When you buy RECD for generators online, the convenience of comparing products and suppliers can also create confusion. Different sellers may use similar descriptions, different pricing structures and broad certification claims, making it difficult to determine which offer is genuinely appropriate for your DG set.

The safest approach is to treat an online RECD purchase as a technical procurement decision, not simply an e-commerce transaction. CPCB has published a specific System and Procedure for Emission Compliance Testing of Retro-fit Emission Control Devices (RECD) for Diesel Power Generating Set Engines up to Gross Mechanical Power 800 kW, revised on July 24, 2023. Below are the mistakes worth avoiding before you finalize an order.

1. Buying Before Identifying Your Engine

The first mistake is contacting a supplier with only:

“I need an RECD for my 500 kVA DG.”

The DG rating alone may not give the supplier enough technical information.

Before requesting a quotation, collect:

• Engine manufacturer

• Engine model

• Engine serial number

• Gross mechanical power

• DG rating

• Exhaust-pipe details

• Existing silencer information

• Quantity of DG sets

Providing these details allows the supplier to assess the actual application rather than recommending a generic product.

2. Assuming kVA Alone Determines Product Selection

A generator's kVA rating is useful for identification, but it should not be the only selection parameter.

CPCB's published RECD procedure specifically refers to diesel power-generating-set engine gross mechanical power, with the procedure covering engines up to 800 kW.

Therefore, when requesting an online quotation, provide the engine information along with the commercial DG capacity.

This small step can prevent an unsuitable product from being quoted in the first place.

3. Choosing the Lowest Price Without Comparing Scope

An online supplier may advertise an attractive equipment price.

But ask what that amount includes.

One quotation could include:

• RECD

• Transportation

• Installation

• Fabrication

• Commissioning

while another may cover only the equipment.

Instead of asking:

“Which supplier is cheapest?”

ask:

“Which supplier provides the required scope at the best overall value?”

This is a much better basis for comparison.

4. Assuming Every RECD Is Identical

RECDs should not be treated as interchangeable products simply because they perform a similar function.

Different models can have different:

• Manufacturers

• Application ranges

• Technical specifications

• Installation requirements

• Supporting documentation

CPCB's procedure establishes an emission-compliance testing framework for RECDs rather than suggesting that every retrofit device is automatically equivalent.

Always ask for the exact manufacturer and model being proposed.

5. Accepting “CPCB Approved” as a Complete Explanation

A seller may write:

“CPCB-approved RECD available.”

That statement should trigger verification, not an immediate purchase.

Ask:

• Which manufacturer?

• Which model?

• What supporting documentation is available?

• Which engine-power range is applicable?

• What certification information applies?

CPCB's official website has a dedicated Generator Sets section that includes Type Approval/COP information.

Use official sources to verify regulatory and certification-related information rather than relying solely on a supplier's marketing statement.

6. Not Checking the Exact Model Number

A product description such as:

“RECD for diesel generator”

is too broad for a technical purchase order.

Your quotation should identify the:

Manufacturer + Product + Model Number + Quantity

Then check whether the same model appears on the supplied technical documents.

If the quotation says one model while the datasheet or other documents identify another, stop and clarify the discrepancy before ordering.

7. Believing a Product Photograph Proves Authenticity

Online photographs are useful for understanding the equipment's general appearance.

They do not prove:

• Certification

• Manufacturer identity

• Technical performance

• Application suitability

• Product authenticity

Two products from different manufacturers may look almost identical.

For that reason, documentation should carry more weight than photographs when making a technical purchasing decision.

8. Failing to Send DG Photographs and Details

A supplier cannot properly evaluate an installation if the only information provided is:

“Please send your best RECD price.”

Send photographs of:

• DG nameplate

• Engine nameplate

• Exhaust pipe

• Existing silencer

• Installation area

Also provide engine and power information.

This gives the supplier a much better understanding of the application and helps identify possible installation issues before delivery.

9. Forgetting About Exhaust Compatibility

The physical installation deserves attention before the order is placed.

Check:

• Exhaust-pipe diameter

• Flange arrangement

• Existing silencer

• Available space

• Pipe routing

• Mounting arrangement

• Support requirements

If modifications are required, determine who will perform them and whether the cost is included.

A technically suitable product can still create problems if its installation requirements are ignored.

10. Assuming Installation Is Included in the Price

Never assume installation is included unless the quotation says so.

