Overview
ISO 14990-3:2016 defines particular electrical safety requirements for self-powered earth-moving machinery (EMMs) - machines that use on-board electric power sources such as batteries or onboard generators. It applies to outdoor EMMs with on-board voltages in the range 50 V–36 kV AC (any frequency) and 75 V–36 kV DC (including pulsating DC). ISO 14990-3 is a Part 3 type-C standard intended to be used together with ISO 14990-1 (general requirements); requirements for externally powered machines are in ISO 14990-2.
Key topics and requirements
This part focuses on electrical safety aspects specific to self-powered electrically-driven machines. Major technical topics include:
- Scope of applicability: on-board voltages, outdoor use, and exclusion of intra-device voltages from “on-board” classification.
- Protective bonding and equipotential bonding: conductive structural parts, protective conductors and extraneous conductive parts must be connected to a protective bonding terminal; marking requirements for PE connection points (green-and-yellow, “PE” or IEC symbols).
- Overcurrent protection (OCP): provisions for protecting conductors and components; automatic engine shutoff permitted as OCP if conductor I²t ratings are respected.
- Electric power source isolation: requirements for means to disconnect the on-board power source (battery switch, lockable battery disconnect, close-to-source disconnect devices).
- Wiring, motors and non-motor loads: design and safety measures consistent with ISO 14990-1 (Clauses 11–13) and adapted to self-powered configurations.
- Thermal, mechanical and abnormal-operation hazards: alignment with ISO 14990-1 with modifications for self-powered systems.
- Marking and documentation: warning marking for equipment with chassis leakage currents > 10 mA and instructions for power-supply compatibility for external charging systems.
- Tests and verification: referenced testing requirements (see Clause 17) and informative annexes (Annex A enquiry form; Annex B comparison with UN ECE R100 and ISO 6469-3).
Applications and who uses it
ISO 14990-3 is intended for:
- Manufacturers and OEMs designing battery-powered excavators, loaders, compactors and other electrified earth-moving machines.
- Design and electrical engineers responsible for high-voltage on-board systems, protection, wiring and bonding.
- Safety and compliance teams preparing technical files, risk assessments and conformity documentation.
- Test laboratories and certification bodies evaluating electrical safety and marking requirements.
- Fleet managers and procurers specifying requirements for self-powered EMMs and external charger compatibility.
Practical use-cases include specifying safe battery disconnects, selecting protective bonding schemes, establishing marking for leakage currents, and ensuring compatibility when machines combine self- and externally-powered functions (e.g., on-board chargers).
Related standards
- ISO 14990-1:2016 - General requirements for EMM electrical safety (to be used together).
- ISO 14990-2 - Particular requirements for externally-powered machines (applies for dual-mode machines).
- ISO 6469-3 / UN ECE R100 - Automotive EV standards; Annex B offers a comparison for on-road-capable machines.
- IEC 60204 series - referenced electrotechnical guidance adapted where applicable.
Keywords: ISO 14990-3, earth-moving machinery, electrical safety, self-powered machines, EMM, on-board battery, protective bonding, overcurrent protection, equipotential bonding.