Cables
Elastomer Insulated Flexible Cables for Use in Mines
Strategic Recommendations for Elastomer Insulated Flexible Cables for Use in Mines – IS 14494:2019
- Engage Early with BIS & Labs
Apply for BIS certification well in advance. Conduct tensile, flame retardancy, and insulation resistance tests at BIS-approved labs. - Partner with Compliance Experts
Collaborate with ERA compliance specialists for documentation, product testing, and ISI marking compliance. - Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp
Assistance for BIS licensing, testing schedules, and exemption handling for mining cables. - Track Notifications & Circulars
Subscribe to ERA Newsletter for real-time updates on the Cables (QCO), 2020 — including S.O. 280(E) and related BIS/DPIIT orders. - Do a Gap Assessment
Compare current product specifications with IS 14494:2019 requirements for conductor quality, insulation materials, and mechanical performance.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Elastomer Insulated Flexible Cables for Use in Mines |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 14494:2019 |
| Title of Indian Standard | Elastomer Insulated Flexible Cables for Use in Mines – Specification |
| Quality Control Order | Cables (Quality Control) Order, 2020 |
| Notification & Amendments | Notified via S.O. 280(E) dated 21 January 2020 |
| Final Enforcement Date | 1 August 2020 |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure electrical safety, mechanical strength, and durability of flexible elastomer-insulated cables designed for harsh underground mining environments. Covers performance under mechanical stress, moisture, and abrasive conditions. |
| Products Covered | Flexible cables with copper conductors, elastomer insulation (EPR, CSP), and heavy-duty sheathing. Designed for high flexibility, flame resistance, and oil/moisture protection in mining applications. |
| Exemptions | Products exclusively manufactured for export are exempt from BIS certification. |
| Industries Impacted | Cable manufacturing, mining equipment manufacturers, coal and mineral extraction industries, underground infrastructure projects, heavy engineering. |
| Mandatory Compliance |
Must conform to IS 14494:2019, BIS certification under Scheme-I mandatory, ISI mark must be affixed on product and packaging. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | Conduct BIS-approved testing for tensile strength, insulation resistance, flame retardancy, and flexibility. Prepare technical documentation, apply for BIS licence, and mark all products with ISI before sale. |
| Legal Framework Provision & Enforcement | Enforced under BIS Act, 2016 by BIS with authority to inspect, sample, and suspend/cancel licences for violations. |
| Penalties | Non-compliance may result in seizure of stock, licence suspension or cancellation, fines, prosecution, and imprisonment up to 2 years, or both. |
| Conclusion | From 1 August 2020, all elastomer-insulated flexible cables for mining use must be BIS-certified and ISI-marked to ensure operational safety, durability, and compliance with national standards. |
| References/Annexures | - Cables (Quality Control) Order, 2020 – S.O. 280(E) [21 Jan 2020] |
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Notification
Elastomer Insulated Flexible Cables for Use in Mines are regulated under the Cables (Quality Control) Order, 2020, issued via S.O. 280(E) on 21 January 2020 by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry (DPIIT) under the BIS Act, 2016. Compliance with IS 14494:2019 is mandatory for manufacture, import, and sale in India.
Overview
These cables are designed for demanding underground mining environments where flexibility, abrasion resistance, and electrical reliability are essential. They must withstand mechanical impacts, moisture ingress, and exposure to oil and chemicals.
Objective & Scope
The standard ensures robust electrical insulation, high mechanical flexibility, and long service life in harsh underground conditions. It also specifies flame retardancy, resistance to moisture and abrasion, and conductor quality.
Products Covered
Flexible copper conductor cables with elastomer insulation (e.g., Ethylene Propylene Rubber, Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene) and heavy-duty sheathing. They are designed for flexible connections in mining machinery, drilling rigs, conveyors, and other underground power distribution applications.
Exemptions Provided
Products manufactured exclusively for export are exempt from the BIS certification requirement.
Industries Impacted
Cable manufacturers, mining machinery OEMs, underground coal and mineral extraction companies, tunnel construction contractors, and heavy engineering industries.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
From 1 August 2020, all such cables must:
- Conform to IS 14494:2019
- Be BIS-certified under Scheme-I
- Display the ISI mark on the sheath and packaging
Enforcement Timeline
Effective 1 August 2020 for all manufacturers, importers, and sellers.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
- Conduct type testing in BIS-approved labs for mechanical and electrical performance
- Prepare documentation for BIS application
- Obtain BIS licence and ensure ISI marking before sale
- Maintain quality control systems for ongoing compliance
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
BIS enforces this order under the BIS Act, 2016 with powers to inspect, sample, and take action against non-compliance.
Non-compliance may result in:
- Seizure of stock
- Suspension or cancellation of BIS license
- Fines and/or imprisonment up to 2 years, or both
Conclusion
Since 1 August 2020, BIS certification under IS 14494:2019 is mandatory for elastomer-insulated flexible cables for mining use. This ensures safety, performance, and compliance, reducing hazards in underground electrical systems.
Ready to start your certification journey?
Let us help you navigate regulatory challenges and achieve certification with ease. Leave us your details, and we’ll get back to you—or request a free consultation today.