EN 12312-20:2026
(Main)Aircraft ground support equipment - Specific requirements - Part 20: Electrical ground power units
- Abstract
This document deals with all significant hazards, hazardous situations or hazardous events relevant for electrical ground power units as listed in Clause 4 and specifies the technical requirements to minimize the hazards which can arise during the commissioning, operation and maintenance of ground power equipment, when it is used as intended and under conditions of misuse which are reasonably foreseeable by the manufacturer or his authorized representative. It also takes into account some performance requirements recognized as essential by authorities, aircraft and ground support equipment (GSE) manufacturers as well as airlines and service companies.
This document is applicable to:
- ground power units either self-propelled or towable;
- ground power equipment when mounted on other GSE;
- ground power accessories intended for ground power equipment (including accessories for fixed equipment).
This document does not apply to:
- the electrical characteristics of the supply, the type of power supply system and related measures against contact;
- any electrical supply system not intended for aircraft use;
- the on-board electrical system of the aircraft.
This document does not specify requirements for noise and vibration.
Noise and vibration are dealt with respectively in EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009 and EN ISO 31915-3:2026.
This document does not deal with hazards in respect to a standard automotive chassis and from other vehicles on the apron.
This part of EN 12312 does not apply to ground power equipment which is manufactured before the date of publication of this document by CEN.
This part of EN 12312 is intended to be used in conjunction with EN 1915-1:2023, EN 1915-2:2026, EN ISO 31915-3:2026 (for vehicles) and EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009.
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 15-Sep-2026
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 274 - Aircraft ground support equipment
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 274/WG 1 - Working Group Revision
- Current Stage
- 6060 - Definitive text made available (DAV) - Publishing
- Start Date
- 16-Sep-2026
- Due Date
- 01-Jul-2026
- Completion Date
- 16-Sep-2026
EN 12312-20:2026 is a CEN European Standard for aircraft ground support equipment, focused on electrical ground power units. It specifies safety requirements and selected functional and performance requirements for equipment that supplies external electrical power to aircraft, for use by manufacturers, designers, operators, airlines, and service companies.
What does EN 12312-20:2026 specify?
EN 12312-20:2026 covers the significant hazards, hazardous situations, and hazardous events linked to electrical ground power units, and sets technical measures to reduce those risks during commissioning, operation, and maintenance. It applies when the equipment is used as intended and under reasonably foreseeable misuse.
The standard applies to:
- ground power units that are self-propelled or towable
- ground power equipment mounted on other GSE
- ground power accessories, including accessories for fixed equipment
It excludes the electrical characteristics of the supply, the type of power supply system, related contact-protection measures, any electrical supply system not intended for aircraft use, and the aircraft on-board electrical system. It also leaves noise and vibration to EN 1915-4 and EN ISO 31915-3, and it does not address hazards from a standard automotive chassis or other vehicles on the apron.
EN 12312-20:2026 is structured into:
- Clause 1 Scope
- Clause 2 Normative references
- Clause 3 Terms and definitions
- Clause 4 List of hazards
- Clause 5 Safety requirements and/or measures
- Clause 6 Verification of requirements
- Clause 7 Information for use
- Annex A and Annex ZA
| Annex | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Annex A | List of significant hazards |
| Annex ZA | Relationship with Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 |
What are the key requirements of EN 12312-20:2026?
EN 12312-20:2026 combines general machinery safety measures with electrical, mechanical, and operational requirements specific to ground power units. In practice, it tells the manufacturer what to design, what to protect, what to test, and what to state in instructions and marking.
General design and machine safety
Clause 5.1 requires conformance with EN 1915-1, EN 1915-2, EN ISO 31915-3, EN 1915-4, and ISO 6858 unless the standard gives a specific alternative. Stability and strength calculations are to be done according to EN 1915-2, so the unit must be assessed for structural integrity rather than treated as a simple electrical product.
The clause also sets design expectations for mobility and operator protection. For example, battery-driven units that can exceed 3 km/h must follow EN 1175, self-propelled units that are not pedestrian-controlled need driver accommodation, seats need restraint systems, and self-propelled units with a driver’s cabin need an emergency exit. This matters because the standard is not only about electrical output - it also addresses the way the unit moves and protects the operator.
