What is PD IEC/TS 62257-7-3-Generator sets for rural electrification systems about?
The IEC 62257 series covers recommendations for renewable energy and hybrid systems for rural electrification and provides best industry guidance and strategies for different players involved in rural electrification projects, for the setting up of renewable energy and hybrid systems with AC voltage below 1 000 V and DC voltage below 1 500 V. One of the main objectives is to provide the minimum sufficient requirements relevant to the field of application that is: small renewable energy and hybrid off-grid systems.
PD IEC/TS 62257-7-3 is one of the parts of in the series that specifies general requirements for the selection, sizing, erection, and operation of generator sets in decentralized rural electrification systems.
PD IEC/TS 62257-7-3 applies to all low voltage combustion engine electricity generator sets energized by renewable energy such as biomass gasifier or biogas, or fossil fuel such as gasoline or diesel fuel, and designed for supplying electrical power to isolated sites used in systems as described in IEC TS 62257-2.
Who is PD IEC/TS 62257-7-3- Generator sets for rural electrification systems for?
PD IEC/TS 62257-7-3 on renewable energy and hybrid systems is useful to:
- Rural project planning authorities
- Project implementers, contractors and supervisors
- Electric power distribution companies
- Electric power stations
- Installers
- Accredited laboratories
- Local authorities
Why should you use PD IEC/TS 62257-7-3- Generator sets for rural electrification systems?
Photovoltaic hybrid power systems are gaining attraction among rural electrification institutions as a way to reduce fuel price rises, generate lower operating costs, and provide improved service quality than traditional single-source generating systems.
PD IEC/TS 62257-7-3 describes the minimum requirement of generator set functionality and safety requirements and does not claim to be an exhaustive instruction manual or design specification.
PD IEC/TS 62257-7-3 gives recommendations for the following types of generator sets:
- Single phase
- Three phase
- LV range up to 500 V – 50/60 Hz (see IEC TS 62257-9-2).
The aim of PD IEC/TS 62257-7-3 is to provide users with the appropriate guide to select generator sets for using in micropower plant with different configurations and levels of reliability and safety of the equipment during its estimated service lifespan.
Thus, compliance with PD IEC/TS 62257-7-3 can help make the right selection of generator sets for the right place, for efficient operation and maintenance of the overall renewable energy and hybrid systems.
What’s changed since the last update?
PD IEC/TS 62257-7-3:2018 supersedes DD IEC/TS 62257-7-3:2008, which is withdrawn. PD IEC/TS 62257-7-3:2008 has been technically revised and contains the following changes:
- The required support cannot be obtained for the publication of an International Standard, despite repeated efforts
- The subject is still under technical development or where, for any other reason, there is the future but no immediate possibility of an agreement on an International Standard

