This part of ISO 10816 specifies the general conditions and procedures for the measurement and evaluation of vibration, using measurements made on the non-rotating and non-reciprocating parts of complete machines. Shaft vibration, including torsional vibration, is beyond the scope of this part of ISO 10816.

It generally applies to reciprocating piston machines mounted either rigidly or resiliently with power ratings of above 100 kW. Typical examples of application are: marine propulsion engines, marine auxiliary engines, engines operating in diesel generator sets, gas compressors and engines for diesel locomotives.

The general evaluation criteria which are presented relate to both operational monitoring and acceptance testing. They are also used to ensure that the machine vibration does not adversely affect the equipment directly mounted on the machine.

Consideration should also be given to the machinery driven by or driving the reciprocating machine. These should be evaluated in accordance with relevant standards and classification for the intended duty.

It is recognized that the evaluation criteria may only have limited application when considering the effects of internal machine components; for example, problems associated with valves, loose pistons, piston rings, etc. are unlikely to be reflected in the measurements. Identification of such problems requires investigative techniques which are outside the scope of this part of ISO 10816. Noise is also outside the scope of this part of ISO 10816.

This part of ISO 10816 does not apply to machines installed in road vehicles (e.g. trucks, passenger cars, self-propelling construction machinery and tractors).