In India, the safe and efficient use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in households relies heavily on a small yet vital component, the low-pressure regulator. Though often overlooked, this device plays a crucial role in ensuring that LPG from domestic cylinders is delivered at a safe, controlled pressure to household appliances like gas stoves and ovens.
Any malfunction in the regulator could
pose significant safety risks, such as gas leaks, fires, or even explosions.
Recognizing its critical role, the Bureau
of Indian Standards (BIS) has mandated compliance with Indian Standard IS 9798:2013 for all low-pressure regulators used
with LPG mixtures.
This certification, symbolized by the ISI mark, assures consumers that the product has been rigorously tested and conforms to India's highest safety and quality standards. For manufacturers and importers, obtaining BIS certification under IS 9798:2013 is not just a mark of compliance—it's a prerequisite for legally marketing and distributing these regulators in the country.
A low-pressure
regulator is a pressure-reducing device that connects directly to the valve
of an LPG cylinder. The gas stored in a domestic cylinder is under high
pressure—too high to be safely used by household appliances. The regulator
reduces this pressure to a level that is safe and suitable for cooking
appliances, typically around 28 to 37
mbar (millibar), depending on the regional standard and appliance
requirement.
The regulator also serves as a safety valve, automatically shutting off the gas supply in case of abnormalities like excessive flow due to leakage. In essence, it acts as the first line of defense in preventing LPG-related hazards in domestic environments.
IS 9798:2013, titled Low Pressure Regulators for Use with
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Mixtures, is the Indian Standard that governs
the design, materials, construction, and performance of these regulators. This
standard applies to both single-stage and two-stage regulators used in domestic
applications.
Key highlights of IS 9798:2013
include:
Manufacturers must ensure that each
regulator complies with these stringent norms before applying for BIS
certification.
IS 9798:2013 mandates rigorous testing
of low-pressure regulators to verify their reliability under various
conditions. Some of the key tests include:
Each of these tests is designed to validate the regulator’s ability to perform safely and consistently over its lifecycle.
Obtaining BIS certification for
low-pressure regulators involves a comprehensive
evaluation of both the product and the manufacturing setup. Here’s how the
process generally works:
To apply for BIS certification, manufacturers need to submit the following documents:
● Application form
● Manufacturing process details
● Quality control plan
● Test reports from BIS-approved laboratories
● Factory layout and equipment details
● Proof of business registration
● Product specifications and technical details
● Declaration of conformity to Indian standards
Additionally, manufacturers may be required to provide proof of compliance with environmental and safety regulations, depending on the specific type of product being certified.
Since IS 9798:2013 is part of the mandatory BIS certification scheme, no
manufacturer or importer can sell low-pressure LPG regulators in the Indian
market without obtaining the ISI mark. Non-compliance can result in regulatory
penalties, product recalls, or legal action.
The certification is not only a requirement for legal sale but also serves as a competitive advantage. Products bearing the ISI mark gain trust among consumers and regulatory authorities, enhancing brand reputation and market reach.
The BIS certification granted under IS 9798:2013 is typically valid for two years, after which manufacturers must apply for renewal. The renewal process requires demonstration of continued compliance and may include fresh product testing and factory re-inspection. Maintaining up-to-date certification ensures uninterrupted production and sales in the Indian market.
The BIS certification for low-pressure
LPG regulators under IS 9798:2013 is a critical component in India’s commitment
to gas safety. For consumers, it means peace of mind that their cooking gas
system is safe and reliable. For manufacturers, it is both a legal requirement
and a powerful endorsement of product quality.
In a country where millions rely on
LPG daily, BIS certification of regulators is not just a technical compliance
issue—it’s a public safety imperative. Whether you're a domestic manufacturer or
an international brand aiming to enter the Indian market, securing the ISI mark
under this standard is essential for credibility, safety, and business
continuity.
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