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- Mandatory compliance for BIS Certification for PVC Insulated Electric Cables Under IS 1554(Part 2) : 1988 requires BIS certification. The PVC insulated heavy-duty electric cable, ranging from 3.3 kV to 11 kV that has received the BIS certification is compliant with IS 1554 Part 2:1988, and thus, there is assurance that the product is safe, performs well, and complies with regulations.
- Assured safety and reliability are provided through the rigorous testing of various types of cables such as insulation resistance, voltage endurance, and mechanical strength (routine testing) to minimize the potential for electrical failures and/or fire hazards in industrial applications.
- Using BIS-certified cables results in fewer issues related to delays, penalties, and insurance claims, and hence are required for any large industrial projects in India, including all Government Projects.
- Meeting high manufacturing standards means that cables are made from high-quality conductors and have high-quality PVC insulation and have been manufactured to have proper armouring to last in service under heavy-duty conditions for many years.
- Manufacturers of BIS-certified cables like Polycab and Havells are able to enhance the brand image and market trust of their products, while customers save on maintenance costs, receive a faster timeline for project completion and achieve reliable and consistent electrical performance.
Introduction | PVC Insulated Electric Cables
In 2023, a prominent EPC contractor located in Mumbai repeatedly experienced project delays due to the BIS Certification for PVC Insulated (Part 2) Electric Cables Under IS 1554(Part 2) : 1988 ordering not having the required BIS certification. Even though the high voltage cable met the basic technical specifications, it failed the installation inspection process therefore causing costly rejections and downtime. This example illustrates why it is essential that high-voltage PVC Insulated (Heavy Duty) Electric Cables (3.3kV – 11kV) are certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under IS 1554 Part 2:1988. These cables are the backbone of industrial, commercial, and utility applications; without adhering to the standards set forth by BIS, it is possible to experience short circuits, fire hazards, and costly delays. Conversely, certifying your heavy-duty cables through BIS provides a means to verify that the cables meet all the requirements of the BIS certification process as well as traceability to their source and factory, therefore creating trust with engineers, procurement teams, and end users. Whether you are a manufacturer seeking certification, an EPC contractor hoping to buy heavy-duty cables in bulk, or an industrial buyer purchasing heavy-duty cables for your application, understanding the details of the certification process for high voltage PVC Insulated heavy-duty cables under IS 1554 Part 2:1988 is necessary. In this article, the author will discuss the technical, legal, and practical aspects of obtaining certification for high-voltage PVC Insulated heavy-duty cables in accordance with IS 1554 Part 2:1988 as demonstrated through actual experiences of the Indian Industry.
What is IS 1554(Part 2) : 1988 ?
The Indian Standard number for the test method of wiring and cable insulation in India is IS 1554 (Part 2) 1988; it covers 3.31 to 11.01 kV Heavy duty PVC Insulated Electrical Cables. The standard provides for the Design Requirements (Phase), Construction (Stranding) and Testing Requirements (Phase) of PVCP (Poly Vinyl Chloride Plastic) Insulated Electrical Cables. This Standard specifies the performance, electrical insulating properties, characteristics that classify as Heavy Duty PVC Insulated Electrical Cables. (Also included are) The Materials used for Electrical Conductors, Insulation Thickness, Armouring and Electrical Performance which apply to this product in all working environments (both Commercial and Industrial) and the Testing Standard to verify compliance with the manufacturing standards set forth in this standard. Quality Assurance for IS 1554 (Part 2) Products is made available through Indian Government Recognised Certification Entities.
Key Points
- Scope & Application: The scope of this Standard applies to PVC insulated heavy duty electric cables with working voltages ranging between 3.3kV to 11kV for industrial and utility power distribution.
- Conductor Quality: This Standard requires the use of high quality copper or aluminium conductors as the basis for low resistance, reliable current flow and a long-term electrical efficiency benefit.
- Insulation & Protection: The Standard defines the requirements for the PVC Insulation and armouring of the cables to ensure that they are mechanically strong, resistant to chemicals, and have flame retardant properties.
- Electrical & Mechanical Testing: This Standard defines the type and routine tests for insulation resistance, voltage withstand, and mechanical robustness to ensure the safe operation of the Cables.
- Certification by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) & Compliance: Certification by BIS ensures regulatory compliance to project reliability and reduced maintenance issues associated with certified cables. Thus, certification by BIS is imperative for large Industrial installations.
Why is BIS Certification Mandatory
In Indian industry, distribution of power using high voltage wires (3.3 to 11 KV) is necessary for such infrastructures as commercial buildings, factories and construction projects. Cables which do not meet BIS certification can be subject to severe damage and operational risk in the event of a short circuit, fire, or other similar failure. Under the BIS certification program (IS1554 part 2), all cables produced must comply with extensive specifications on safety, quality and performance; therefore any cable produced under these requirements will provide legal, operational and technical protection for electrical users.
Key Points
- Safety Compliance : All cables that are certified by BIS have been tested to provide a certain level of insulation, voltage resistance, and strength to minimize the chances of electrical accidents and fire hazards.
