ISO 8178-1:2006 specifies the measurement and evaluation methods for gaseous and particulate exhaust emissions from reciprocating internal combustion (RIC) engines under steady-state conditions on a test bed, necessary for determining one weighted value for each exhaust gas pollutant. Various combinations of engine load and speed reflect different engine applications (see ISO 8178-4).

ISO 8178-1:2006 is applicable to RIC engines for mobile, transportable and stationary use, excluding engines for motor vehicles primarily designed for road use. ISO 8178-1:2006 may be applied to engines used, for example, for earth-moving machines, generating sets and for other applications.

In limited instances, the engine can be tested on the test bed in accordance with ISO 8178-2, the field test document. This can only occur with the agreement of the parties involved. It should be recognised that data obtained under these circumstances may not agree completely with previous or future data obtained under the auspices of ISO 8178-1:2006. Therefore, it is recommended that this option be exercised only with engines built in very limited quantities such as very large marine or generating set engines.

For engines used in machinery covered by additional requirements (e.g. occupational health and safety regulations, regulations for powerplants), additional test conditions and special evaluation methods may apply.

Where it is not possible to use a test bed or where information is required on the actual emissions produced by an in-service engine, the site test procedures and calculation methods specified in ISO 8178-2 are appropriate.