ISO 10816-3 Vibration Severity Evaluator

Classifies the vibration velocity measured on the bearing housings of industrial machines above 15 kW, running between 120 and 15,000 rpm, into ISO 10816-3 evaluation zones.

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Zone boundaries (mm/s RMS)

These tools are intended for preliminary assessment and training. Decisions on critical equipment should be based on on-site measurement and expert evaluation.

How to use

Select the machine group by rated power.
Select the foundation type: rigid if the lowest natural frequency of the machine-foundation system is at least 25% above the running frequency, otherwise flexible.
Enter the highest broadband (10–1000 Hz) vibration velocity measured on the bearings in mm/s RMS.

Theory & formulas

ISO 10816-3 evaluates vibration severity using the RMS velocity in the 10–1000 Hz band (2–1000 Hz for machines of 120–600 rpm).

Zone boundaries (mm/s RMS) — Group 1: rigid 2.3 / 4.5 / 7.1, flexible 3.5 / 7.1 / 11.0. Group 2: rigid 1.4 / 2.8 / 4.5, flexible 2.3 / 4.5 / 7.1.

ISO 20816-3 is the current standard replacing ISO 10816-3, with a similar evaluation approach. An ALERT level is commonly set 25% above the baseline or 25% above the B/C boundary.

Frequently asked questions

Is 4.5 mm/s vibration high?

It depends on machine group and foundation. Under ISO 10816-3, 4.5 mm/s on a medium (Group 2) machine on a rigid foundation is at the C/D boundary and needs urgent evaluation; on a large (Group 1) machine on a flexible foundation it is only slightly above the B/C boundary.

Which machines does ISO 10816-3 cover?

Industrial machines above 15 kW running between 120 and 15,000 rpm, such as pumps, fans, compressors, electric motors and generators. Reciprocating machines and wind turbines, among others, are covered by separate parts.