:2022 – In situ measurement of sound power level
• ISO 8178-2:2021 – Field measurement of gaseous and particulate exhaust emissions

You’ll learn what each standard covers, their practical benefits, and why integrating them into your processes delivers a competitive advantage in safety, reliability, and market access.

Why Standards Matter in the Internal Combustion Engine Sector

Standards are more than legal requirements or technical checklists. In the context of energy and heat systems powered by reciprocating internal combustion engines, they provide a robust framework for:

• Ensuring accurate, repeatable measurements regardless of working environment,
• Reducing risks from noise, vibration, and exhaust emissions,
• Supporting regulatory compliance and environmental stewardship,
• Enabling cross-border trade and greater trust from customers,
• Streamlining maintenance, troubleshooting, and equipment upgrades.

With emissions regulations tightening globally and demand for quieter, safer workplaces growing, following these standards directly supports business growth, risk management, and operational excellence.

Detailed Standards Coverage

ISO 13332:2026 – Measuring Structure-Borne Noise: High-Speed and Medium-Speed Engines

Reciprocating internal combustion engines — Test code for the measurement of structure-borne noise emitted from high-speed and medium-speed reciprocating internal combustion engines measured at the engine feet

Scope & Application
ISO 13332:2026 defines procedures for measuring how much vibration (structure-borne noise) a high- or medium-speed reciprocating engine transmits into its supporting structure, such as a building or ship hull. This sound and vibration can propagate into workplaces or living spaces, leading to noise hazards, equipment damage, or discomfort.

The standard is intended for engines used in land installations, rail traction, and marine systems—but excludes agricultural tractors, road vehicles, and aircraft. It is particularly relevant when no other suitable International Standard exists, including for industrial trucks or road-construction machines.

Key Requirements & Approach

• Specifies step-by-step procedures for setup, measurement, and calculation of vibration at engine mounting points (“engine feet”).
• Calls for the use of approved vibration measurement instrumentation (per ISO 2954) and periodic calibration.
• Provides guidance on minimizing the influence of environmental and installation variables on test outcomes.
• Details mathematical formulas and metrics such as translational velocity level (in decibels, dB) and angular velocity level, ensuring precise reporting.
• Contains annexes for installing sensors, correcting for measurement setup variations, and standardizing test reports.

Who Should Comply?

• Manufacturers of high- and medium-speed reciprocating internal combustion engines
• Facility owners and operators (power plants, industrial facilities, shipbuilders)
• Engineering consultants and acoustics/vibration specialists
• Safety and compliance officers

Practical Impact

• Reliable assessment of vibration risk for structure and occupants
• Supports the design or selection of isolation mounts and structural modifications to mitigate noise
• Informs procurement and operational decisions, boosting lifecycle value

Key highlights:

• Engineering method for benchmarking vibration/noise emissions at engine supports
• Robust test protocols for repeatable, comparable results
• Useful for both new equipment certification and retrofit/upgrades

Access the full standard:View ISO 13332:2026 on iTeh Standards

ISO 15619:2025 – Exhaust Silencers: Acoustic and Aerodynamic Performance Evaluation

Reciprocating internal combustion engines — Measurement method for exhaust silencers — Sound power level of exhaust noise and insertion loss using sound pressure and power loss ratio

Scope & Application
ISO 15619:2025 delivers laboratory and site-based measurement procedures for evaluating the sound attenuation and airflow impact (“insertion loss” and “power loss ratio,” respectively) of exhaust silencers used on reciprocating internal combustion engines. Effective silencers are key for meeting occupational noise exposure limits and regulatory noise ordinances, especially in energy plants, marine vessels, and industrial settings.

The standard applies to any reciprocating engine covered by ISO 3046-1, and is directly relevant to engine OEMs, silencer manufacturers, and operations managers tasked with maintaining compliance and workplace comfort.

Key Requirements & Approach

• Describes both engineering (laboratory-grade) and survey (field/site) methods for exhaust noise measurements.
• Specifies criteria for background noise, acoustic environment, and measurement uncertainty to assure accuracy.
• Details instrument setup, calibration (per IEC standards), and recommended measurement geometries (e.g., 90° or 45° orientations).
• Standardizes reporting of the sound power level of exhaust noise and the calculation of insertion loss (dB reduction as sound passes through the silencer).
• Requires documentation of the tested silencer, engine, instrumentation, and precision of results.

Who Should Comply?

• Engine OEMs and exhaust silencer designers
• Maintenance and environmental health & safety teams
• Noise control consultants
• Regulatory and certification bodies

Practical Impact

• Enables selection and verification of silencers to meet noise and emission obligations
• Prevents over- or under-investment in silencer technology
• Enhances employee and community wellbeing through reduced environmental noise

Key highlights:

• Unified testing methodology for any market or jurisdiction
• Supports regulatory submissions and purchasing decisions
• Ensures consistent, defendable results for contract or certification use

Access the full standard:View ISO 15619:2025 on iTeh Standards

ISO 6798-3:2022 – In Situ Sound Power Level Measurement for Combustion Engines

Reciprocating internal combustion engines — Measurement of sound power level using sound pressure — Part 3: Survey method for use in situ

Scope & Application
ISO 6798-3:2022 enables businesses to measure the sound power level emitted by reciprocating internal combustion engines while installed and operational in their actual field environment. This survey method is ideal for post-installation verification, compliance checks, or monitoring changes after maintenance or modification.

The standard applies broadly to all reciprocating engines where ISO 3046-1 is relevant—including generators, marine engines, industrial compressors, and equipment for which no other noise standard may exist.

