ICC-SWCC certifies small and medium wind turbine systems to the ACP 101-1, AWEA 9.1 and IEC 61400 standards, respectively. Towers and foundations are outside the scope of the standards. SWCC certification reports may provide tower and mounting information for the convenience of the user. But this information has not been evaluated by SWCC and is […]
Does SWCC certify wind turbines for electrical safety?
No. ICC-SWCC is accredited to certify wind turbines to the ACP 101-1, AWEA 9.1 and IEC 61400 standards for structural safety, durability, acoustics and power production. Electrical safety for distributed wind turbines in North America is addressed in the UL 6142 standard. Electrical listings may only be provided by Nationally Recognized Test Labs (NRTLs) per […]
What’s the difference between testing and certification?
When a manufacturer gets a product tested by a test laboratory, it’s a one-time activity. The test lab will test samples of the product and check that they conform to the requirements of a standard or other specification. When it is completed, the manufacturer receives a test report that indicates whether the product complied with […]
Does ICC-SWCC test wind turbines?
ICC-SWCC does not conduct tests, but verifies and certifies test results submitted by approved, qualified third-party testing organizations. Applicants should obtain ICC-SWCC approval for the use of a testing facility before commencing work to ensure that the resulting test report can be used for ICC-SWCC certification. Click here for more information on wind turbine testing […]
Does ICC-SWCC develop the standards used for its wind turbine certifications?
No, ICC-SWCC is not a Standard Development Organization (SDO). The ACP 101-1 standard used for small wind turbines is developed by American Clean Power (ACP) under their ANSI-approved standard development procedures. The IEC 61400 standards used for medium wind turbines are developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) under Technical Committee TC 88. Click here […]
What is the difference between the Rated Power and Nominal Power for a certified turbine?
Small wind turbines certified to the ACP 101-1 standard are required to provide the Reference Power in kilowatts (kW) in the certification and on a consumer label. This standardized performance rating is the wind turbine’s power output at 11 m/s (24.6 mph) per its certified power curve. Manufacturers may still describe or name their turbine […]
What happens to a turbine certification if the manufacturer goes out of business?
Wind turbine certifications are valid so long as the certification renewal conditions listed in the ICC-SWCC certification policies are met. Certification must be renewed annually. Therefore, if the manufacturer goes out of business, the certification would not be renewed upon expiration and the certification would be withdrawn. Alternately, if the manufacturer is purchased by another […]
What sized turbines are eligible for ICC-SWCC’s small and medium wind certification programs?
Small Wind Turbine: Electricity-producing wind turbines with a swept area up to 150 kW are certified to the ACP 101-1 standard. Legacy certifications to the preceding AWEA 9.1 standard are provided for turbines up to 200 m2 swept area. Medium Wind Turbine: Electricity-producing wind turbines with peak power production from 150 to 300 kW are […]