Power sources
Clause 5.2 covers diesel, turbine, and battery-powered generating sets. Diesel-powered sets must meet EN ISO 8528-13, turbines need enough power for the intended aircraft, and they need protection against overspeed, over temperature, and low oil pressure, plus speed regulation.
The same clause requires live parts of generators and converters to be inaccessible during operation. For battery systems, EN IEC 62619 applies, and lithium batteries need a battery management system (BMS) that protects against overheating and thermal runaway. For the reader, this means the power source must be selected and safeguarded as part of the whole GPU design, not only by output rating.
Cables, connectors, and cable handling
Clause 5.3 sets the requirements for the connection to the aircraft. Connectors must comply with ISO 461-1 and ISO 461-2, cable and connector assemblies must be protected against water ingress to at least IPX4, and if there is more than one connector, each connector must be switched individually.
The clause also requires practical handling measures: cables must be stored without damage, must withstand being rolled over by ramp equipment, and must resist ramp fluids such as water, fuel, oil, hydraulic fluid, and deicing or anti-icing fluid. For stationary systems with articulated cable handling sections on caster wheels, joints and movement areas need mechanical protection. In practice, this means the cable route, connector design, and storage method all have to survive airport use.
Controls, warnings, and emergency functions
Clause 5.5 requires emergency stops at least at every operator control panel, with category 0 or 1 performance according to EN ISO 13850. It also requires an interlock bypass switch for the E/F and N circuit to be restricted to authorized persons, with clear indication when bypass mode is active.
If the interlock is overridden for operational reasons, the override must be one-time only and must not latch. Optical and/or acoustic warnings are required to indicate malfunctions. For a buyer or engineer, this section is a clear signal that the human-machine interface, emergency response, and bypass logic are part of compliance.
Verification, marking, and instructions
Clause 6 requires verification in line with EN 1915-1 and identifies functional tests and measurements for towing speed, turbine control systems, interlock systems, and controls. Clause 7 requires permanent, legible marking and includes maximum continuous rated output as an additional marking item.
The operating and maintenance instructions must cover the external power delivery function, the cables and connectors to be used, aircraft connection, hazards from live connectors, safe driving, emergency measures, operator routine checks, minimum training, and maintenance-related requirements. This matters because the standard expects the user to receive enough information to operate, inspect, and maintain the unit safely.
What terms does EN 12312-20:2026 define?
- ground power equipment - A system used to deliver external electrical power to the aircraft, designed to replace the on-board electrical power supply.
- ground power unit (GPU) - A powered unit, stationary, towable, or self-propelled, used to deliver external electrical power to aircraft on the ground.
- ground power accessory - A component of ground power equipment such as cable handling systems, cables, or connectors.
- ground support equipment (GSE) - Moveable or stationary equipment, powered or not, used for ground handling, servicing, or field maintenance of civil transport aircraft on the ramp area of an airport.
Who uses EN 12312-20:2026?
EN 12312-20:2026 is used by manufacturers of electrical ground power units and their accessories, by designers of aircraft ground support equipment, and by test and verification teams checking safety and functional performance. It is also relevant to airlines, ground handling service companies, and authorities that want a common technical basis for procurement, acceptance, and operation.
The standard is especially useful when specifying self-propelled or towable units, units mounted on other GSE, and fixed-equipment accessories. It helps these users align design, testing, marking, and instructions with the same safety framework.
What changed in EN 12312-20:2026 from the previous edition?
EN 12312-20:2026 supersedes EN 12312-20:2005+A1:2009. The foreword states these technical changes relative to the earlier edition:
- the Introduction was updated
- the Scope was updated
- Clause 2, Normative references, was updated
- Clause 4, List of hazards, was updated
- 5.1.9 was updated
- 5.3.7 was updated
- 5.3.8 and 5.3.9 were added
- 5.4 was updated
- the order of Clause 6 and Clause 7 was swapped
- Annex A was updated
- Annex ZA was updated
- the Bibliography was updated
Which standards are used with EN 12312-20:2026?
EN 12312-20:2026 is intended to be used with EN 1915-1:2023, EN 1915-2:2026, EN ISO 31915-3:2026, and EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009. These companion parts supply the general safety, stability, vibration, and noise framework for aircraft ground support equipment.
