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- Scope: The scope of IS 13779 covers single-phase and three-phase AC static meters useful for residential, commercial or industrial applications.
- Accuracy: Depending on accuracy Class 1 meters have an error of +1 % and Class 2 meters have an error of +2%, for the providing of reliable energy consumption data.
- Safety & Construction: Meters are required to be sealed, dustproof, moisture proof and must be safe for the user.
- Testing: Requires lab tests for accuracy, insulation, high voltage, and environmental durability.
- BIS License: Meters that are certified must bear the ISI mark as proof of quality, to instill trust, confidence, and proof that the product is suitable for the Indian market.
Introduction
AC static watt-hour meters are devices that accurately measure energy that is consumed in residential, commercial, and industrial type applications. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the authority in India responsible for testing and certifying watt-hour meters and requires that they be strictly adhered to requirements for quality, accuracy, and safety with certification to IS 13779. Certification of a meter to Class 1 or Class 2 requirements of BIS not only confirms the meters capability to accurately measure energy, it
What is BIS Certification for AC static watt-hour meters
BIS certification is a mark of quality and compliance in the indication of Electric self-measuring instruments for purposes – in India. Therefore, AC static watt-hour meters, used to measure electrical energy consumption, must bear BIS certification to indicate the meters conform to the stated standards within IS 13779 for accuracy of measurement, safety and reliability.
In particular the Class 1 & Class 2 meters will be verified to ensure:
- The accuracy of the energy consumption measured by the meter is within the permitted limits.
- The construction of the meters have additional features to ensure no tampering, made out of materials to withstand environmental conditions and that safe for the consumer to use.
- The meters have met the testing and inspection laid by Bureau of India Standards.
Once the product is certified, the manufacturer of the electrical self-measuring instruments may apply an ISI mark which conveys and provides assurance to consumers and regulatory bodies that the metering instrument conforms for use and manufacture to Indian standards.
What is IS 13779?
IS 13779 is an Indian Standard providing requirements for AC static watt-hour meters of accuracy classes one and two. IS 13779 addresses:
- Design and construction features of meters, including safety, and environmental durability.
- Accuracy limits for measuring electrical energy in both single-phase and three-phase systems.
- Tests and other operational characteristics, including dependable operation under specified conditions.
- Usage to meters with multi-rate tariffs and usage in both directions (with an energy delivery and receiving function).
In summary, IS 13779 provides assurance concerning the accuracy, safety and reliability of watt-hour meters for electrical energy measurement and based on the standard meters qualified for Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for certification.
Why BIS Certification is Mandatory for AC static watt-hour meters, class
- Assurance of Accuracy: Class 1 and Class 2 meters can accurately measure consumption of energy within error bounds. The BIS Certification assures that all such meters measure and are authenticated as being within the accuracy limits described in IS 13779 in order to eliminate errors in billing due to inaccurate energy measurement.
- Assurance of Safety: Electric meters must not only be accurate but also be safe, tamper-proof, dust-proof, resistant to moisture, and be resistant to temperature.
- Assurance of Compliance to Regulatory requirements: Any electrical energy meter intended to be sold and used in India must have ISI / BIS marked on the energy meter to comply with Indian Standards.
- Assurance to Consumers: BIS Certified meters will assure consumers are not being overcharged for energy consumption beyond what they actually used and instill confidence regarding the electric meter billings.
- Assurance to Market Access: Manufacturers of electric meters must be able to assure BIS Certification and demonstrate all assurance factors to have the electric meter in the India market and will hold credibility on the trust factors for the electric meter for both domestic and international markets.
Key Highlights of BIS Certification for AC static watt-hour meters
- Compliance with IS 13779- Affirms the meters adhere to the Indian Standard (IS) for specified limits on accuracy, safety, and reliability.
- Accuracy Classes- Encompasses both Class 1 (±1% error) and Class 2 (±2% error) meters for accurate measurement of energy.
- Safety and Durability- The meters are tamper-resistant, dust and moisture resistant, and safe for human use.
- Testing and Quality Assurance- Meticulous testing leading to certification which includes an assortment of accuracy testing, insulation test, high voltage tests, environmental tests.
- ISI Mark & Market Access- The certified meters are permitted the use of ISI mark (for trustability and ensure legal marketing).
- Continual Surveillance- BIS is entitled to conduct periodic inspections to guarantee ongoing compliance and quality of products.
Step-by-Step Process of BIS Certification for AC static watt-hour meters
Step1: Application:
- The manufacturer applies formally to BIS.
- The application must contain details about the product, design features, reports of type testing of the product, and information about the manufacturer.
Step 2: Documents Review:
- The Bureau of Indian Standards checks if the documents submitted by the manufacturer meet all requirements of the IS 13779 Standard.
- The Bureau checks the design features, accuracy specifications, and safety features if specified in the Standards.
Step 3: Factory Inspection:
- The Bureau conducts an inspection of the factory processes to check on:
- BIS conducts a factory audit to verify:
- The manufacturing processes
- The quality control systems
- The manufacturer’s ability to carry out the testing
Step 4: Sample Testing:
- The Bureau obtains samples of AC watt-hour meters from the manufacturer’s factory premises to test for ISI compliance at a BIS-recognized laboratory.
