Cables
PVC Insulated (Heavy Duty) Electric Cables For Working Voltages from 3.3 kV up to and Including 11 kV
Strategic Recommendations for PVC Insulated (Heavy Duty) Electric Cables For Working Voltages from 3.3 kV up to and Including 11 kV
- Engage Early with BIS & Labs
Apply for BIS certification for IS 1554 (Part 2):1988 well before enforcement. Conduct tests for insulation resistance, tensile strength, and voltage withstand capacity 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. - Track Notifications & Circulars
Subscribe to ERA Newsletter for real-time updates on the Cables (QCO), 2020 — including S.O. 280(E) and related DPIIT/BIS orders. - Do a Gap Assessment
Compare current product specifications with IS 1554 (Part 2):1988 requirements for conductor size, insulation thickness, and performance under rated voltage.

Section | Details |
---|---|
Product Name | PVC Insulated (Heavy Duty) Electric Cables – Part 2: |
Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 1554 (Part 2):1988 |
Title of Indian Standard | Specification for PVC Insulated (Heavy Duty) Electric Cables – Part 2: For Working Voltages from 3.3 kV up to and Including 11 kV |
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 | Ensure performance, durability, and safety of heavy duty medium-voltage electric cables by mandating compliance with IS 1554 (Part 2):1988. |
Products Covered | PVC insulated heavy duty electric cables for working voltages from 3.3 kV up to and including 11 kV. |
Exemptions | Products meant exclusively for export are exempt. |
Industries Impacted |
Electrical cable manufacturers, Power utilities, industrial equipment suppliers, Construction sector, and infrastructure developers. |
Mandatory Compliance |
- Must conform to IS 1554 (Part 2):1988 BIS certification under Scheme-I Mandatory- ISI mark must be on product and packaging. |
Next Steps for Stakeholders | Apply for BIS certification, test in BIS-approved labs, ensure ISI mark application before sale. |
Legal Framework Provision & Enforcement | Enforced under the BIS Act, 2016 by the Bureau of Indian Standards. BIS is the certification and enforcement authority. |
Penalties | Non-compliance may result in seizure of stock, license suspension, fines, or imprisonment up to 2 years, or both. |
Conclusion | From 1 August 2020, all covered medium-voltage cables must be BIS-certified and ISI-marked before sale in India to meet safety and performance standards. |
References/Annexures | - Cables (Quality Control) Order, 2020 – S.O. 280(E) [21 Jan 2020] |
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Notification
The PVC Insulated (Heavy Duty) Electric Cables – Part 2 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. All products in scope must conform to IS 1554 (Part 2):1988.
Overview
These medium-voltage cables are designed for reliable and safe power transmission in industrial, commercial, and utility networks. The standard covers insulation quality, conductor specifications, voltage tolerance, and performance requirements for heavy duty cables operating between 3.3 kV and 11 kV.
Objective & Scope
To mandate uniform safety and quality requirements for medium-voltage PVC insulated heavy duty electric cables, ensuring durability, electrical reliability, and protection against faults.
Products Covered
PVC insulated heavy duty electric cables for working voltages from 3.3 kV up to and including 11 kV, used in industrial plants, power distribution, and large infrastructure projects.
Exemptions Provided
Products manufactured exclusively for export are exempt from BIS certification.
Industries Impacted
- Cable manufacturing industry
- Power utilities and distribution companies
- Large-scale industrial and commercial projects
- Infrastructure developers and EPC contractors
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
From 1 August 2020, all such cables sold or imported in India must:
- Comply with IS 1554 (Part 2):1988
- Be BIS-certified under Scheme-I
- Bear the ISI mark on product and packaging
Enforcement Timeline
Effective 1 August 2020 for all manufacturers, importers, and sellers.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
- Conduct compliance check against IS 1554 (Part 2):1988
- Get products tested in BIS-recognized labs
- Submit BIS certification application
- Apply ISI marking on cables before sale
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
Enforced by BIS under the BIS Act, 2016 with powers to inspect, test, suspend licences, and seize non-compliant goods.
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
From 1 August 2020, all PVC insulated heavy duty medium-voltage cables (3.3 kV to 11 kV) must be BIS-certified and ISI-marked. This ensures safety, prevents low-quality supply, and supports India’s electrical infrastructure reliability.
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.