Its normative references contribute the following:
- EN 1175:2025 - electrical and electronic requirements for battery-driven industrial-truck-type drive systems
- EN 1915-1:2023 - basic safety requirements for aircraft ground support equipment
- EN 1915-2:2026 - stability and strength calculations and test methods
- EN ISO 31915-3:2026 - vibration measurement methods and reduction
- EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009 - noise measurement methods and reduction
- EN ISO 8528-13:2026 - safety for reciprocating internal combustion engine driven alternating current generating sets
- EN ISO 12100:2010 - risk assessment and risk reduction principles
- EN ISO 13850:2015 - emergency stop design principles
- EN 60204-1:2018 - electrical equipment of machines
- EN IEC 62619:2022 - safety requirements for industrial lithium cells and batteries
- ISO 461-1:2003 and ISO 461-2:1985 - design, performance, test requirements, and dimensions for aircraft ground electrical supply connectors
- ISO 6858:2017 - general requirements for aircraft ground support electrical supplies
What does the EN 12312-20:2026 document contain?
EN 12312-20:2026 contains a hazard list, safety requirements, verification rules, and user-information requirements for electrical ground power units. Annex A provides the significant hazards list, and Clause 5 organizes the practical safety measures by topic: general requirements, power sources, cables and connectors, equipment fixed to passenger boarding bridges, and controls.
The document also contains a verification section that points to functional tests and measurements, and an information-for-use section covering marking, safety marking, and operating and maintenance instructions. Annex ZA links the standard to Regulation (EU) 2023/1230, which is relevant for machinery conformity assessment in the EU framework.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 08-Apr-2024
- Effective Date
- 30-Sep-2026
- Effective Date
- 17-Sep-2026
- Effective Date
- 17-Sep-2026
- Effective Date
- 17-Sep-2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
EN 12312-20:2026 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Aircraft ground support equipment - Specific requirements - Part 20: Electrical ground power units". This standard covers: This document deals with all significant hazards, hazardous situations or hazardous events relevant for electrical ground power units as listed in Clause 4 and specifies the technical requirements to minimize the hazards which can arise during the commissioning, operation and maintenance of ground power equipment, when it is used as intended and under conditions of misuse which are reasonably foreseeable by the manufacturer or his authorized representative. It also takes into account some performance requirements recognized as essential by authorities, aircraft and ground support equipment (GSE) manufacturers as well as airlines and service companies. This document is applicable to: - ground power units either self-propelled or towable; - ground power equipment when mounted on other GSE; - ground power accessories intended for ground power equipment (including accessories for fixed equipment). This document does not apply to: - the electrical characteristics of the supply, the type of power supply system and related measures against contact; - any electrical supply system not intended for aircraft use; - the on-board electrical system of the aircraft. This document does not specify requirements for noise and vibration. Noise and vibration are dealt with respectively in EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009 and EN ISO 31915-3:2026. This document does not deal with hazards in respect to a standard automotive chassis and from other vehicles on the apron. This part of EN 12312 does not apply to ground power equipment which is manufactured before the date of publication of this document by CEN. This part of EN 12312 is intended to be used in conjunction with EN 1915-1:2023, EN 1915-2:2026, EN ISO 31915-3:2026 (for vehicles) and EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009.
This document deals with all significant hazards, hazardous situations or hazardous events relevant for electrical ground power units as listed in Clause 4 and specifies the technical requirements to minimize the hazards which can arise during the commissioning, operation and maintenance of ground power equipment, when it is used as intended and under conditions of misuse which are reasonably foreseeable by the manufacturer or his authorized representative. It also takes into account some performance requirements recognized as essential by authorities, aircraft and ground support equipment (GSE) manufacturers as well as airlines and service companies. This document is applicable to: - ground power units either self-propelled or towable; - ground power equipment when mounted on other GSE; - ground power accessories intended for ground power equipment (including accessories for fixed equipment). This document does not apply to: - the electrical characteristics of the supply, the type of power supply system and related measures against contact; - any electrical supply system not intended for aircraft use; - the on-board electrical system of the aircraft. This document does not specify requirements for noise and vibration. Noise and vibration are dealt with respectively in EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009 and EN ISO 31915-3:2026. This document does not deal with hazards in respect to a standard automotive chassis and from other vehicles on the apron. This part of EN 12312 does not apply to ground power equipment which is manufactured before the date of publication of this document by CEN. This part of EN 12312 is intended to be used in conjunction with EN 1915-1:2023, EN 1915-2:2026, EN ISO 31915-3:2026 (for vehicles) and EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009.