Ask separately about:

Equipment

Is the RECD included?

Fabrication

Are exhaust modifications included?

Installation

Will the supplier's team install it?

Commissioning

Is post-installation commissioning included?

Travel

Are technician travel expenses included?

This creates a much clearer picture of the final project cost.

11. Not Checking the Seller's Identity

An online seller could be:

• Manufacturer

• Authorized distributor

• Dealer

• Reseller

• Installation contractor

Ask the supplier directly:

“Are you the original manufacturer or supplying another manufacturer's product?”

If it is a reseller, establish who will provide technical support and warranty service.

12. Trusting an Unverified Regulatory Representative

Be especially cautious if somebody claims:

“We are connected with CPCB and can arrange approval.”

CPCB currently warns that some individuals falsely claim to be CPCB officers, employees or consultants. CPCB states that it has not appointed or entertained such consultants.

Therefore, do not make purchasing decisions based on someone's claimed regulatory influence.

Verify information directly through official CPCB sources.

13. Believing “Universal RECD” Claims Without Questions

A seller may describe an RECD as:

“Universal for all DG sets.”

Don't accept this statement without technical clarification.

Generators can differ in:

• Engine model

• Gross mechanical power

• Exhaust arrangement

• Installation configuration

Ask the supplier to explain how the proposed model applies to your specific DG.

A responsible supplier should request relevant technical information before finalizing the recommendation.

14. Skipping the Technical Datasheet

Before making payment, request the product datasheet.

Look for:

• Manufacturer name

• Model number

• Applicable engine range

• Dimensions

• Weight

• Installation information

• Maintenance requirements

The document should correspond to the exact product you are purchasing.

If the seller cannot provide a useful technical document, consider obtaining another quotation.

15. Treating Marketplace Listings as Certification Evidence

B2B websites, online directories and marketplaces can be helpful for discovering suppliers.

However, a marketplace listing does not itself establish:

• Product certification

• Technical suitability

• Manufacturer authorization

• Regulatory compliance

Use online platforms for research and supplier discovery, then independently verify important technical claims.

16. Ignoring Warranty Conditions

A seller may advertise:

“1-year warranty.”

But that statement is incomplete without knowing what the warranty covers.

Ask:

• When does warranty begin?

• What components are covered?

• Is labour covered?

• Are site visits covered?

• Who pays transportation for warranty service?

• What exclusions apply?

• Who handles the claim?

Get the terms in writing.

17. Forgetting After-Sales Service

The supplier's responsibility should not end when the RECD is delivered.

Before ordering, ask about:

• Installation assistance

• Technical troubleshooting

• Service engineers

• Spare parts

• Warranty support

• Maintenance assistance

For industrial equipment, dependable after-sales service can be just as important as the initial purchase price.

18. Not Asking About Spare Parts

Before purchasing, ask:

“If a component needs replacement, where will the spare come from?”

Also ask about:

• Availability

• Expected delivery time

• Local service support

• Replacement procedure

• Warranty coverage

This can be particularly important for facilities where generator availability is critical.

19. Ignoring the Total RECD Cost

The RECD price for DG set should not be evaluated as a standalone equipment number.

The final project cost can involve:

• Equipment

• Installation

• Fabrication

• Transportation

• Commissioning

• Taxes

• Maintenance

• Service

Ask suppliers to provide a complete quotation so that you can compare equivalent scopes.

20. Assuming an Old Quotation Is Still Valid

Prices, product availability and regulatory information can change.

CPCB's official website continues to maintain and update its generator-set-related information. Its main website currently shows the Generator Sets section under Noise Pollution, including Type Approval/COP data.

For a 2026 purchase, check current official information rather than relying entirely on an old supplier quotation or outdated blog.

21. Confusing Product Certification With Automatic Site Compliance

This is a critical distinction.

Even where an RECD has relevant certification documentation, that does not mean buyers should automatically assume that every installation is compliant with every applicable requirement.

The actual assessment may depend on:

• DG set

• Engine

• RECD model

• Applicable requirements

• Location

• Installation conditions

• Current regulatory provisions

For site-specific compliance questions, verify the current requirements with the appropriate authority or qualified professional.

22. Not Defining the Installation Scope

Before approving an online purchase, decide exactly who is responsible for:

• Exhaust modifications

• Fabrication

• Mounting

• Installation

• Welding

• Commissioning

• Testing or inspection, where applicable

Put these responsibilities into the quotation or purchase order.

