NACE 27 – Manufacture of Electrical Equipment | Public Tenders

Definition: NACE 27 covers the manufacture of electrical equipment and devices – from electric motors, transformers and generators to batteries and accumulators, wiring devices, lighting equipment and household appliances. In public procurement, this division is particularly relevant for street lighting, energy infrastructure and building services.

Legal basis: NACE Rev. 2 (Regulation (EC) No 1893/2006) · Last updated: January 2026

What does NACE 27 cover?

NACE 27 (Manufacture of electrical equipment) classifies manufacturers of electrical devices and components – an area that has gained importance for the public sector, especially in the context of the energy transition and infrastructure modernisation.

Division 27 within Section C (Manufacturing) is broken down into seven groups:

Public Tenders: Scope of NACE 27

Electrical equipment is a permanent core area of public procurement – from street lighting and energy storage for municipal utilities to electrical devices in public institutions.

Typical Contract Types

• Street lighting: Supply and installation of LED street lights as part of municipal modernisation programmes
• Energy storage systems: Battery storage for municipal energy suppliers, schools and public buildings
• Switchgear and transformers: Electrical infrastructure for municipal utility networks and public buildings
• Cables and wiring material: Electrical installation in new builds and refurbishments of public buildings
• Building services: Electrical control and security systems in schools, public authorities and hospitals
• Charging infrastructure: Charging stations for electric vehicles in public car parks and fleet depots

Thresholds and Procedure Types

Supply contracts in NACE 27 are subject to EU-wide tendering above EUR 221,000. Utility contracting entities (energy suppliers) have a higher threshold of EUR 443,000. Most contracts are awarded under the open procedure; for technically complex systems (e.g. smart grid infrastructure), negotiated procedures or competitive dialogues are also used.

Relevant CPV Codes for NACE 27

Searching for tenders for electrical equipment is primarily done via CPV codes from 31000000 (Electrical apparatus) and 34993000 (Street lighting).

Current tenders with these CPV codes can be found on TED (Tenders Electronic Daily) and on national procurement platforms.

For Contracting Authorities and Bidders

Public Contracting Authorities

The main contracting authorities in NACE 27 are municipalities (street lighting, building services), municipal energy suppliers as utility contracting entities (grid infrastructure, transformers), school authorities (electrical installation during refurbishments), as well as hospitals (electrical medical technology) and federal authorities (electrical infrastructure in federal properties). In the context of the energy transition, battery storage projects and charging infrastructure tenders are becoming increasingly important.

Companies and Bidders

Manufacturers and dealers of electrical equipment must typically provide the following evidence in public tendering:

• Product conformity: CE marking, Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU), compliance with the German ElektroG
• Technical capability: Product data sheets, test reports, reference lists of comparable supplies
• Energy efficiency: Ecodesign conformity, energy class declarations (especially for lighting and household appliances)
• Economic capability: Annual turnover statements, liability insurance
• Quality management: ISO 9001, plus additional certifications for special applications (e.g. explosion protection)

Frequently Asked Questions on NACE 27 and Public Tenders

Which energy efficiency requirements apply to lighting tenders?
For lighting equipment, contracting authorities must comply with the EU Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) and the Ecodesign Regulation. In practice, minimum requirements are often set for luminous efficacy (lm/W), colour rendering (CRI) and service life (operating hours). LED technology is now standard in municipal street lighting projects.

How are battery storage projects for municipal energy suppliers tendered?
Large-scale storage projects are tendered as EU-wide supply and service contracts depending on project volume. Because system integration is often complex, turnkey solutions (supply + installation + maintenance) are frequently procured through competitive dialogue or negotiated procedure.

Are charging stations for electric vehicles classified under NACE 27?
The manufacture of charging station hardware falls under NACE 27.9 (other electrical equipment). The operation of charging infrastructure as a service, by contrast, is captured under other NACE codes (e.g. D 35 – Energy supply). CPV code 31681500 (Electric chargers) is the relevant code for charging infrastructure tenders.

Are there special rules for electrical equipment in hazardous areas?
Yes – ATEX-compliant equipment (Directive 2014/34/EU) has specific certification and labelling requirements. Contracting authorities in areas such as wastewater treatment plants, biogas facilities or tank storage must specify ATEX requirements in the tender documents.

• NACE C – Manufacturing: Parent section covering all manufacturing activities
• NACE 26 – Computer, electronic and optical products: IT hardware, semiconductors, telecommunications
• NACE 28 – Manufacture of machinery and equipment: General and industry-specific machinery
• NACE 35 – Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply: Electricity, gas and heat supply

Last updated: January 2026
All information is provided without guarantee. For legally binding advice, please consult a law firm specialising in public procurement law.