This part of ISO 8178 specifies the measurement procedures and test cycles for the evaluation of smoke emissions from compression ignition engines on the test bed.

For transient smoke test cycles, smoke testing is conducted using smokemeters which operate on the light extinction principle. The purpose of this part of ISO 8178 is to define the smoke test cycles and the methods used to measure and analyse smoke. Specifications for measurement of smoke using the light extinction principle can be found in ISO 11614. The test procedures and measurement techniques described in Clauses 1 to 11 of this part of ISO 8178 are applicable to reciprocating internal combustion (RIC) engines in general. However, an engine application can only be evaluated using this part of ISO 8178 once the appropriate test cycle has been developed. Annexes A, B, E and F to this part of ISO 8178 each contain a test cycle that is relevant only for those specific applications listed in the Scope of that annex. Where possible, the smoke test cycle described in the annex utilizes the engine and machine categories developed in ISO 8178-4.

For certain categories of non-road engines “at site” rather than “test bed” smoke test procedures can prove to be necessary. For engines used in machinery covered by additional requirements (e.g. occupational health and safety regulations), additional test conditions and special evaluation methods can apply.