The PVC-insulated electric cables are widely used in power distribution. They are specially designed for effective working in high-voltage situations. These electric cables have great mechanical strength and high-quality insulation properties. Thus, these wires can be effectively utilized for power transmissions and installations in industry, building construction, cable laying, and many other applications.
The Bureau of Indian Standards has outlined requirements under IS 1554 (Part 2): 1988 to ensure the safety of high-voltage cables. The Indian Standard guarantees that the cables meet the parameters related to conductor quality, mechanical strength, thermal stability, and electrical performance. Manufacturers of these cables are required to obtain BIS certification to ensure compliance with the prescribed standard. This helps the manufacturers to sell the cable in the Indian market.
What is IS 1554 (Part 2): 1988
This is the Indian Standard for PVC-insulated cables designed for working voltages from 3.3 kV up to and including 11 kV. In order to ensure that the wires are safe for use, certain requirements must be met. As per the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), cables are:
- Tested for dielectric performance
- Verified for conductor resistance
- Assessed for high voltage withstand capability
- Checked for tensile strength
- Evaluated for flammability
PVC Insulated Power Cables BIS License Eligibility Guide
BIS authorisation under IS 1554 (Part 2): 1988 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or supplying insulated cables in India.
Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India) - Must get BIS approval if the PVC electric cables are covered under QCO.
- Foreign Manufacturers - Need certification to export the product to India.
- Importers/Brand Owners - Must ensure that the cables are BIS-certified before selling.
- Sellers/Distributors - Should only sell certified Insulated Heavy Duty Cables.
Testing and Inspection Requirements
To ensure the safety of heavy-duty electric cables, the Bureau of Indian Standards outlines the minimum requirements under IS 1554 (Part 2): 1988. This certification ensures that manufacturers meet the quality requirements. It also ensures that the cables are safe for use in electrical applications ranging from 3.3 kV up to and including 11 kV.
The BIS testing parameters and quality checks for the PVC cable are listed below:
How to get BIS Approval for PVC Heavy Duty Cables
The BIS Authorisation process ensures that the electrical cable meets the required standards for proper and efficient operation. This process is set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and includes the following steps:
- Online Registration: Manufacturers register on the BIS Manak portal by submitting company, factory, and product details. Foreign manufacturers must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
- Testing at BIS-Approved Laboratory: Product samples are tested in BIS-approved laboratories for conductor properties, insulation and sheath characteristics, dimensional accuracy, and electrical performance.
- Application Submission: The application is submitted along with test reports, technical documents, and factory details. Foreign manufacturers must also submit AIR-related documents.
- Factory Inspection: BIS officials inspect the manufacturing units to verify the production process, safety measures, and quality control system.
- Grant of BIS License: If all the requirements are met, BIS grants the certification license under Scheme-I.
- Use of ISI Mark: After approval, the manufacturer can use the ISI mark on the product with a CM/L number, confirming that the product meets BIS standards.
IS 1554 (Part 2): 1988 Approval Documents List
| Document Category | Documents Required |
|---|
| Basic Details | GST Certificate, Email ID & Contact Number, Factory & Office Address, Rent Agreement / Lease Deed (if applicable),Partnership Deed (if applicable for partnership firms) |
| Manufacturing Details | List of Machinery, Process Flow Chart, Factory Layout Plan |
| Raw Material Details | List of Raw Materials, Supplier Details, Raw Material Invoices, Raw Material Test Certificates |
| Testing & Quality Control | List of Testing Equipment, Calibration Certificates, QC/Lab In-charge Appointment Letter & Qualification |
| Production Details | Annual Installed Capacity, Last Year Production Value |
| Product & Packaging Details | Quantity per Package, Nature of Packing, Product Printing / Marking Details |
| Management Details | Top Management Details, BIS Communication Contact Person |
| Brand & Certification Documents | Trademark / Brand Certificate, Consent Letter from BIS Recognized Laboratory |
| Additional Documents | Weekly Off Details, Hygiene Document (if applicable), Relaxation Letter (if applicable), Any Other Relevant Document |
| Foreign Manufacturer Requirement | Appointment of Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) for BIS coordination and compliance in India |
Foreign manufacturers are required to appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) in India. This person coordinates with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and takes care of all rules and compliance work in India.
Marking Requirements & License Validity
Marking Requirements
When a manufacturer obtains BIS Approval, the ISI Mark for PVC-insulated cables must be clearly and permanently marked on its packaging or on the product. In addition to the ISI Mark, essential details must be written such as the manufacturer’s identification, licence number (CM/L), etc. This ensures the product meets all quality and safety standards. More details are mentioned below:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 1554 (Part 2): 1988 |
| CML Number | Certification Marks License (CML) number issued by BIS |
| Manufacturer Details | Name of manufacturer or registered trademark |
| Batch / Date | Batch number, heat number, or manufacturing date for traceability |
Note: Marking is typically applied using durable stamping, tagging, or permanent printing to ensure clear identification during handling, storage, and transportation, as per BIS marking requirements.
BIS License Duration for 11kV Power Cables
| articulars | Details |
|---|
| Initial Validity | Typically 1 to 2 years, depending on BIS approval conditions |
| Renewal | Must be renewed before expiry by submitting the application along with the prescribed fee and updated documents |
| Surveillane | Includes periodic factory inspections and market sample testing conducted by BIS |
| Compliance | Continuous following to standard and applicable Quality Control Orders (QCOs) is mandatory |
| Risk | Non-compliance or failed sample testing may lead to suspension or cancellation of the BIS license |
Fees for High Voltage Cables BIS Approval
The cost of BIS Approval for Electrical Cable includes charges for application, inspection, license, testing, and marking. These fees are paid to BIS as per Scheme I guidelines.
| Charge Type | Indian Manufacturers | Foreign Manufacturers |
|---|
| Application Fee | INR 1,000 | USD 15 |
| Audit Charges | INR 7,000 | USD 3,200 – 5,900 |
| License Fee | INR 1,000 | USD 15 |
| Marking Fee | As applicable | As applicable |
| Testing Charges | As applicable | As applicable |
| EVTL India Consultancy Fee | As per actual | As per actual |
Note:
- Application fee for foreign manufacturers is payable via SWIFT (SAARC countries may pay in INR with applicable GST).
- Audit charges for foreign manufacturers vary based on country/location.
- Marking fee depends on the product category and production volume (MSME benefits may apply).
- Testing charges are directly payable to BIS-recognised laboratories.
- Consultancy fees depend on product type and factory location.
Conclusion
The PVC Heavy-Duty Electric Cables are regulated under the Bureau of Indian Standards under IS 1554 (Part 2): 1988. The purpose of this standard is to guarantee that the required safety and performance standards of the cable used in the electrical system from 3.3 kV to 11 kV are fulfilled by the manufacturers. All manufacturers of such products in India must have a BIS certification. Only certified manufacturers are permitted to supply these PVC-insulated heavy-duty cables to the market. Expert guidance from EVTL India helps to streamline the certification process for the cable manufacturers. This includes filing the application, document preparation, and testing coordination.
