ISO 8528-4:2005 specifies the criteria for controlgear and switchgear for generating sets with reciprocating internal combustion engines.

It applies to Alternating Current (a.c.) generating sets driven by Reciprocating Internal Combustion (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 may be necessary. The provisions of ISO 8528-4:2005 should be regarded as a basis for establishing any supplementary requirements.

For generating sets driven by other prime movers (e.g. steam engines) ISO 8528-4:2005 should be regarded as a basis for establishing these requirements.