EN 12312-20:2026 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 49.100 - Ground service and maintenance equipment. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN 12312-20:2026 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 12312-20:2005+A1:2009, EN ISO 13850:2015, EN 1915-1:2001+A1:2009, EN 1915-1:2013, EN 1915-2:2001+A1:2009. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
EN 12312-20:2026 is associated with the following European legislation: EU Directives/Regulations: 2006/42/EC, 2023/1230; Standardization Mandates: M/396, M/605. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.
EN 12312-20:2026 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-november-2026
Podporna oprema na tleh za letalski promet - Posebne zahteve - 20. del: Oskrba z
električno energijo
Aircraft ground support equipment - Specific requirements - Part 20: Electrical ground
power units
Luftfahrt-Bodengeräte - Besondere Anforderungen - Teil 20: Ausrüstung zur
Bodenstromversorgung
Matériel au sol pour aéronefs - Exigences particulières - Partie 20: Matériel
d'alimentation électrique au sol
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 12312-20:2026
ICS:
49.100 Oprema za servis in Ground service and
vzdrževanje na tleh maintenance equipment
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
EN 12312-20
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
September 2026
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 49.100 Supersedes EN 12312-20:2005+A1:2009
English Version
Aircraft ground support equipment - Specific
requirements - Part 20: Electrical ground power units
Matériel au sol pour aéronefs - Exigences particulières Luftfahrt-Bodengeräte - Besondere Anforderungen -
- Partie 20 : Matériel d'alimentation électrique au sol Teil 20: Ausrüstung zur Bodenstromversorgung
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 27 April 2026.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2026 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 12312-20:2026 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
Introduction . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 List of hazards . 8
5 Safety requirements and/or measures . 8
5.1 General requirements . 8
5.2 Power sources . 8
5.3 Cables and connectors . 9
5.4 Equipment fixed to passenger boarding bridges . 9
5.5 Controls . 10
6 Verification of requirements . 10
7 Information for use . 10
7.1 Marking . 10
7.2 Safety marking . 10
7.3 Instructions . 11
Annex A (informative) List of significant hazards . 12
Annex ZA (informative) Relationship between this European Standard and the essential
requirements of Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 aimed to be covered . 17
Bibliography . 22
European foreword
This document (EN 12312-20:2026) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 274 “Aircraft ground
support equipment”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical
text or by endorsement, at the latest by March 2027, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at
the latest by March 2027.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes EN 12312-20:2005+A1:2009.
This document includes the following significant technical changes with respect to EN 12312-
20:2005+A1:2009:
— the Introduction was updated;
— the Scope was updated;
— Clause 2, Normative references, was updated;
— Clause 4, List of hazards, was updated;
— 5.1.9 was updated;
— 5.3.7 was updated
— 5.3.8 and 5.3.9 were added;
— 5.4 was updated;
— The order of Clause 6, Information for use, and Clause 7, Verification of requirements, was swapped;
— Annex A, List of significant hazards, was updated;
— Annex ZA was updated;
— the Bibliography was updated.
This document has been prepared under a standardization request addressed to CEN by the European
Commission. The Standing Committee of the EFTA States subsequently approves these requests for its
Member States.
For the relationship with EU Legislation, see informative Annex ZA, which is an integral part of this document.
EN 12312, Aircraft ground support equipment ― Specific requirements, consists of the following parts:
— Part 1: Passenger stairs;
— Part 2: Catering vehicles;
— Part 3: Conveyor belt vehicles;
— Part 4: Passenger boarding bridges;
— Part 5: Aircraft fuelling equipment;
— Part 6: Deicers and deicing/antiicing equipment;
— Part 7: Aircraft movement equipment;
— Part 8: Maintenance or service stairs and platforms;
— Part 9: Container/Pallet loaders;
— Part 10: Container/Pallet transfer transporters;
— Part 11: Container/Pallet dollies and loose load trailers;
— Part 12: Potable water service equipment;
— Part 13: Lavatory service equipment;
— Part 14: Disabled/incapacitated passenger boarding vehicles;
— Part 15: Baggage and equipment tractors;
— Part 16: Air start equipment;
— Part 17: Air conditioning equipment;
— Part 18: Nitrogen or Oxygen units;
— Part 19: Aircraft jacks, axle jacks and hydraulic tail stanchions;
— Part 20: Electrical ground power units.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania,
Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and the United Kingdom.
