BIS Certification for PVC insulated (Heavy Duty) electric cables: Part 1 for working voltages up to and including 1100 V (IS 1554 (Part 1):1988)

The Heavy Duty PVC insulated electric cables are widely used for power distribution across all types of electrical systems. The use of PVC-insulated cables for power distribution ensures good performance and safety. As these are vital for electricity distribution, manufacturers must meet the specifications laid out in BIS IS 1554 (Part 1):1988 for PVC insulated cables up to and including 1100 V.

According to the Indian standard, there are certain technical considerations for the PVC insulated heavy-duty electric cables such as conductor material, insulation quality, voltage rating, current carrying capacity, dielectric strength and mechanical/electrical performance. Compliance with BIS QCO and certification of PVC Insulated Electric Cables according to Indian Standard specification is mandatory for sale in India. ISI Marking on these cables confirms their reliability and suitability for use in the electrical industry.

What is IS 1554 (Part 1): 1988

This is the Indian Standard for PVC-insulated electric cables used for working voltages up to and including 1100 V. It mentions a few criteria to ensure the cables are safe for use in electrical appliances. As per the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), insulated cables are:

Tested for conductor resistance
Examined for moisture resistance
Checked for high voltage withstand capability
Verified for insulation and sheath thickness

Who is eligible for PVC Insulated Cables BIS License

BIS authorisation under IS 1554 (Part 1): 1988 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or supplying heavy-duty electric cables in India.

Applicable to:

Manufacturers (India) - Must get BIS approval if the PVC cables are covered under QCO.
Foreign Manufacturers - Need certification to export the product to India.
Importers/Brand Owners - Must ensure that the electrical cables are BIS-certified before sale.
Sellers/Distributors - Should only sell certified insulated electrical cable.

Testing and Inspection Requirements

To ensure safe performance of heavy-duty electric cables, the Bureau of Indian Standards outlines the minimum requirements under IS 1554 (Part 1): 1988. This certification ensures that manufacturers maintain consistent safety parameters as per the standard. It also ensures that the cables provide effective insulation and stable performance even when exposed to heat and moisture.

The BIS testing parameters and quality checks for the insulated 1100V electric cables are listed below:

Test Group	What is Tested	Purpose
Conductor Tests	Conductor resistance, copper purity test, annealing test (Cu), tensile & wrapping test (Al)	Ensures proper electrical conductivity, material purity, and mechanical integrity of conductor materials
Dimensional Tests	Thickness of insulation & sheath, outer diameter, wire diameter	Ensures uniform construction, proper insulation coverage, and compliance with specifications
Electrical Tests	High voltage test (room temp & water immersion), insulation resistance, volume resistivity	Ensures electrical safety, insulation integrity, and resistance to leakage
Mechanical Strength Tests	Tensile strength and elongation at break (before ageing)	Ensures durability, flexibility, and mechanical robustness
Thermal & Ageing Tests	Tensile strength & elongation after ageing, loss of mass, thermal stability	Evaluates long-term performance under elevated temperature conditions
Thermal Shock & Heat Resistance Tests	Heat shock test, hot deformation test	Ensures insulation withstands high temperatures and sudden thermal changes
Deformation & Shrinkage Tests	Shrinkage test, hot deformation behavior	Ensures dimensional stability under thermal and mechanical stress
Flammability & Fire Performance Tests	Flammability test, flame retardance (single & bunched), oxygen index, temperature index, smoke density, halogen gas evolution	Ensures fire safety, flame resistance, and low toxic emissions
Environmental Resistance Tests	Cold bend test, cold impact test, water immersion test	Ensures performance under low temperature and harsh environments

BIS Approval Process for PVC Heavy Duty Cables

The BIS Authorisation process ensures that the electric cables meet 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 dimensional accuracy, mechanical strength, and overall material 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 above requirements are satisfactorily met, BIS grants the certification license under Scheme-I.
Use of ISI Mark: Once approved, the manufacturer can affix the ISI mark on the product with a CM/L number, confirming that the product meets BIS standards.

Documents list for IS 1554 (Part 1): 1988 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

Once a manufacturer obtains BIS approval, the ISI Mark for drainage pipes must be clearly and permanently marked on its packaging or on the product. Along with the ISI Mark, important details such as the manufacturer’s identification and licence number (CM/L) are required. This ensures the product complies with all safety and quality 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 1): 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.

insulated heavy duty cable BIS License Validity

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

Cost for pvc insulated cables BIS License

The cost of BIS Approval for Non-Pressure Sewerage Pipes 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

IS 1554 (Part 1): 1988 specifies the standard requirements for insulated electric cables used for working voltages up to, and including 1100 V. This standard outlines the performance and quality parameters that the manufacturers must meet for safe usage. It also outlines parameters related to the electrical performance of the cables to ensure reliable operation in varying load conditions.

Obtaining a certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards aids manufacturers in meeting the legal requirements in India. It ensures that only quality-tested cables can be sold to the customers. EVTL India provides professional support to manufacturers in obtaining BIS certification for PVC-insulated cables.