The RCCB, or the Residual Current Operated Circuit Breaker Without Integral Overcurrent Protection, is extensively used in houses and offices to ensure the immediate deactivation of a circuit earth leakage faults. They are vital for protecting the users from the potential dangers associated with electricity in their day-to-day power distribution systems. It keeps checking the current balance between live and neutral. Even the smallest amount of leakage is detected to prevent an electric shock hazard.
It is necessary that all RCCBs must be certified by BIS according to IS 12640 (Part 1):2024. The Indian Standard describes certain criteria such as sensitivity, tripping time, insulation resistance, dielectric strength, mechanical endurance, and detection of leakage current. Testing of each RCCB is carried out under strict conditions to satisfy the electrical standards of the RCCB before it is available for sale.
What is IS 12640 (Part 1): 2024?
This is the Indian Standard for Residual Current Operated Circuit Breakers without Integral Overcurrent Protection (RCCBs) used in households. It mentions the criteria to ensure protection against electric shock due to earth leakage faults. As per the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), RCCBs are:
- Verified for tripping time performance
- Assessed for sensitivity to residual (leakage) current
- Tested for insulation resistance
- Checked for reliable earth leakage detection
Eligibility for Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker BIS License
BIS authorisation under IS 12640 (Part 1): 2024 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or supplying RCCBs for Household Electrical Safety in India.
Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India) - Must get BIS approval if the residual current protection devices are covered under QCO.
- Foreign Manufacturers - Need certification to export products to India.
- Importers/Brand Owners - Must ensure that the products are BIS-certified before sale.
- Sellers/Distributors - Should only sell certified electrical shock protection breakers.
Testing and Inspection Requirements
To ensure the safe use of electricity in residential environments, the Bureau of Indian Standards outlines the minimum requirements under IS 12640 (Part 1): 2024. This certification ensures that manufacturers meet the safety standards for RCCBs used in residential and similar applications. The BIS testing parameters and quality checks for the household RCCB are listed below:
| Test Group | What is Tested | Purpose |
|---|
| Tripping Performance Tests | Operation of RCCB under residual current / fault conditions | Ensures safe disconnection during earth leakage faults |
| Electric Strength Tests | Dielectric strength of insulation and internal components | Ensures electrical safety and prevents insulation breakdown |
| Marking & Indelibility Tests | Permanence and readability of product marking | Ensures product identification and traceability throughout service life |
| Mechanical Design Tests | Trip-free mechanism, moving parts, and operating mechanism | Ensures reliable mechanical operation and prevents manual override failure |
| Clearance & Creepage Tests | Distance between conductive parts | Ensures insulation integrity and prevents flashover or tracking |
| Component Reliability Tests | Screws, terminals, and current-carrying connections | Ensures secure electrical contact and long-term mechanical stability |
| Protection Against Electric Shock Tests | Safety under direct and indirect contact conditions | Ensures user protection from electric shock hazards |
| Electrical Endurance Tests | Repeated switching and operational cycles | Ensures durability and long-term performance under repeated use |
| Insulation & Impulse Tests | Resistance of insulation and impulse voltage withstand capability | Ensures safe operation under voltage surges and abnormal conditions |
| Environmental & Climatic Tests | Presence of chlorate and perchlorate compounds | Ensures reliable operation in varying environmental conditions |
| Residual Operating Characteristics Tests | Tripping sensitivity and response at rated residual current | Ensures correct detection of leakage currents for safety |
| Short Circuit & Fault Condition Tests | Behavior under fault, surge, and abnormal current conditions | Ensures RCCB remains safe and functions correctly under fault stress |
BIS Approval Steps for RCCB without Overcurrent Protection
The BIS Authorisation process ensures that the Residual Current Circuit Breaker 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 tripping performance, electric strength, insulation resistance, mechanical endurance, and fault handling capability.
- 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: Officials from the Bureau of Indian Standards inspect the manufacturing units to verify the production process, safety measures, and quality control system.
- Grant of BIS License: Upon successful verification of all requirements, BIS grants the certification license under Scheme-I.
- Use of ISI Mark: After approval, the manufacturer is permitted to use the ISI mark on the product with a CM/L number, confirming that the product meets BIS standards.
IS 12640 (Part 1): 2024 Approval Required Documents
| 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 |
The Foreign manufacturers are required to appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) in India. This person is the local point of contact for the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and takes care of all rules and compliance work in India.
Marking Requirements & License Validity
Marking Requirements
Once a manufacturer obtains BIS approval, the ISI Mark for earth leakage protection circuit breaker must be clearly and permanently marked on its packaging or on the product. Along with the ISI Mark, essential details such as the manufacturer’s identification and licence number (CM/L) must be provided. This ensures the product complies with all safety and performance standards. More details are mentioned below:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 12640 (Part 1): 2024 |
| 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.
Validity of BIS Licence for RCCBs
| particulars | 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 |
Electrical Shock Protection Breaker BIS Approval Fee Guide
The cost of BIS Approval for a fault current protection device 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.
- The marking fee is determined based on the product category and production volume (MSME benefits may apply).
- Testing charges are paid directly to BIS-recognised laboratories.
- Consultancy fees vary depending on product type and factory location.
Conclusion
An RCCB certified is a necessary protective device which is used for the detection of leakage currents. It disconnects circuits so that any risk of electric shock is avoided. They increase safety for both users and the equipment being operated. The RCCB works in the event of a fault within a fraction of a second to reduce risks. It is used in residential and similar types of installations.
The compliance of products with BIS standards as per IS 12640 (Part 1):2024 guarantees that the RCCBs comply with all safety and performance criteria laid down by BIS. It means that the RCCB performs its intended operation under given conditions and can be safely used in household installations and other similar applications. EVTL India facilitates certification of BIS to help manufacturers obtain it easily and quickly.
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