CPCB approved RECD for DG setBefore purchasing a , buyers usually want answers to three practical questions: How much does it cost, what features should it have, and how is it installed? The answer depends on the generator's engine, RECD model, technical configuration, site conditions, and scope of work.

An RECD should therefore be treated as a technical emission-control system rather than a standard accessory with one fixed market price.

CPCB's published procedure provides a framework for emission-compliance testing of retrofit emission-control devices for diesel power-generating set engines up to 800 kW gross mechanical power. The procedure, revised on 24 July 2023, covers applicability, testing, Type Approval, Conformity of Production, and other technical requirements.

What Is an RECD for a DG Set?

Retrofit Emission Control DeviceRECD means .

It is designed for applicable in-use diesel generator engines to control specified exhaust emissions through a retrofit system.

The exact configuration varies by manufacturer and application. Depending on the product, an RECD installation can involve components such as emission-control elements, sensors, monitoring equipment, a controller, mounting hardware, and associated exhaust-system components.

Because engine characteristics differ, the same RECD should not automatically be assumed to work with every generator.

How Much Does an RECD Cost?

There is no single universal price for an RECD.

A supplier's quotation may depend on:

DG-set engine model
Engine mechanical power
RECD family
Exact RECD model
Exhaust configuration
Controller requirements
Sensors
Installation complexity
Exhaust modification
Transportation
Commissioning
Warranty
Maintenance arrangement

For this reason, responsible suppliers generally need generator details before giving a final quotation.

A quote based only on “500 kVA DG set” may not provide enough information for an accurate technical proposal.

Main Factors That Influence RECD Price

1. Engine Size and Application

Larger engines can require different RECD configurations and associated components.

The relevant technical parameter is not simply the generator's electrical kVA rating. The engine's mechanical characteristics and applicable power range must be evaluated.

CPCB's RECD procedure specifically addresses diesel power-generating set engines according to gross mechanical power and establishes applicability up to 800 kW for the procedure.

2. RECD Technology

Different products can use different emission-control technologies and configurations.

The technology selected may influence:

Equipment cost
Installation requirements
Monitoring requirements
Maintenance
Replacement components
Service requirements

Ask the supplier to explain the technology rather than comparing products only by price.

3. Controller and Monitoring System

Some RECD systems include dedicated electronic monitoring and control equipment.

The controller may monitor parameters such as:

Exhaust temperature
Pressure
System status
Fault conditions
Sensor signals

The exact functions depend on the product.

A more sophisticated monitoring arrangement can affect the overall project cost.

4. Sensors

Sensors can form an important part of an RECD installation.

Depending on the system, sensors may monitor temperature, pressure, or other operating parameters.

Before purchasing, ask:

How many sensors are included?
Which sensors are required?
Where will they be installed?
Are cables included?
Is calibration included?
What is the replacement cost?

5. Exhaust Modification

The RECD may need to be integrated into the existing exhaust system.

The installation could involve:

Mounting arrangements
Flanges
Exhaust pipe modification
Supports
Flexible connections
Insulation or related work

The actual requirements depend on the DG set and RECD design.

This is why a site assessment can be valuable before finalizing the quotation.

What Features Should Buyers Look For?

Instead of asking only “What is the price?”, evaluate the complete technical package.

Important areas include:

Engine Compatibility

The RECD should be applicable to the specific engine or engine family.

Product Identification

The supplier should provide the exact RECD family and model.

Certification Documentation

Relevant Type Approval and conformity documentation should be available for verification.

Monitoring

Understand which parameters the system monitors.

Controller

Review controller functionality and alarm/diagnostic capabilities.

Installation

Check how the system will be integrated with the existing exhaust.

Maintenance

Understand inspection, servicing, cleaning, and replacement requirements.

Technical Support

Confirm who will provide assistance after commissioning.

Why Certification Should Be Part of the Price Evaluation

A product's certification documentation is an important part of procurement.

CPCB's procedure establishes Type Approval and Conformity of Production provisions for applicable RECDs. Its test framework covers several technical parameters rather than relying on one performance number.

