Household Electrical goods

IS 694: PVC Insulated Cables for Working Voltages up to and including 1100V

Strategic Recommendations – IS 694 (PVC Insulated Cables up to 1100V)

  • Begin BIS Certification Immediately
    Apply for BIS licence under Scheme-I to ensure compliance and uninterrupted market access.
  • Consult Compliance Professionals (ERA)
    Engage ERA for BIS application support, testing guidance, and QCO compliance management.
  • Reach Out for Support
    📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 95992 96331 | 💬 WhatsApp
    For assistance with testing, timelines, and certification processes.
  • Track QCO Amendments & Exemptions
    Stay updated on all amendments to the 2003 QCO and exemption provisions for export consignments.
  • Ensure Marking & Documentation
    Affix ISI mark only after certification approval; maintain QA records, batch traceability, and compliance documentation.
Copper Wires for General Engineering Purposes – IS 4412:1981
Section Details
Product Name PVC Insulated Cables for Working Voltages up to and including 1100V
Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. IS 694
Title of Indian Standard PVC Insulated Cables for Working Voltages up to and including 1100 Volts
Quality Control Order Electrical Wires, Cables, Appliances and Protection Devices and Accessories (Quality Control) Order, 2003
Notification & Amendments Notified via S.O. 189(E) dated 17 Feb 2003; subsequently amended via S.O. 165(E) (5 Feb 2004), S.O. 1172(E) (22 Aug 2005), S.O. 512(E) (19 Feb 2009), S.O. 2058(E) (7 Aug 2009), and S.O. 2604(E) (19 Oct 2010) — 2010 amended the QCO proviso.
Final Enforcement Date 17 February 2003 (effective date of QCO enforcement)
Objective & Scope To ensure safety, durability, and quality performance of PVC insulated electrical cables for domestic, commercial, and industrial low-voltage applications.
Products Covered PVC insulated copper and aluminum conductor cables up to 1100V, including house wires and flexible cords.
Exemptions Export-only consignments may be exempt with Central Government approval as per QCO proviso.
Industries Impacted Cable manufacturers, construction, real estate, industrial electrical installations, OEMs, distributors, and retailers.
Mandatory Compliance BIS licence under Scheme-I mandatory; products must undergo BIS testing and carry ISI mark before sale.
Next Steps for Stakeholders Apply for BIS certification, complete testing in BIS-recognised labs, implement QA systems, and maintain proper marking.
Legal Framework Provision & Enforcement Governed under BIS Act, 2016 and BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018; BIS officers authorised to enforce compliance.
Penalties for Non-Compliance Seizure of stock, licence cancellation, fines, and imprisonment under BIS Act.
Conclusion IS 694 cables are under mandatory BIS certification since 2003; ISI mark is compulsory for manufacture, import, and sale in India.
References / Annexures IS 694 (latest revision); QCO S.O. 189(E) [17 Feb 2003] and subsequent amendments S.O. 165(E), S.O. 1172(E), S.O. 512(E), S.O. 2058(E), S.O. 2604(E).

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Notification

PVC insulated cables (IS 694) were brought under mandatory certification via the Electrical Wires, Cables, Appliances and Protection Devices and Accessories (Quality Control) Order, 2003, notified by S.O. 189(E) on 17 February 2003. The QCO was amended through S.O. 165(E) (5 Feb 2004), S.O. 1172(E) (22 Aug 2005), S.O. 512(E) (19 Feb 2009), S.O. 2058(E) (7 Aug 2009), and S.O. 2604(E) (19 Oct 2010).

Enforcement Timeline

Certification became enforceable on 17 February 2003, and remains in effect with all subsequent amendments.

Overview

IS 694 specifies construction, safety, and performance requirements for PVC insulated cables designed for working voltages up to 1100V, widely used in domestic wiring, industrial installations, and infrastructure projects.

Objective & Scope

The standard ensures electrical safety, fire resistance, mechanical durability, and uniform quality of cables to protect consumers and installations.

Products Covered

PVC insulated copper and aluminum conductor cables up to 1100V, including flexible and house wires used for domestic, commercial, and industrial purposes.

Exemptions Provided

Export-only consignments are exempt, subject to government approval; no exemption for domestic manufacturing and sales.

Industries Impacted

Cable manufacturing, electrical contracting, construction, real estate, industrial automation, distributors, retailers, and OEMs using wires and cables.

Mandatory Compliance Requirements

Manufacturers and importers must secure BIS certification under Scheme-I. Products must be tested in BIS-recognised labs and display ISI mark before being sold in India.

Next Steps for Stakeholders

Apply for BIS licence, carry out type/routine testing, strengthen QA and traceability, and update marking/packaging practices.

Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties

Compliance is mandated under the BIS Act, 2016 and enforced via BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. Non-compliance attracts penalties including fines, seizure, and imprisonment.

Conclusion

Since 17 February 2003, PVC insulated cables under IS 694 have been under compulsory BIS certification; ISI marking is essential for legal manufacture, import, and domestic sale.

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.

ERA COMPLIANCE DIGEST

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