RECD device as per CPCB normsBuying an should begin with verification, not simply a search for the lowest quotation. A suitable retrofit solution needs to match the generator application, have identifiable technical documentation, and be supported by an appropriate installation and maintenance plan. For organizations planning an RECD purchase in 2026, a structured checklist can make the process much easier. It can help procurement teams compare suppliers, identify missing information and avoid committing to a product before its suitability has been established.

CPCB's published information lists certified RECD manufacturers for diesel genset engines up to 800 kW and provides specific applicability ranges, including Phase I and Phase II classifications and certification agencies. The following checklist is designed to help generator owners move from the initial enquiry to a more informed purchase decision.

1. Start With the DG Set Details

Before contacting an RECD supplier, collect the basic information about the generator.

Record:

DG-set manufacturer
Engine manufacturer
Engine model
Engine serial number
Generator rating in kVA
Engine gross mechanical power in kW
Engine phase
Manufacturing details, where available
Existing exhaust arrangement

This information should be the foundation of the purchase enquiry.

Do not simply tell a supplier, “I have a 500 kVA DG set.”

The engine model and applicable power information can be much more useful when determining whether a particular RECD is appropriate.

2. Verify the Engine Power in kW

One of the most important checks is the engine's gross mechanical power.

CPCB's published RECD list presents applicability in terms of in-use diesel genset engine power ranges in kW rather than simply listing generator capacity in kVA. It also identifies whether particular products are applicable to Phase I, Phase II or both.

Therefore, record the engine's actual technical rating from reliable documentation or the relevant data plate.

3. Identify the Exact RECD Model

A quotation should identify the actual product being offered.

Look for:

Manufacturer name
Trade name
RECD model
Part number
RECD family, where applicable
Product identification information

CPCB's published type-approval certificate template includes fields for manufacturer trade name or mark, RECD family designation, RECD type/model designation, type identification and identifying part numbers.

4. Check the Applicable Engine Range

The next question is:

Is the proposed RECD intended for my engine application?

CPCB's published manufacturer list gives specific engine-power applicability ranges for listed products. For example, different manufacturers and products are shown against different ranges and Phase I/Phase II categories.

5. Verify the Relevant Certification Information

Don't stop at the words “certified” or “approved.”

Request relevant documentation that identifies:

Product/model
RECD family, if applicable
Manufacturer
Application range
Certification/test information
Certification agency

CPCB's published certificate template specifically provides for type approval, extension and conformity-of-production information and identifies the RECD type/model, application range and other product details.

The documentation should be relevant to the product actually being purchased.

7. Check Phase Applicability

Phase applicability should be specifically reviewed.

CPCB's published list distinguishes between products applicable to Phase I, Phase II or both.

Ask the supplier:

“Which phase is applicable to my engine, and does the proposed RECD documentation cover that application?”

Record the answer with your procurement documents.

8. Review the Technical Datasheet

A professional quotation should be supported by a product datasheet.

Review information such as:

Product dimensions
Weight
Application range
Connection details
Installation requirements
Electrical requirements
Controller information
Sensor information
Operating requirements
Maintenance information

The datasheet should correspond to the exact product model being quoted.

9. Inspect the Existing Exhaust System

Before finalizing the purchase, inspect the DG-set exhaust arrangement.

Record:

Exhaust-pipe diameter
Flange dimensions
Pipe orientation
Silencer location
Number of bends
Available installation space
Existing supports
Exhaust outlet location

If the installation requires fabrication, ask the supplier to identify the work clearly in the quotation.

11. Check Installation Space

Measure the available area before ordering.

Consider:

RECD dimensions
Equipment weight
Mounting arrangement
Service clearance
Access for technicians
Lifting access
Exhaust routing
Structural support

A product that fits the technical application still needs to fit the physical site.

13. Understand the Controller and Sensors

If the proposed system includes a controller, sensors or monitoring components, ask what each component does.

Confirm:

Controller model
Sensor type
Number of sensors
Installation location
Power requirements
Alarm indications
Maintenance requirements

Avoid purchasing a system without understanding the basic equipment included in the package.

15. Ask About Maintenance

An RECD should not be considered a completely maintenance-free addition to a generator.

Ask the supplier:

What routine inspections are required?
What components need servicing?
Are sensors inspected?
Are cleaning procedures required?
Which parts are replaceable?
What service interval is recommended?

The exact maintenance schedule should come from the manufacturer for the selected product.

17. Understand the Warranty

Never compare warranties only by the number of years.

Ask:

What components are covered?
Are sensors covered?
Is the controller covered?
Is labour included?
Is travel included?
What conditions apply?
What is excluded?
Does installation by an authorized team affect the warranty?

Get the warranty terms in writing.

19. Check the Supplier's Service Coverage

Ask how the supplier will support your location after installation.

Clarify:

Installation coverage
Warranty service
Breakdown support
Preventive maintenance
Spare-parts supply
Technician availability
Remote technical assistance

For facilities located away from major cities, this can be an important part of the purchasing decision.