Introduction
This document specifies health and safety requirements, as well as some functional and performance
requirements for ground power equipment intended for the electrical supply for aircraft to be used on all
aircraft types commonly in service in civil air transport.
The minimum essential criteria are considered to be of primary importance in providing safe, serviceable,
economical, and practical ground power equipment. Deviations from the recommended criteria should occur
only after careful consideration, extensive testing, risk assessment and thorough service evaluation have
shown alternative methods or conditions to be satisfactory. Such deviations are outside the scope of this
document and a manufacturer should be able to demonstrate an equivalent level of protection.
This document is a Type C standard as stated in EN ISO 12100:2010.
The machinery concerned and the extent to which hazards, hazardous situations and events are covered are
indicated in the scope of this document.
When provisions requirements of this type C standard are different from those which are stated in type A or B
standards, the requirements of this type C standard take precedence over the requirements of the other
standards, for machines that have been designed and built according to the requirements of this type C
standard.
1 Scope
This document deals with all significant hazards, hazardous situations or hazardous events relevant for
electrical ground power units as listed in Clause 4 and specifies the technical requirements to minimize the
hazards which can arise during the commissioning, operation and maintenance of ground power equipment,
when it is used as intended and under conditions of misuse which are reasonably foreseeable by the
manufacturer or his authorized representative. It also takes into account some performance requirements
recognized as essential by authorities, aircraft and ground support equipment (GSE) manufacturers as well as
airlines and service companies.
This document is applicable to:
— ground power units either self-propelled or towable;
— ground power equipment when mounted on other GSE;
— ground power accessories intended for ground power equipment (including accessories for fixed
equipment).
This document does not apply to:
— the electrical characteristics of the supply, the type of power supply system and related measures against
contact;
— any electrical supply system not intended for aircraft use;
— the on-board electrical system of the aircraft.
This document does not specify requirements for noise and vibration.
Noise and vibration are dealt with respectively in EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009 and EN ISO 31915-3:2026.
This document does not deal with hazards in respect to a standard automotive chassis and from other vehicles
on the apron.
This part of EN 12312 does not apply to ground power equipment which is manufactured before the date of
publication of this document by CEN.
This part of EN 12312 is intended to be used in conjunction with EN 1915-1:2023, EN 1915-2:2026,
EN ISO 31915-3:2026 (for vehicles) and EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 1175:2025 Safety of industrial trucks — Electrical/electronic requirements
EN 1915-1:2023, Aircraft ground support equipment — General requirements — Part 1: Basic safety
requirements
EN 1915-2:2026, Aircraft ground support equipment — General requirements — Part 2: Stability and strength
requirements, calculations and test methods
EN ISO 31915-3:2026, Aircraft ground support equipment — General requirements — Part 3: Vibration
measurement methods and reduction (ISO 31915-3:2026)
EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009, Aircraft ground support equipment — General requirements — Part 4: Noise
measurement methods and reduction
EN ISO 8528-13:2026, Reciprocating internal combustion engine driven alternating current generating sets —
Part 13: Safety (ISO 8528-13:2026)
EN ISO 12100:2010, Safety of machinery — General principles for design — Risk assessment and risk reduction
(ISO 12100:2010)
EN ISO 13850:2015, Safety of machinery — Emergency stop function — Principles for design (ISO 13850:2015)
EN 60204-1:2018 , Safety of machinery — Electrical equipment of machines — Part 1: General requirements
(IEC 60204-1:2016)
EN IEC 62619:2022, Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes — Safety
requirements for secondary lithium cells and batteries, for use in industrial applications (IEC 62619:2022)
ISO 461-1:2003, Aircraft — Connectors for ground electrical supplies — Part 1: Design, performance and test
requirements
ISO 461-2:1985, Aircraft — Connectors for ground electrical supplies — Part 2: Dimensions
ISO 6858:2017, Aircraft — Ground support electrical supplies — General requirements
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document the terms and definitions given in EN ISO 12100:2010, EN 1915-1:2023
and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp/
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
3.1
ground power equipment
system used to deliver external electrical power to the aircraft, designed to substitute the on-board electrical
power supply
3.2
ground power unit
GPU
powered unit, stationary, towable or self-propelled, used to deliver external electrical power to aircraft on the
ground
Note 1 to entry This term includes units mounted on other mobile GSE.
