Introduction to EPA:
The Environmental Protection Agency, more commonly known as the "EPA", protects both human health and environmental conditions by contributing to reduce significant risks such as levels of emissions and air contaminants. In order to achieve this, the EPA develops and enforces the regulations necessary to implement laws written to protect the environment.
What does “EPA Compliant generator” mean?
A generator is considered “EPA Compliant” if it meets the national standards and regulations set by the Environmental Protection Agency for off-road compression-ignition engines. These standards are confirmed by certain test procedures, proper labeling and warranty obligations.
What is the TPEM program?
The Transition Program for Equipment Manufacturers (TPEM) or “flexibility program,” is a program created for equipment manufacturers, offering them a temporary exemption from installing engines with the latest Tier regulations. It provides them with a reasonable timeframe to make the necessary adjustments in their equipment to accommodate new engine design changes. This program allows diesel equipment manufacturers to delay installing Tier 4-compliant engines in their products for up to seven years. Participants must comply with certain production limitations and paperwork requirements.
What requirements apply under the program for equipment-manufacturer flexibility?
The Transition Program for Equipment Manufacturers is currently available only to manufacturers of nonroad compression-ignition equipment. All equipment manufacturers of such engines must comply with certain production limitations and requirements for notification, recordkeeping, and annual reporting in order to work under the program for equipment-manufacturer flexibility.
Under the TPEM, original equipment manufacturers (OEM) have specific limitations on the quantity of previous-Tier engines that they install on a yearly basis. These limitations are grounded on a percentage of production allowance or a small volume allowance. The specific provision is chosen by the OEMs.
Percentage of production allowance: This provision allows, over the seven-year period, for OEMs to install non-Tier 4i or non-Tier 4 final engines on a total of 80% of their production. Meaning that an original equipment manufacturer would be able to install Tier 3 engines on 50% of their entire production for the first year, 20% of their entire production for the second year, and 10% of the entire production for the third year. After the limit has been met, all engines installed by OEMs must comply with Tier 4i or Tier 4 Final standards.
- Small volume allowance: With this provision, OEMs with more limited offerings can surpass the cumulative percentage. However, they must limit their production to one of the following limitations
- A total of 700 units over the entire Tier 4 allowance period involving one engine family per power category
- For engines below 175 HP, 525 units in a single power category with no more than 150 units per year in multiple engine families over the Tier 4 allowance period
- For engines greater than 175 HP, 350 units in a single power category with no more than 100 units per year in multiple engine families over the Tier 4 allowance period
How can I know if an engine is EPA Flex?
Every EPA Compliant engine must have the proper equipment labeling to indicate that it meets the national standards and regulations for off-road compression-ignition engines. EPA Flex engines must also have a permanent label to supplement the engine manufacturer's emission control information label. This label indicates that the engine is exempt under the Transition Program for Equipment Manufacturers (TPEM). In other words, you will know whether an engine meets the requirements for the “flexibility program” via the proper visible label including the following information:
- The label heading “EMISSION CONTROL INFORMATION”.
- Your corporate name and trademark.
- The calendar year in which the equipment is manufactured.
- An e-mail address and phone number to contact for further information, or a Web site that includes this contact information.
- The following statement: THIS EQUIPMENT [or identify the type of equipment] HAS AN ENGINE THAT MEETS U.S. EPA EMISSION STANDARDS UNDER 40 CFR 1039.625.
Do I need to recertify current units for future EPA requirements?
No, the EPA only requires equipment to comply with the laws of the year when the engine was manufactured.
Do I need a Tier 4 or Flex certification for emergency-only applications?
Because Emergency Standby Power installations have a very minor impact on the local air quality, they are exempt from having to meet the Tier 4 Interim and Tier 4 Final engine standards as long as their emission rates comply with Tier 2 and Tier 3 engines. Since 2008, however, generators that are below 50 HP are required to use Tier 4 Interim engines. These exceptions apply as long as the units are used strictly for emergency applications. However, it is important to note that State and local authorities have the right to dictate stricter regulated emissions limits which do not allow for the aforementioned exemptions.
When is a generator considered an Emergency Standby unit?
Generators that will only operate in emergency occasions are considered “Emergency Standby Units”, these units will automatically begin to supply energy upon sudden loss of power. As soon as the mains electricity or utility power is back up the generator shuts down. Because EPA regulations only allow these units to run a maximum of 200 hours of use per year it is crucial for the operator to log all hours of operations into a non-resettable recorder fitted into the generator. New manufactured units must come with its respective permanent label specifying that their use is only for emergencies.
When is a generator considered a Stationary Prime unit?
Generators installed in one permanent location or units that have been in the same location for at least 12 consecutive months will be considered “Stationary Prime Units”. These units are required to follow all EPA regulations
How can I know which EPA certification my engine needs for my application?
In order to determine which EPA certification is needed for your particular engine please refer to the standards of the application you will be using for your generator set.
Note: Always consult your local generator distributor/dealer for the latest regulations that will apply to your particular installation.
- For Emergency Standby unit, please read here
- For Stationary Prime unit please read here
- For Mobile Standby unit please read here
- For Mobile Prime unit please read here
Are there any other EPA regulations that I need to be aware of?
EPA regulations apply to all states within the United States, with no exemptions. Nonetheless, stringent regulations might be placed by state legislation. Meaning that any unit that is compliant with EPA regulations might still not meet local requirements. These requirements are placed depending on the environmental factors of each individual state. For the latest information related to state environmental regulations please consult your local generator distributor.
Does General Power offer TPEM “Flex” Generators?
Yes, General Power offers TPEM “Flex” generators. In order to browse our list, please visit the EPA Flex Diesel Generators page
Does General Power offer “Tier 4 Final” Generators?
Yes, General Power offers “Tier 4 Final” generators. To view our available units, please visit the Tier 4 Final category page
Does General Power offer “Export Only” Generators?
Yes, General Power offers “Export Only” generators. Our export units can be viewed by visiting the Export generators page