This part of ISO 8528 defines terms and specifies design and performance criteria arising out of the combination of a Reciprocating Internal Combustion (RIC) engine and an Alternating Current (a.c.) generator when operating as a unit.

It applies to a.c. generating sets driven by RIC engines for land and marine use, excluding generating sets used on aircraft or to propel land vehicles and locomotives.

For some specific applications (e.g. essential hospital supplies and high-rise buildings) supplementary requirements can be necessary. The provisions of this part of ISO 8528 are a basis for establishing any supplementary requirements.

For generating sets driven by other reciprocating-type prime movers (e.g. steam engines), the provisions of this part of ISO 8528 can be used as a basis for establishing these requirements.