This reduces the possibility of unexpected charges after delivery.

23. Not Checking Delivery Time

“Available online” does not necessarily mean the exact model is in stock.

Ask:

• Is the exact model available?

• What is the manufacturing lead time?

• When will it be dispatched?

• What is the expected delivery date?

• When can installation begin?

If your DG is required for an upcoming project, delivery timing should be part of your purchasing decision.

24. Making Payment Before Completing Verification

Avoid rushing into payment simply because a supplier says:

“Price valid only today.”

Before approving the purchase, verify:

DG information → Product model → Documentation → Technical suitability → Complete price → Warranty → Delivery

Once these are clear, proceed according to your organization's procurement procedure.

25. Using a Vague Purchase Order

Avoid writing only:

“Supply 1 RECD for DG.”

Instead, specify:

• Manufacturer

• Model

• Quantity

• DG identification

• Technical scope

• Installation scope

• Fabrication

• Delivery

• Warranty

• Documentation

A detailed purchase order protects both buyer and supplier from misunderstandings.

26. Not Maintaining Product Records

Once the product is purchased, maintain records of:

• Manufacturer

• Model

• Serial number

• DG identification

• Installation date

• Warranty

• Installation report

• Relevant documentation

If several generators are involved, create an individual record for every unit.

This makes future maintenance and warranty management much easier.

27. Choosing a Supplier Without Evaluating Technical Support

Imagine two suppliers offer almost the same commercial price.

Supplier A provides:

• Technical consultation

• Site survey

• Installation support

• Documentation

• Warranty service

Supplier B provides:

• Equipment dispatch only

The two offers are not actually equivalent.

When evaluating an online supplier, consider the complete service package.

28. Forgetting to Verify Local Requirements

CPCB information is an important reference, but generator requirements can also involve applicable State Pollution Control Board or Pollution Control Committee requirements and site-specific conditions.

Therefore, don't assume that a general online statement applies identically to every location.

For a compliance-sensitive installation, verify the current requirements applicable to your site.

29. Treating Online Purchase as a One-Click Transaction

An RECD is specialized industrial equipment.

A better purchasing process is:

Research

Find suitable manufacturers and suppliers.

Technical verification

Provide DG and engine details.

Documentation

Review the exact model and relevant supporting information.

Commercial comparison

Compare complete quotations.

Installation planning

Confirm exhaust modifications and site requirements.

Purchase

Finalize the detailed order.

Support

Keep warranty and service information for future use.

This approach is more reliable than simply selecting the cheapest online listing.

A Better Pre-Order Checklist

Before placing an online RECD order, verify:

DG Information

• Engine manufacturer identified

• Engine model identified

• Gross mechanical power confirmed

• DG rating recorded

• Exhaust details available

Product

• Manufacturer identified

• Exact model number confirmed

• Datasheet received

• Application suitability discussed

Documentation

• Relevant supporting documents requested

• Official CPCB information checked

• Current applicable requirements reviewed

Installation

• Exhaust compatibility checked

• Fabrication scope defined

• Installation responsibility confirmed

• Commissioning clarified

Commercial

• Complete quotation received

• Taxes confirmed

• Transport confirmed

• Warranty documented

• Delivery date confirmed

Support

• Service contact identified

• Spare-parts availability discussed

• Warranty claim process understood

Five Questions to Ask Before Ordering

If you want a quick final check, ask your supplier:

1. Which exact RECD model is suitable for my DG?

2. What documents support the product's stated certification or applicability?

3. What is included in the quoted price?

4. Who will handle installation and after-sales service?

5. What current official requirements should I verify for this installation?

A supplier who can answer these questions clearly and provide appropriate documentation gives you a much stronger basis for proceeding.

Final Thoughts

The decision to buy RECD for generators online should be approached with the same care used for any specialized industrial purchase. Online platforms can make supplier discovery easier, but they cannot replace technical evaluation. The most important steps are straightforward: identify your engine and DG specifications, obtain the exact RECD model, review its documentation, confirm installation requirements and compare complete quotations. The RECD price for DG set is another important consideration, but it should always be compared alongside installation, fabrication, transportation, warranty and technical support. A reliable online purchase should leave you with more than an invoice. You should have a clearly identified product, appropriate technical documentation, defined installation responsibilities, written warranty terms and a dependable route for future service.