3.3
ground power accessory
component of ground power equipment: cable handling systems, cables, connectors
As impacted by EN 60204-1:2018/A1:2025.
3.4
ground support equipment
GSE
piece of moveable or stationary equipment, whether or not powered or self-propelled, purpose designed, built
and used for ground handling, servicing or field maintenance of civil transport aircraft on the ramp area of an
airport
4 List of hazards
This list of risks and hazards (given at Annex A, Table A.1) is based on EN ISO 12100:2010 and contains the
hazards and hazardous situations, as far as they are dealt with in this document, identified by risk assessment
as significant for this type of machinery and which require action to eliminate or reduce risks. See also the
complementary list of hazards in the other parts of EN 1915 and in the different parts of EN 12312.
5 Safety requirements and/or measures
5.1 General requirements
5.1.1 Ground power equipment shall conform to the relevant requirements of EN 1915-1:2023, EN 1915-
2:2026, EN ISO 31915-3:2026 and EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009 unless otherwise specified in this document.
They shall also conform to the specific requirements of this document.
5.1.2 Stability and strength calculations shall be carried out in accordance with EN 1915-2:2026.
5.1.3 The overall dimensions of a GPU shall be kept to a minimum (according to EN 1915-1:2023,
Introduction, f) – negotiation).
5.1.4 If a GPU is propelled by means of a battery operated drive system, and if this system can achieve a
speed above 3 km/h then it shall conform to EN 1175:2025.
5.1.5 Self-propelled GPU not designed to be pedestrian controlled shall be equipped with driver
accommodation. The driver accommodation shall be in accordance with EN 1915-1:2023.
5.1.6 Restraint systems shall be fitted to all seats on self-propelled GPU with driver accommodation, a lap
type seatbelt as a minimum. The driver accommodation shall be in accordance with EN 1915-1:2023.
5.1.7 Structural parts of pedestrian controlled self-propelled GPU shall not protrude within the operating
range of the tiller.
5.1.8 Self-propelled GPU with driver's cabin shall have an alternative means of exit for the driver in the event
of an emergency. It shall be easily and safely accessible.
5.1.9 The maximum travelling speed of towable GPU shall be stipulated between manufacturer and user
(according to EN 1915-1:2023, Introduction, f) – negotiation).
5.1.10 Ground power equipment shall conform to the relevant requirements of ISO 6858:2017 unless
otherwise specified in this document.
5.2 Power sources
5.2.1 Diesel-powered generating sets shall conform to the requirements in EN ISO 8528-13:2026.
5.2.2 On turbine-powered generating sets, the turbine shall be of sufficient power to supply all aircraft the
unit is designed for.
5.2.3 The turbine shall be protected against overspeed, over temperature and low oil pressure.
5.2.4 Turbines shall be equipped with a speed regulation system.
5.2.5 Turbine inlets and outlets shall be arranged so that suck-in and blast risks are avoided, e.g. upwards.
5.2.6 On generators/converters it shall not be possible to reach live parts of the electrical system during
operation, in accordance with EN 60204-1:2018, 6.2.
5.2.7 Battery System (Secondary Cells) powered generating set shall comply with EN IEC 62619:2022.
When Lithium batteries are used the battery management system (BMS) shall provide protection against
overheating and/or thermal runaway in accordance with EN IEC 62619:2022, 8.2.4.
5.3 Cables and connectors
5.3.1 Connectors shall be in accordance with the requirements in ISO 461-1:2003 and ISO 461-2:1985.
5.3.2 Cable and connector assembly shall be fit for use, cable to connectors assembly shall be protected
against water ingress, IPX4 as a minimum.
5.3.3 The minimum length of cables shall be stipulated between manufacturer and user (according to
EN 1915-1:2023, Introduction, f) – negotiation).
NOTE Specifications can differ depending on aircraft type and airport of use.
5.3.4 For ground power equipment with more than one connector, the power at each connector shall be
switched individually.
5.3.5 Means shall be provided to stow cables during transport without damage, e.g. bending beyond
intended radius, kinking or twisting or trailing on the ground.
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