The published testing framework includes areas such as:

Carbon monoxide
Hydrocarbons
Nitrogen oxides
Particulate matter
Smoke
Specific fuel consumption
Exhaust back pressure
Endurance
Regeneration characteristics

The exact requirements depend on the applicable procedure and product configuration.

Therefore, a buyer should request supporting documents instead of accepting an unsupported “CPCB approved” statement.

How to Verify a Certification Claim

Before paying an advance, ask the supplier for:

Manufacturer name
RECD family
Exact RECD model
Engine application
Applicable power range
Certification agency
Type Approval documentation
Conformity of Production information, where applicable
Technical datasheet
Installation requirements

Compare the documents with the product quoted in the purchase order.

The model number should not be left ambiguous.

Why the Exact Engine Model Matters

Two DG sets with similar electrical ratings can have different engines.

Those engines can differ in:

Exhaust flow
Exhaust temperature
Emission characteristics
Back-pressure limits
Operating profile
Control system

CPCB's RECD testing procedure records base-engine information and the RECD family/model as part of the evaluation framework.

Therefore, suppliers should ideally request the engine model before recommending an RECD.

Installation: What Happens at the Site?

RECD installation should be planned around the actual DG set.

A typical project may involve several stages.

Site Assessment

The installation team reviews:

DG location
Exhaust routing
Available space
Pipe dimensions
Mounting points
Controller location
Electrical requirements
Maintenance access

Equipment Preparation

The RECD, controller, sensors, mounting components, and other required materials are prepared.

Exhaust Integration

The device is installed within the exhaust arrangement according to the approved installation design.

Sensor Installation

Required sensors are positioned and connected.

Controller Installation

The controller is mounted in an appropriate accessible location and connected to the required signals.

Commissioning

The system is checked under operating conditions, with relevant parameters reviewed according to the manufacturer's procedure.

The exact sequence varies by equipment and installation.

Exhaust Back Pressure Must Be Considered

Installing additional exhaust components can influence back pressure.

CPCB's RECD test framework specifically includes exhaust back pressure as an evaluation parameter.

Before installation, ask the supplier:

What is the expected pressure drop?
What is the engine manufacturer's allowable limit?
Is exhaust modification necessary?
How will back pressure be measured?
Will commissioning measurements be recorded?

This is an important engineering consideration.

Installation Location and Accessibility

The RECD should be positioned so that technicians can inspect and service it safely.

Consider:

Available space
Access for maintenance
Heat exposure
Structural support
Exhaust routing
Controller visibility
Sensor accessibility
Safe working conditions

An installation that is difficult to access can increase future maintenance time and cost.

What About Maintenance?

Maintenance requirements vary by RECD design.

Depending on the system, maintenance may include:

Visual inspection
Sensor inspection
Pressure checks
Temperature checks
Cleaning
Controller diagnostics
Component replacement

Ask the supplier for a written maintenance schedule.

Also clarify whether routine maintenance is included in the warranty or must be purchased separately.

Long-Term Cost Is More Important Than Initial Price

An inexpensive RECD may not be the cheapest solution over its entire service life.

Consider:

Initial Cost

Equipment + installation + commissioning

Operating Cost

Energy impact, where applicable, and routine servicing

Maintenance Cost

Inspection + cleaning + replacement parts

Downtime Cost

Time required for servicing or troubleshooting

Support Cost

Technician visits and emergency service

Replacement Cost

Sensors, controllers, filters or other applicable components

A total-cost-of-ownership comparison gives a better picture than comparing equipment prices alone.

Warranty: What Should Be Included?

Before ordering, request written warranty conditions.

Check:

Warranty period
Covered components
Controller coverage
Sensor coverage
Labour
Installation-related coverage
Site visits
Exclusions
Replacement procedure

Also ask who will handle the warranty if installation is performed through a local service partner.

Service and Spare Parts

An RECD is a long-term installation.

