EN 61116:1994

Overview

EN 61116:1994 - Electromechanical equipment guide for small hydroelectric installations is a European guide (originally IEC 61116:1992) that helps a future purchaser prepare procurement and project documentation for electromechanical plant items. The standard specifically applies to small hydropower schemes with installed outputs less than 5 MW and turbine diameters under 3 m. It covers the procurement lifecycle “from the call for tenders up to acceptance tests and operation” of electromechanical equipment.

Key topics and requirements

Although EN 61116 is a guidance document rather than a prescriptive technical specification, it focuses on practical procurement and project requirements. Major topic areas include:

• Preparation of tender documents - guidance on what purchasers should specify for electromechanical supply and interfaces.
• Equipment scope and selection - defining the electromechanical items expected for small hydro plants.
• Acceptance testing and commissioning - requirements and expectations for factory and site tests leading to formal acceptance.
• Operation and maintenance considerations - documentation and operational criteria to support reliable plant performance.
• Documentation and interfaces - requirements for drawings, manuals, data sheets and mechanical/electrical interfaces.

Note: The standard is a purchaser-oriented guide; it sets out the information purchasers need rather than dictating detailed component design values.

Applications

EN 61116 is directly applicable to:

• New small hydropower projects (≤ 5 MW)
• Refurbishment, upgrade or repowering of existing small hydro units
• Preparation of procurement packages and technical specifications for electromechanical plant
• Planning acceptance tests, site commissioning and handover procedures

Use cases include tender preparation, bid evaluation, commissioning checklists and operational readiness reviews for small hydro installations.

Who uses this standard

• Project owners and purchasers preparing calls for tenders and acceptance criteria
• Consulting and design engineers writing specifications and coordinating plant interfaces
• Manufacturers and suppliers responding to tenders for electromechanical equipment
• Contractors and commissioning teams executing acceptance tests and operational handover
• Utilities and small hydropower operators managing lifecycle documentation and maintenance

Related standards

• Based on IEC 61116:1992 and adopted as EN 61116:1994 (with national adoptions such as SIST EN 61116:2001).
• Typically used alongside other electrical and safety standards governing generators, switchgear, protection, grid connection and hydraulic equipment (consult applicable national and international standards for specific technical requirements).

Keywords: EN 61116, IEC 61116, electromechanical equipment, small hydroelectric installations, small hydropower, 5 MW, tender documents, acceptance tests, operation.