EN 1012-1, “Compressors and vacuum pumps – Safety requirements – Part 1: Air compressors”, is the type C standard for the safe design of air compressors and compressor units. The hazards do not come from rotating parts alone: there is air under pressure, high temperature and, in oil-lubricated compressors, a risk of fire and explosion from the oil. The standard deals with all of these together.
Let us take care of EN 1012-1 testing and the CE marking of your machine together; CE Danışmanı (CE Consultant) manages the whole process.
EN 1012-1 at a glance
| Edition cited in the EU Official Journal | EN 1012-1:2010 |
|---|---|
| Official title | Compressors and vacuum pumps – Safety requirements – Part 1: Air compressors |
| Legislation supported | Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC; from 20 January 2027 Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 |
| Type of standard | Type C standard |
Which compressors does it cover?
The standard covers compressors that compress air above atmospheric pressure, as a unit with drive, cooler, separator and controls. Typical examples:
- Reciprocating workshop compressors
- Oil-injected and oil-less screw compressors
- Vane and scroll compressors
- Turbo compressors
- Portable site compressors
Vacuum pumps are dealt with in Part 2 and process gas compressors in Part 3. The air receiver falls under pressure legislation: the Simple Pressure Vessels Directive for series-produced simple receivers and the Pressure Equipment Directive for other pressure equipment.
Main requirements of the standard
- Protection against overpressure: Each pressure stage and pressurised volume is protected by a safety valve or equivalent device so that the permitted pressure is not exceeded.
- Protection against overtemperature: Discharge air and oil temperatures are monitored; the compressor shuts down when the limit is exceeded.
- Fire and explosion: Oil-lubricated compressors need a design that prevents ignition in the oil separator and pressurised volumes, with suitable oil and maintenance intervals.
- Moving parts: Belt drives, couplings and fans are enclosed by guards.
- Hot surfaces: Hot pipes and surfaces that can be touched are insulated, guarded or marked.
- Release of pressure: The system can be depressurised safely before maintenance and the state is visible.
- Controls and stopping: Compressors that start automatically carry a warning and have emergency stop and measures against unexpected restart.
- Condensate, noise and information for use: Condensate is collected and drained; noise is measured and declared; installation, ventilation and maintenance are explained.
Verification and tests under EN 1012-1
The standard names the verification method for each measure: visual inspection, functional test, measurement and review of documents.
| Test or check | What is verified? |
|---|---|
| Visual inspection | Guards, safety valves, marking and warnings are complete |
| Safety valve check | Set pressure and capacity suit the protected volume |
| Temperature and pressure shutdown test | The compressor stops when a limit is exceeded |
| Tightness and pressure check | Pressurised parts withstand the working pressure |
| Noise and electrical tests | Emission values to the noise test code for compressors; verification measurements to EN 60204-1 |
Results are recorded in the test report, with the documents of the air receiver and safety devices attached.
Where it fits in CE marking
- Risk assessment: Pressure, temperature, fire and mechanical hazards are identified under EN ISO 12100.
- Design: Safety devices, guards and controls are designed to EN 1012-1.
- Verification: Functional tests and measurements are carried out on the compressor.
- Technical file: Risk assessment, diagrams, receiver documents and the test report go into the technical file.
- Declaration of conformity: EN 1012-1 is listed among the standards applied.
Conformity with a harmonised standard gives presumption of conformity with the essential requirements it covers; see CE marking of machinery.
Standards applied together
- EN 60204-1: electrical equipment of the machine
- EN ISO 4414: safety of pneumatic systems
- EN ISO 2151: noise test code for compressors and vacuum pumps
- EN ISO 13857: safety distances
- EN 1012-2 and EN 1012-3: vacuum pumps and process compressors
Frequently asked questions
Which legislation applies to a compressor?
The compressor unit is a machine. The receiver and safety devices also fall under pressure legislation, electronic controls under EMC rules, and portable compressors under outdoor noise rules.
Is a CE-marked receiver enough?
No. Conformity of the receiver does not replace conformity of the whole compressor unit.
Which edition applies?
The edition cited in the EU Official Journal is EN 1012-1:2010. The current citation should be checked before testing starts.
Other standards in this group
- EN 619: Unit Load Conveyors
- EN ISO 19085-1: Woodworking Machines Common Requirements
- EN ISO 20430: Injection Moulding Machines
- EN 12417: Machining Centres