Therefore, ask:

Where are spare parts stocked?
What is the normal delivery time?
Are trained technicians available?
Is remote troubleshooting available?
Is annual maintenance available?
What is the emergency response procedure?

A technically suitable product becomes much more valuable when supported by dependable after-sales service.

What Does “CPCB Approved” Mean for Pricing?

Certification should not automatically be interpreted as a specific price category.

Two suppliers can offer technically different solutions with different installation scopes.

Likewise, a higher price does not automatically prove better certification or performance.

The buyer should compare:

Product + Certification + Installation + Support + Warranty + Maintenance

rather than:

Price alone

This approach produces a more meaningful procurement decision.

Is an RECD Mandatory for Every DG Set?

RECD mandatory for DG sets IndiaThe phrase is frequently used in online searches, but buyers should avoid applying a single blanket answer to every generator.

The applicability of regulatory requirements depends on the relevant rules, the generator and engine characteristics, location, and any applicable directions or requirements.

CPCB's RECD procedure itself defines a specific technical framework for applicable in-use diesel power-generating set engines up to 800 kW gross mechanical power.

Therefore, before purchasing an RECD solely because it is described as mandatory, verify:

Engine category
Gross mechanical power
Applicable emission requirements
Location
Current CPCB provisions
Relevant State Pollution Control Board requirements
Any site-specific directions

The safest approach is to verify current official requirements rather than relying on general marketing statements.

How to Request an RECD Quotation

For a useful quotation, provide the supplier with complete information.

Generator Information

DG-set manufacturer
Engine manufacturer
Exact engine model
Generator rating
Engine mechanical power
Manufacturing information
Emission stage

Site Information

Installation location
Exhaust arrangement
Number of DG sets
Available installation space
Operating pattern

Ask the Supplier to Provide

Recommended RECD model
Technical datasheet
Certification documentation
Controller specifications
Installation scope
Commissioning scope
Warranty
Maintenance requirements
Spare-parts details
Delivery timeline
Complete price

This reduces back-and-forth communication and makes supplier comparison easier.

RECD Buying Checklist

Before placing the order, confirm:

Product

Exact RECD model identified
RECD family confirmed
Engine compatibility verified
Technical datasheet received

Certification

Type Approval documentation received
CoP information checked where applicable
Certification agency identified
Product-specific applicability verified

Installation

Site assessment completed
Exhaust arrangement reviewed
Back pressure considered
Controller location confirmed
Sensors identified
Commissioning included

Commercial

Equipment cost confirmed
Installation cost confirmed
Transportation included/identified
Warranty documented
Maintenance cost understood
Spare parts available

Compliance

Current CPCB information reviewed
State-level requirements checked
No blanket compliance claim accepted without verification

Why Choose a Professional RECD Supplier?

A professional supplier should provide more than a box of equipment.

The supplier should be able to help with:

Application assessment
Product selection
Certification documentation
Site evaluation
Installation
Commissioning
Operator guidance
Maintenance
Troubleshooting
Spare parts

For a company such as Aceget, presenting this complete technical support capability can help customers understand the value behind the equipment price.

The purchasing decision should ultimately be based on the suitability and documented capability of the proposed solution.

Final Takeaway

CPCB approved RECD for DG setRECD mandatory for DG sets IndiaThe price of a depends on far more than the size of the generator. Engine application, RECD technology, controller, sensors, exhaust modifications, installation, commissioning, certification documentation, warranty, maintenance, and service support can all influence the final project cost. CPCB's official RECD procedure provides a technical framework for applicable retrofit emission-control devices used with diesel power-generating set engines up to 800 kW gross mechanical power. It addresses testing, Type Approval, Conformity of Production, emissions, exhaust back pressure, endurance, regeneration characteristics, and other requirements. The phrase should also be interpreted carefully. Not every generator should automatically be treated as having identical regulatory requirements. The applicable CPCB framework, State-level requirements, generator characteristics, location, and current directions should be verified before making a compliance decision.

CPCB Approved RECD for DG Set: Price, Features & Installation Guide

A Complete Breakdown of Pricing, Product Features & What Installation Involves