20. Ask for a Complete Commercial Quote

Do not compare two suppliers based only on their headline equipment price.

Request an itemized quotation covering:

Equipment + Installation + Fabrication + Controls + Commissioning + Warranty + Service

Then compare the total project cost.

A cheaper equipment quotation may become more expensive once excluded installation and service costs are added.

21. Check Delivery and Installation Timelines

For projects with compliance or operational deadlines, confirm the schedule before placing the order.

Ask:

Expected delivery date
Installation duration
Fabrication duration
Commissioning date
Site requirements
Required shutdown period

Do not rely only on a verbal delivery promise.

Include important timelines in the purchase documentation.

22. Record Every Installed Unit

If several DG sets are being retrofitted, maintain a separate record for each installation.

Record:

DG-set ID
Engine model
Engine power
RECD manufacturer
RECD model
RECD serial number
Installation date
Warranty period
Commissioning date
Service history

This makes future maintenance and verification easier.

23. Check Whether Your Requirement Is Actually an RECD Requirement

Before purchasing, clearly establish why the device is being installed.

Possible reasons may include:

Meeting an applicable regulatory requirement
Improving particulate-emission control
Retrofitting an existing generator
Responding to a site-specific environmental requirement
Preparing for a compliance review

The exact regulatory requirement should be confirmed for the specific generator and location.

Do not purchase an RECD solely because an online article or sales message says that every DG set has exactly the same requirement.

24. Verify Current CPCB Information

09 May 2025CPCB's published RECD manufacturer list identifies certified manufacturers and their applicability as of .

The CPCB technical material also contains certificate templates referring to RECD type approval, extension and conformity-of-production requirements.

Because regulatory and technical information can change, buyers should verify the latest official CPCB information before making a compliance-sensitive purchase.

Where applicable, also review requirements from the relevant State Pollution Control Board or Pollution Control Committee.

25. Don't Rely on a Generic “CPCB Approved” Claim

A supplier's marketing statement should not be the final verification step.

Instead, ask:

What is the exact product?

What engine range does it cover?

Which phase is applicable?

What certification/test information supports it?

Which certification agency is identified?

Does the documentation correspond to the product being supplied?

These questions help distinguish a documented product from a generic compliance claim.

26. Evaluate the Supplier's Technical Capability

Price matters, but technical support matters too.

Look for a supplier that can discuss:

Engine compatibility
Product application
Exhaust integration
Installation
Commissioning
Maintenance
Spare parts
Warranty

If the supplier cannot answer basic technical questions, request additional information before proceeding.

27. What Is a DG Generator Emission Control Device?

DG generator emission control deviceA is a broad term for equipment designed to control emissions associated with diesel-generator operation.

An RECD represents a specific retrofit emission-control category covered by the applicable CPCB testing framework.

Therefore, when a supplier offers an emission-control device, the buyer should establish whether the exact product is being offered and documented as an RECD applicable to the particular engine.

The terminology used in a brochure should not replace technical verification.

A Simple Buying Formula

For a practical procurement decision, think beyond the equipment price.

Total Purchase Decision = Product Suitability + Documentation + Installation + Warranty + Service + Long-Term Support

If one of these areas is missing, ask additional questions before ordering.

A product that appears inexpensive but requires significant additional fabrication or offers limited technical support may not represent the best overall value.

When Should You Request a Site Survey?

A site survey is particularly useful when:

The DG room is congested.
Exhaust routing is complicated.
Several DG sets are involved.
Major fabrication is expected.
Installation access is restricted.
The generator is critical to operations.
Existing exhaust dimensions are uncertain.

For a straightforward installation, photographs and technical drawings may help with preliminary evaluation. For more complicated projects, an on-site assessment may be preferable.

Questions to Send With Your RECD Enquiry

A strong inquiry can save time.

Provide:

DG Set:

Manufacturer, engine model, gross mechanical power and kVA.

Phase:

Phase I/Phase II information, where applicable.

Exhaust:

Pipe diameter, photographs and existing configuration.

Location:

City and installation site.

Quantity:

Number of DG sets requiring retrofit.

Scope:

Equipment only or equipment plus installation and commissioning.

Support:

Warranty, AMC and service requirements.

The more complete the initial enquiry, the easier it becomes for the supplier to prepare a relevant proposal.

Final Takeaway

DG generator emission control deviceBuying an RECD should be treated as a technical procurement decision rather than a simple product purchase. Start with the generator. Confirm the engine model, gross mechanical power and phase. Then identify the exact RECD model and verify its documented application range. CPCB's published list demonstrates that RECD applicability varies by engine-power range and Phase I/Phase II classification, so product-specific checking is essential. For organizations looking for a , the best quotation is not necessarily the one with the lowest equipment price. Consider the complete project cost, including installation, fabrication, commissioning, warranty, spare parts and after-sales service.

RECD Device as per CPCB Norms - Full Buying Checklist

Key Steps to Confirm Before You Buy — From Certification to After-Sales Support