Household Electrical goods
AC Static Watt-Hour Meters (Class 1 & 2)
Strategic Recommendations for AC Static Watt-Hour Meters (Class 1 & 2)
- Begin BIS Certification Immediately
All manufacturers and importers must obtain BIS licence for IS 13779 meters before sale in India. - Consult Compliance Professionals (ERA)
Work with ERA for assistance in BIS applications, lab testing, factory inspection and Product Manual compliance. - Reach Out for Support
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp
For guidance on test plans, certification timelines and BIS documentation. - Track QCO Amendments & Exemptions
Subscribe to ERA Newsletter for Monitor future QCO amendments and exemptions to ensure continuous compliance. - Ensure Marking & Declarations
Apply ISI mark only after certification; maintain test reports, QA records and licence traceability for audits.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | AC Static Watt-hour Meters, Class 1 & 2 |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 13779:1999 |
| Title of Indian Standard | AC Static Watt-hour Meters, Class 1 & 2 – Specification |
| Quality Control Order | Electrical Wires, Cables, Appliances and Protection Devices and Accessories (Quality Control) Order, 2003 |
| Notification & Amendments | Notified via S.O. 189(E), 17 Feb 2003; amended by S.O. 165(E) [2004], S.O. 1172(E) [2005], S.O. 512(E) [2009], S.O. 2058(E) [2009], and S.O. 2604(E) [2010] |
| Final Enforcement Date | Effective from 17 February 2003 (date of QCO publication) |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure accuracy, safety and reliability of AC static energy meters (class 1 & 2) used in billing and revenue applications |
| Products Covered | AC static watt-hour meters of accuracy class 1 and class 2, intended for direct and transformer connections |
| Exemptions | Export-only consignments are exempt as per the QCO proviso (subject to government guidelines) |
| Industries Impacted | Meter manufacturers, electricity distribution companies (DISCOMs), state utilities, EPC contractors, testing & calibration labs, importers |
| Mandatory Compliance | BIS Certification (Scheme-I, Product Certification) is mandatory; ISI mark must be affixed to nameplate and packaging |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | Apply to BIS for licence, arrange type testing at BIS-recognised labs, adopt QA and routine testing, update procurement specs |
| Legal Framework Provision & Enforcement | Enforced under BIS Act (now BIS Act 2016) & Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018 |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | Fines, prosecution, seizure of goods, suspension/cancellation of BIS licence under BIS Act provisions |
| Conclusion | IS 13779 meters are mandatorily covered since 17 Feb 2003 and require BIS certification and ISI marking for manufacture, import or sale in India |
| References / Annexures | IS 13779:1999; QCO S.O. 189(E), dated 17.02.2003 with subsequent amendments |
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Notification
 IS 13779:1999 (AC static watt-hour meters, class 1 & 2) is covered under the Electrical Wires, Cables, Appliances and Protection Devices and Accessories (Quality Control) Order, 2003, notified via S.O. 189(E) dated 17 February 2003, with amendments in 2004, 2005, 2009 and 2010.
Enforcement Timeline
 The QCO became effective on 17 February 2003 (date of publication). All meters in scope must conform to IS 13779 and carry a valid BIS licence from that date.
Overview
 The standard specifies requirements for AC static watt-hour meters of class 1 and class 2 accuracy, intended for billing applications in residential, commercial and industrial networks. It covers meter construction, accuracy, performance testing and safety provisions.
Objective & Scope
 The primary aim is to ensure accurate billing and consumer protection, prevent energy theft/meter tampering, and ensure long-term reliability of static electronic energy meters used by utilities.
Products Covered
 Single-phase and three-phase AC static watt-hour meters of class 1 and 2, including direct connected and CT/VT-operated models.
Exemptions Provided
 Export-only consignments are exempt under the QCO proviso, subject to government approval.
Industries Impacted
 This affects meter manufacturers, DISCOMs, state utilities, EPC contractors, calibration labs, importers and system integrators supplying billing meters.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
 Manufacturers and importers must obtain a BIS Standard Mark licence under Scheme-I; products must be tested at BIS-recognised labs and carry the ISI mark on the nameplate and packaging.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
 Firms must apply to BIS, arrange type testing, implement QA systems, conduct batch/routine testing, and ensure packaging/marking complies with IS requirements. Procurement agencies should revise tender conditions to accept only ISI-marked meters.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
 The Order is enforced under the BIS Act, 2016. Contraventions (e.g., manufacture/sale of non-conforming or non-marked goods) attract actions including search/seizure and prosecution. Section 29(3) prescribes penalties up to two years’ imprisonment and fines (with specified minimums and escalation for repeat offences).Â
Conclusion
 Since 17 February 2003, IS 13779 static energy meters must be BIS certified. This ensures standardised accuracy, billing reliability, and legal compliance in the Indian market.
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.