- Testing includes accuracy testing, insulation resistance, high voltage, and environmental testing.
Step 5: Grant of License:
- If the inspection of the factory or the testing samples passes all checks, the Bureau of Indian Standards issues a license.
- The manufacturer is permitted to display the ISI Mark on the meter certified for the IS 13779 Standard.
Step 6: Surveillance and Renewal:
- The Bureau of Indian Standards conducts periodic factory inspection and sample testing as necessary to ensure the testing process continues to comply with the Standard.
- The license needs to be renewed as instructed by the Bureau of Indian Standards to continue the validity of the marker that the meter has received.
Benefits of receiving BIS Certification for AC static watt-hour meters.
- Correctness assured- Stations have to give an accurate indication of energy being purchased and should stay within accuracy thresholds for Class 1 and Class 2 meters as well to mitigate billing disputes.
- Greater Safety- Certified meters should meet safety metrics and be constructed in a tamper-proof manner and be resistant to dust, moisture and temperature.
- Overall Compliance- Certification with the Bureau of Indian Standards is required for the sale and installation of meters in India and ensures compliance with IS 13779 and compliance with national standards.
- Consumer Confidence- Certification with the Bureau of Indian Standards will provide consumers with the confidence that they are being billed only for the energy that is actually consumed, and should improve their confidence in their electricity bills.
- Access to Market and Credibility- BIS Certification provides manufacturers the ability to legally sell their meters in the Indian market, as well as improve their overall credibility in both domestic and international markets.
Timelines, Costs, Validity & Renewal
- Timelines: 3–6 months from application submitted to issuance of the license.
- Costs: Application fee, testing fees, and annual license fee (determined by the product).
- Validity: License is valid for 5 years.
- Renewal: To renew, apply before expiration date with updated technical test reports and fees; the BIS may inspect again.
Why Choose Diligence Certifications
- Operational Support- Provides operational and technical support throughout all stages of the BIS certification process, ensuring compliance with IS 13779 requirements.
- Full Service- Values your time and handles all the activities associated with applying for certification, factory compliance reviews and even sample tests to relieve the burden of administration work.
- Time Saving- We coordinate everything to properly follow the process and save you time as the manufacturer, obtaining certification faster than usual and without delays.
- Cost Effective- We provide advice on testing and documentation to save on excessive costs and rework along the way.
- Ongoing Compliance & Renewal Assistance- We assist with your license renewals and continued compliance with BIS to ensure your meters stay certified and ready to go to market.
Conclusion
Ultimately, certification of AC static watt-hour meters (Class 1 & 2) by BIS to IS 13779 is needed for accurate, safety assurance and reliable energy consumption measures. It will provide product validation to Indian standards and provide consumer trust and access to the marketplace. Working with an experienced certification partner like Diligence Certifications will mean ease of ISO certification for your company, time savings, cost effectiveness, and will assure compliance but more importantly, provide you, the manufacturer, with compliant and reliable high quality meters for the marketplace.
Frequently Ask Questions
What does a BIS Certification mean for AC static watt-hour meters?
BIS stands for Bureau of Indian Standards, and when it appears on the AC static watt-hour meters, it indicates that the meters pass accuracy, safety, and reliability requirements established under a standard, an Indian Standard, IS 13779, prior to being sold in India.
What does having the meter BIS Certified mean it is a requirement?
The meter is required to be BIS Certified to indicate that the meters provide accurate energy measurements, are safe, and meet laws and regulations for use in India.
What is IS 13779?
IS 13779 is the Indian standard that defines the specifications and testing methods of AC static watt-hour meters defined in specified accuracy Classes 1 and 2.
What is the difference between Class 1 and Class 2 watt-hour meters?
The maximum allowable accuracy error for Class 1 is ±1% and Class 2 is ±2%, which in effect indicates the meter is expected to measure consumption a similar degree of accuracy with some allowance for error.
What testing does BIS do on watt-hour meters for certification?
The testing is called accuracy testing, which includes tests for insulation resistance, high voltage tests, or environmental durability testing, and are usually performed in a laboratory.
How long is the certification duration for AC static watt-hour meters?
The certification process can take anywhere between one and six months depending on the completeness of the documents and test results.
What is the validity of a BIS license?
A BIS license for AC static watt-hour meters is valid for five years and the manufacturer should be licensed prior to the expiration of the license (in order to maintain continuity).
Can foreign manufacturers apply for BIS Certification under IS 13779?
Yes, foreign manufacturers can apply for BIS Certification through an Authorized Indian Representative who is registered with BIS.
What are the benefits of BIS Certification for manufacturers?
BIS Certification means they can legally sell meters in India; it gives confidence to their customers; and establishes some legitimacy and credibility both nationally and internationally.
What happens to a manufacturer who sells AC static watt-hour meters in India that are not BIS certified?
Selling meters not certified is illegal in India and the manufacturer would likely face penalties, the products would be confiscated (potentially leading to a ban from selling in the marketplace).
