Household Electrical goods
Residual Current Operated Circuit-Breakers for Household and Similar Uses – Part 2
Strategic Recommendations for Residual Current Operated Circuit-Breakers for Household and Similar Uses – Part 2: Circuit-Breakers with Integral Overcurrent Protection (RCBOs)
- Begin BIS Certification Immediately
Manufacturers and importers must secure BIS licensing for RCBOs (IS 12640 Part 2) under Scheme-I, per the 2003 QCO. - Consult Compliance Professionals (ERA)
Partner with ERA to manage BIS application, lab testing, inspection, and marking requirements. - Reach Out for Support
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp
For help with Product Manual testing, certification timelines, and regulatory compliance. - Track QCO Amendments & Exemptions
Subscribe to ERA Newsletter for Monitor existing amendments and any future changes to the QCO to remain compliant. - Ensure Marking & Declarations
Only apply ISI mark and licence details after certification; maintain traceability and compliance documentation.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Residual Current Operated Circuit-Breakers for Household and Similar Uses – Part 2 |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 12640 (Part 2) |
| Title of Indian Standard | Residual Current Operated Circuit-Breakers for Household and Similar Uses – Part 2: Circuit-Breakers with Integral Overcurrent Protection (RCBOs). |
| 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; 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), S.O. 2604(E) (Oct 2010). |
| Final Enforcement Date | Effective from 17 Feb 2003; licence application required within 45 days; no separate MSME deadline specified. |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure safety, performance, and dual electrical protection in household/use by mandating RCBO conformity to IS 12640 (Part 2). |
| Products Covered | RCBOs—devices combining residual current (earth-fault) and overcurrent protection for household and similar uses. |
| Exemptions | Export-only consignments exempt under QCO proviso; no domestic sale exemption for non-ISI marked RCBOs. |
| Industries Impacted | Switchgear manufacturers, OEMs, importers, distributors, panel assemblers, electrical contractors, retail/e-commerce sellers of RCBOs. |
| Mandatory Compliance | BIS certification under Scheme-I mandatory; products must carry ISI mark before sale/import. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | Apply for BIS licence; conduct testing as per PM/IS 12640 (Part 2)/1; set up in-house testing, tracing, and ISI marking systems. |
| Legal Framework Provision & Enforcement | Enforced under the BIS Act (1986/2016) via QCO and BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | Seizure of non-compliant goods, licence suspension/cancellation, fines, imprisonment under BIS Act provisions. |
| Conclusion | RCBOs as per IS 12640 (Part 2) require mandatory BIS certification and compliance as per 2003 QCO and subsequent amendments. |
| References / Annexures | IS 12640 (Part 2):2008 entry; Product Manual PM/IS 12640 (Part 2)/1; QCO S.O. documents outlined above. |
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Notification
Residual current operated circuit-breakers with integral overcurrent protection (RCBOs) are notified under the Electrical Wires, Cables, Appliances and Protection Devices and Accessories (Quality Control) Order, 2003, via S.O. 189(E) dated 17 February 2003, issued by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry under the provisions of the BIS Act (1986, now covered by the BIS Act, 2016).
Enforcement Timeline
The Order became effective on 17 February 2003, making BIS certification and the ISI mark mandatory for the manufacture, import, storage, distribution, and sale of RCBOs in India. Manufacturers are required to apply for a BIS licence within 45 days; production without a licence is prohibited.
Overview
RCBOs combine residual-current (leakage) protection with overcurrent protection in a single device. As specified under IS 12640 (Part 2):2008 (aligned with IEC 61009-1:1996), these devices are intended for household and similar low-voltage applications, offering dual functionality to guard against earth faults and overloads—critical for safeguarding homes, commercial buildings, and public infrastructure.
Objective & Scope
This regulation ensures that only BIS-certified RCBOs, compliant with IS 12640 (Part 2) performance and safety standards, are manufactured and sold in India—ensuring electrical safety, reducing fire risk, and ensuring reliable protection in residential and related environments.
Products Covered
RCBOs (Residual Current Operated Circuit-Breakers with overcurrent protection) for household and similar uses, as defined in IS 12640 (Part 2). These include devices combining earth-leakage detection with short-circuit and overload protection in one integrated unit.
Exemptions Provided
- RCBOs exclusively manufactured for export are exempt, subject to Central Government approval.
- No exemptions are granted for domestic sale or distribution of non-ISI marked RCBOs.
Industries Impacted
Manufacturers of low-voltage protection devices, electrical OEMs, importers, distributors, panel assemblers, MEP contractors, electrical retailers, and e-commerce sellers of electrical protection devices.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
Manufacturers must adhere to Scheme-I of BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018:
- Obtain BIS licence before placing RCBOs in commerce.
- Test devices only in BIS-approved laboratories.
- Affix the ISI mark on each unit and associated packaging.
- Ensure compliance with technical criteria specified in IS 12640 (Part 2):2008.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
- Manufacturers/importers must apply for BIS licence and prepare application dossiers with testing evidence.
- Conduct full compliance testing in BIS-recognised labs according to PM/IS 12640 (Part 2)/1 requirements.
- Establish in-house quality control, marking, and traceability processes.
- Distributors and retailers must ensure that only ISI-marked RCBOs are traded in the Indian market.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
Enforced under the QCO under powers conferred by the BIS Act (1986, now 2016) and the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. BIS and designated authorities, empowered under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC), oversee inspections and enforcement actions.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Seizure and destruction of non-compliant RCBOs.
- Suspension or cancellation of BIS licence.
- Monetary fines up to ₹2,00,000 or more depending on violation severity.
- Imprisonment up to 2 years, or both, for intentional or repeated offences.
- ₹50,000 per day continuing offence penalty may apply.
Conclusion
RCBOs conforming to IS 12640 (Part 2):2008 have been under the mandatory BIS certification regime since February 2003. Active BIS licencing, conformity testing, and ISI marking are required for lawful manufacture, import, and sale. Stakeholders must ensure full compliance to safeguard electrical safety and avoid legal penalties.
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.