- Regulatory Compliance: Compliance with BIS regulations is required by the Government Rules and Regulations. By using non-certified cables, you may run into legal consequences and have your project rejected.
- Reliability in Projects: Cables that have been tested for heavy-duty applications have been certified. By using certified cables, the chance for interruption, failure, or expensive delays due to maintenance and repair problems is considerably lower.
- Quality Assurance: Cables undergo many tests to meet certain specifications for conductor quality, thermal insulation materials (PVC vs. fiberglass), and quality of armouring. Documentation of testing and compliance is available during audits and for clients purchasing products.
- Market Credibility & Client Confidence: Companies producing and distributing BIS-certified cables create trust with clients in electricity producers and users. BIS certified companies produce safer and more dependable installations and will instill confidence with their clients.
Importance and Benefits of BIS Certification
| Importance | Benefits |
| Compliance with IS 1554 Part 2:1988 for High Voltage Cable up to 11kV | Safety and Reliability – Reduces Risk of Electrical Accidents and Fire Hazards |
| Requirement for Industrial, Commercial, and Government Projects in India | Higher Efficiency with Less Maintenance and Downtime during Projects. |
| Legal/Regulatory Assurance for Manufacturer, Supplier, and Buyer. | Clients, EPC Contractors and End Users Will Have Trust and Credibility in the Company. |
| Cables Will Meet Mechanical, Electrical, and Insulation Quality Assurances Standard. | Operates Consistently Under Heavy Duty Operating Conditions. |
| Eliminates the Possibility of Using Substandard and/or Unsafe Cables For Critical Installations. | Providing Traceable Documentation for Audits/Procurement/Project Approval. |
Step-by-Step Process of BIS Certification
Step1:Documentation
- Collect required technical documents
- Prepare product specifications
- Gather company registration details
- Ensure documents follow BIS format
Step2:Product Testing
- Send samples to a BIS-approved lab
- Conduct safety and quality tests
- Receive test reports
- Confirm compliance with BIS standards
Step3:Application Submission
- Fill out the BIS application form
- Upload all required documents
- Attach valid test reports
- Pay the necessary BIS fees
Step4:Scrutiny and Inspection
- BIS reviews submitted documents
- Authority verifies test results
- Factory/product inspection may occur
- Clarifications requested if needed
Step5:Grant of License
- BIS approves the application
- License number is issued
- Product can carry BIS mark
- Renewal required before expiry
Documents Required for BIS Certification
| Category | Documents Required |
| Company Registration | Certificate of Incorporation / Business Registration proof |
| Manufacturing Unit Details | Factory address proof, layout plan, and list of manufacturing machinery |
| Product Information | Product specification and technical data sheet |
| Quality Control Documents | Quality control manual and in-house testing procedures |
| Test Reports | Product test report from a BIS-recognized laboratory |
Timelines, Costs, Validity & Renewal
- Timelines: Usually from 20 to 30 days, with only 7-15 days for the testing.
- Costs: The cost of the government and the test varies depending on the product. There can be some additional charges though.
- Validity: The validity period is 2 years in most situations.
- Renewal: The renewal is done before the expiration; there should be updated documents/tests; the renewal
Why Choose Diligence Certifications
- Expert Assistance Through All Levels: Diligence Certifications guide their customers through every step, from preparing documentation for testing to receiving the final BIS Approval and IS 1554 (Part 2):1988 compliance.
- Established History of Success: Many of Diligence Certifications’ existing customers such as Industrial Manufacturers and EPC Contractors have successfully gone through the Certification Process without experiencing any delays due to the use of non-compliant cable.
- Reduced Time to Achieve Certification: Diligence Certifications is able to expedite their customer’s overall Testing and Approval Process by utilizing their strong relationships with BIS Approved Laboratories which helps to decrease the time it takes to complete a project.
- Complete Support: Diligence Certifications goes beyond providing Certification Support by also providing Quality Audits, Supplier Verification, and Regulatory Documentation, which ensures that customers have all the resources they need to implement their project smoothly.
- Trust and Credibility: By using Diligence Certifications as your partner, you will gain confidence in your supplier’s ability to provide PVC Insulated Heavy Duty Cables that meet stringent BIS requirements, thereby increasing your project’s level of reliability.
Conclusion
Compliance with BIS Certification for PVC Insulated (Heavy Duty) Electric Cables in accordance with IS 1554 (Part 2):1988 is vital for the safety and reliability of industrial and commercial projects and is an indication that manufacturers are following acceptable regulatory practices. In addition to supplying quality conductors with PVC insulation, BIS certified cables will also reduce delays in developing a project as well as to reduce maintenance problems of electrical components. Diligence Certifications provides manufacturers, EPC contractors and industrial purchasers with confidence that their project has been supplied with a high-quality product, that they have suppliers who will support their projects and speed the process through the certification process. With certified cables, your organization will improve the effectiveness of your project’s development; strengthen your client’s confidence in your ability to provide quality equipment and maintain operational safety long term.
