NACE 27.1 – Manufacture of Electric Motors and Transformers | Public Tenders

Definition: NACE 27.1 covers the manufacture of electric motors, generators, transformers and electrical distribution and switchgear. This includes low-voltage and high-voltage switchgear, control cabinets, fuses and measurement and protection devices for electrical networks and building services.

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

What does NACE 27.1 cover?

NACE 27.1 (Manufacture of electric motors, generators, transformers and electricity-distribution and -control apparatus) classifies manufacturers of basic electrical equipment that is fundamental for energy distribution in public networks, buildings and infrastructure facilities.

Group 27.1 is broken down into the following classes:

Public contracting authorities under NACE 27.1 include network operators (as utility contracting authorities), the armed forces and defence infrastructure, federal authorities with data centres (UPS systems), public construction administrations and municipal utilities and supply companies.

Public tenders: scope of activity NACE 27.1

Electrical distribution and switchgear are indispensable for the energy supply of public properties — from federal authorities and hospitals to data centres of public administration.

Typical contract types

• Transformer stations and substations: renewal of local network stations, new construction of substations for municipal network operators
• Low-voltage main distribution boards (NSHV): switchgear for public buildings (schools, town halls, hospitals)
• Medium-voltage systems for properties: MV compact stations for armed-forces properties, university campuses, major event sites
• Standby generators (NEA): diesel generators and UPS systems for critical infrastructure (data centres, hospitals, authorities)
• Frequency converters and motor controllers: drive technology for wastewater-treatment plants, pumping stations and ventilation systems in public buildings
• Tram technology and railway traction: rectifier stations and overhead-contact line systems for municipal trams and S-Bahn networks

Thresholds and procurement procedures

Switchgear and transformers are tendered as supply contracts; if planning and installation are included, as works (EU threshold EUR 5,538,000) or services. Utility contracting authorities (network operators) have higher thresholds (EUR 443,000 for supply and service contracts).

Relevant CPV codes for NACE 27.1

The bridge between the NACE classification and the tender search is formed by the CPV codes (Common Procurement Vocabulary), which must be stated in every notice on TED.

Current tenders are published on TED (Tenders Electronic Daily) and on national procurement platforms.

For whom is NACE 27.1 relevant in procurement law?

Public contracting authorities

Municipal and regional network operators (municipal utilities, E.ON subsidiaries in public ownership) are bound by procurement law as utility contracting authorities under § 100 GWB when procuring network equipment. The Federal Office for Infrastructure, Environmental Protection and Services of the Bundeswehr (BAIUDBw) procures electrical installations for armed-forces properties. Public construction administrations (state building authorities, state building offices) tender electrical building fit-out for new construction and refurbishment.

Companies and bidders

Manufacturers and systems integrators must typically provide the following evidence:

• Technical standards: compliance with IEC 61439 (switchgear), IEC 60076 (transformers), VDE standards
• Test evidence: type-test certificates and routine-test evidence for switchgear
• Qualification evidence: qualified electrician certification of the installation personnel
• References: demonstrated experience in comparable public-infrastructure projects

Frequently asked questions on NACE 27.1 and public tenders

What standards apply to switchgear in public buildings?
Low-voltage switchgear must comply with IEC/EN 61439. The planning is governed by the DIN VDE 0100 series of standards and VDE application rules (e.g. VDE-AR-E 2100-712 for building installations).

How do I find tenders for transformers and switchgear?
Search on TED by CPV code 31170000 (transformers) or 31200000 (switchgear). Network-extension measures of municipal utilities are often announced on regional tender bulletins.

Do network operators have special procurement rules?
Yes. Network operators are utility contracting authorities under § 100 GWB and are subject to the Utilities Procurement Ordinance (SektVO). Thresholds are higher than under classical procurement law and more types of procedure (e.g. negotiated procedure without prior call for competition) are available.

• NACE C – Manufacturing: parent section
• NACE 27 – Manufacture of electrical equipment: parent division
• NACE 26.8 – Manufacture of storage media: archiving of public data
• NACE 27.2 – Manufacture of batteries and accumulators: energy storage, electromobility

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