Key Requirements & Approach

• Outlines requirements for measurement environment (background noise, surface reflection, etc.) and instrument calibration.
• Specifies methodologies for microphone arrangement around the engine, measurement distances, and adjustments for environmental effects.
• Details calculation of different weighted sound power levels, environmental corrections, and standardized reporting formats.
• Achieves measurement uncertainty within defined bounds, enabling users to make meaningful comparisons among equipment or track acoustic trends over time.

Who Should Comply?

• Engine users/operators in factories, power stations, and marine installations
• Maintenance teams and acoustic consultants
• Engineers tasked with in-field compliance and diagnostics

Practical Impact

• Quick and reliable field evaluations post-installation or following upgrades
• Transparent noise compliance demonstration to authorities and clients
• Supports engineering actions to minimize equipment noise at source

Key highlights:

• Versatile: applicable in noisy, complex field settings
• Designed for grade 3 accuracy (quick surveys, regular checks)
• Facilitates ongoing performance and compliance audits

Access the full standard:View ISO 6798-3:2022 on iTeh Standards

ISO 8178-2:2021 – Field Measurement of Gaseous and Particulate Exhaust Emissions

Reciprocating internal combustion engines — Exhaust emission measurement — Part 2: Measurement of gaseous and particulate exhaust emissions under field conditions

Scope & Application
ISO 8178-2:2021 is a crucial standard for quantifying gaseous and particulate exhaust emissions from reciprocating internal combustion engines under actual field operating conditions (not just in controlled labs). This ensures manufacturers, operators, and regulators can accurately assess environmental performance in diverse, real-world scenarios—from marine propulsion to non-road mobile machinery.

It applies to engines in non-road machinery, industrial equipment, marine installations, generating sets, and diesel rail. The procedures support compliance with evolving emissions laws and sustainability objectives.

Key Requirements & Approach

• Covers both steady-state and cycle-based emission tests at single points or over weighted drive cycles, representative of operational realities.
• Describes how to use portable emission measurement systems (PEMS) for in-service monitoring of gases and particulates (including NOx, CO, hydrocarbons, and particulates).
• Specifies installation, calibration, data handling, and test sequence requirements.
• Mandates detailed, standardized test reporting for regulators or business records.
• Details calculations for emissions rates, corrections, and margin of uncertainty.

Who Should Comply?

• Manufacturers and operators of non-road and marine engines
• Environmental compliance managers
• Test laboratories, inspection bodies, and emission consultants
• Regulatory authorities and certification agencies

Practical Impact

• Ensures engines meet local and international emissions thresholds
• Supports emissions inventories, environmental permits, and sustainability reporting
• Empowers organizations to troubleshoot, optimize, and retrofit engines cost-effectively

Key highlights:

• Supports field emission testing where lab tests are unfeasible or insufficient
• Harmonized procedures for comparable, repeatable emission results
• Enhanced data integrity and transparency for regulators and stakeholders

Access the full standard:View ISO 8178-2:2021 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

Adopting and correctly applying these ISO standards transforms how organizations manage internal combustion engine risk, performance, and compliance. Key business benefits include:

• Regulatory Compliance: Many jurisdictions require proof of conformance to ISO or equivalent standards for environmental, health, and safety approvals. Non-compliance can lead to fines, shutdowns, or contract losses.
• Productivity & Uptime: Accurate diagnostics and noise/emissions monitoring prevent unexpected outages and ensure machines run at peak efficiency.
• Operational Scaling: Standardized test and verification methods simplify expansion, upgrades, or integration across multiple sites and global markets.
• Reputation & Trust: Adhering to global standards demonstrates a commitment to safety, quality, and environmental stewardship—attributes valued by investors, clients, and employees alike.

Risks of Non-Compliance:

• Increased liability and risk of injury or complaints
• Costly legal and regulatory penalties
• Reduced equipment value and higher operational costs
• Barriers to export or cross-border project participation

Implementation Guidance

Transitioning to full standards compliance need not be a burden—especially with the right strategy:

1. Gap Assessment: Begin by comparing current practices with ISO standard requirements. Identify gaps across measurement tools, reporting, or workflows.
2. Training & Awareness: Train maintenance staff, HSE officers, and engineers on the purpose and procedures of each standard, focusing on correct instrument use, calibration, and reporting.
3. Invest in Proper Equipment: Ensure all measurement and calibration tools meet the relevant IEC or ISO specifications.
4. Document Everything: Use the standardized test reports and records specified in each standard to create defensible, auditable documentation.
5. Regular Review: Stay updated with revisions to standards and periodic recalibrations as required.

Resources for Organizations:

• ISO publications and technical committees (via iso.org)
• Accredited test laboratories and consultants familiar with ISO 13332, 15619, 6798-3, and 8178-2
• The iTeh Standards platform provides convenient access to the latest official versions, guidance notes, and related industry best practices

Conclusion / Next Steps

Embracing these four international standards enables your organization to:

• Proactively manage and minimize risks related to vibration, noise, and emissions
• Meet or exceed regulatory and client requirements for quality and safety
• Optimize engine performance and reliability over the equipment lifecycle
• Build a future-ready, scalable operation aligned with global energy and sustainability trends

We recommend all engine-associated businesses, from OEMs to operators, regularly review their practices against these standards, invest in staff training, and consult resources such as iTeh Standards for up-to-date documentation. Now is the time to future-proof your operations and reinforce your commitment to operational excellence and environmental responsibility.

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