Low-voltage fuses are an important device in electrical circuits. They ensure protection of the circuit from damage due to overload or short-circuit situations. Low voltage fuses are mostly used in household applications, industrial applications, and electrical systems. In general, these LV fuses are useful in the breaking action when the current exceeds certain safety values. The use of these fuses can avoid any fire accidents.
To make sure these fuses perform safely, standards have been set by the Bureau of Indian Standards. IS 13703: 1993 provides specifications for the electrical performance and breaking capacity of fuses rated up to 1000V AC or 1500V DC. Manufacturers meeting the requirements ensure that the fuses they produce can work effectively under different conditions. Further, the low-voltage fuses need to be certified to sell to the Indian customers.
What is IS 13703: 1993?
This is the Indian Standard for LV fuses to protect electrical circuits operating at voltages up to 1000 V AC or 1500 V DC. It outlines a few requirements to ensure the fuses provide electric protection against an overcurrent or short circuit. As per the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), fuses are:
- Checked for time-current characteristics for proper insulation
- Tested for breaking capacity
- Verified for thermal performance
- Assessed for safety and insulation performance
Who is eligible for Low Voltage Fuses BIS License?
BIS authorisation under IS 13703: 1993 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or supplying LV Fuses up to 1000V AC or 1500V DC in India.
Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India) - Must get BIS approval if the electrical fuses are covered under QCO.
- Foreign Manufacturers - Need certification to export the product to India.
- Importers/Brand Owners - Must ensure that the circuit protection devices are BIS-certified before sale.
- Sellers/Distributors - Should only sell certified overcurrent protection fuses.
Testing and Inspection Requirements
To ensure reliable performance of low-voltage electrical protection systems, the Bureau of Indian Standards outlines the minimum requirements under IS 13703: 1993. This certification ensures that manufacturers meet the safety parameters as per the standard. The BIS testing parameters and quality checks for the LV fuses are listed below:
| Test Group | What is Tested | Purpose |
|---|
| Visual & Construction Tests | Visual inspection, markings, dimensions, fuse assembly, terminals, contacts | Ensures proper construction, identification, and compliance with design/interchangeability requirements |
| Electrical Rating Verification Tests | Rated voltage, current, frequency, power dissipation, power acceptance | Ensures fuse operates within specified electrical limits |
| Time-Current Characteristics Tests | Pre-arcing time, operating time, time-current curves, gates verification | Ensures correct response to overload and fault conditions |
| Breaking Capacity Tests | Rated breaking capacity, arc voltage, recovery voltage, fault interruption performance | Ensures safe interruption of fault currents without hazardous effects |
| Cut-off Current & I²t Tests | Cut-off current, pre-arcing and operating I²t (Joule integral) | Ensures limitation of fault energy and protection of downstream equipment |
| Thermal Performance Tests | Temperature rise of contacts/terminals, power dissipation, steady-state heating behavior | Ensures safe operation without overheating under load conditions |
| Insulation & Dielectric Tests | Insulation resistance, dielectric strength, humidity withstand | Ensures electrical insulation integrity and safety |
| Operational Performance Tests | Conventional fusing/non-fusing current, overload cycles, pulse testing | Ensures correct functioning under normal and abnormal operating conditions |
| Cable Overload Protection Tests | Performance with connected conductors under overload conditions | Ensures protection of cables and wiring systems |
| Mechanical & Contact Reliability Tests | Contact force, terminal strength, endurance (250–750 cycles), non-deterioration of contacts | Ensures long-term reliability and stable electrical connections |
How to get BIS Approval for Electrical Fuses?
The BIS Authorisation process ensures that the low-voltage fuse 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 electrical safety and performance standards.
- 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 conduct on-site inspections for manufacturing units to verify the production process, safety measures, and quality control systems.
- Grant of BIS License: Once all requirements are successfully fulfilled, BIS grants the certification license under Scheme-I.
- Use of ISI Mark: After approval, the manufacturer can affix the ISI mark on the product with a CM/L number, confirming that the product meets BIS standards.
Documents Guide for IS 13703: 1993 Certification
| 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 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
After obtaining BIS approval, the ISI Mark for the electrical fuse must be clearly and permanently marked on its packaging or on the product. Along with the ISI Mark, key information such as the manufacturer’s identification and licence number (CM/L) is required. 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 follows to the standard |
| Standard Number | IS 13703: 1993 |
| 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 Validity for Low Voltage Fuse
| particulars | Details |
|---|
| 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 |
| Surveillance | 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 LV Fuses BIS Approval
The cost of BIS Approval for electrical protection devices 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 to be paid directly to BIS-recognised laboratories.
- Consultancy fees vary based on product type and factory location.
Conclusion
The standard requirements for the safety of low-voltage fuses up to 1000V AC or 1500V DC are mentioned under IS 13703: 1993 set by the Bureau of Indian Standards. This product certification ensures that manufacturers produce fuses that meet safety performance standards. This helps in protecting electrical systems from faults or failure. In addition to meeting regulatory requirements in India, BIS approval strengthens the credibility of manufacturers in the market. Manufacturers planning to obtain the LV fuse certification can take help from EVTL India. It offers help from documentation to filling out applications and avoiding any delays.
