Cables
Shot Firing Cables (for use other than in shafts)
Strategic Recommendations for Shot Firing Cables – IS 5950:1984
- Engage Early with BIS & Labs
Apply for BIS certification for IS 5950:1984 early. Conduct electrical resistance, insulation durability, and tensile strength 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 shot firing 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 cable specifications with IS 5950:1984 requirements for conductor quality, insulation performance, and resistance to field conditions.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Shot Firing Cables (for use other than in shafts) |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 5950:1984 |
| Title of Indian Standard | Specification for Shot Firing Cables (for use other than in shafts) |
| 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 safe and reliable transmission of electric detonator firing current in blasting operations, with adequate insulation, flexibility, and mechanical strength for field conditions. |
| Products Covered | Flexible, twin-core cables with high-conductivity copper conductors, insulated and sheathed with elastomeric material, resistant to abrasion, moisture, and chemicals. Designed for outdoor blasting operations in mining, quarrying, and construction. |
| Exemptions | Products meant exclusively for export are exempt from BIS certification. |
| Industries Impacted | Cable manufacturing, mining, quarrying, construction, explosives handling, and blasting equipment suppliers. |
| Mandatory Compliance |
Must conform to IS 5950:1984, BIS certification under Scheme-I mandatory, ISI mark must be affixed on product and packaging. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | Conduct BIS-approved tests for electrical resistance, insulation quality, and tensile strength; prepare documentation; apply for BIS licence; ensure ISI marking before sale. |
| Legal Framework Provision & Enforcement | Enforced under BIS Act, 2016 by BIS with powers 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 shot firing cables sold in India must be BIS-certified and ISI-marked to ensure safety in blasting operations and compliance with national standards. |
| References/Annexures | - Cables (Quality Control) Order, 2020 – S.O. 280(E) [21 Jan 2020] |
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Notification
Shot Firing Cables are covered under the Cables (Quality Control) Order, 2020, issued via S.O. 280(E) dated 21 January 2020 by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry (DPIIT) under the BIS Act, 2016. Compliance with IS 5950:1984 is mandatory for manufacturing, importing, and selling in India.
Overview
These cables are used for transmitting electric detonator firing current in blasting operations, ensuring safety, durability, and reliable performance in harsh outdoor conditions.
Objective & Scope
The standard aims to guarantee mechanical strength, insulation integrity, and electrical reliability of shot firing cables to minimize risks during blasting in mining, quarrying, and construction.
Products Covered
Twin-core, high-conductivity copper conductor cables insulated and sheathed with elastomer compounds, designed to withstand bending, abrasion, moisture, and exposure to chemicals during field use.
Exemptions Provided
Products manufactured exclusively for export are exempt from the BIS certification requirement.
Industries Impacted
Cable manufacturers, mining and quarrying companies, explosives handling contractors, construction blasting service providers.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
From 1 August 2020, all such cables must:
- Conform to IS 5950:1984
- Be BIS-certified under Scheme-I
- Carry the ISI mark on both cable and packaging
Enforcement Timeline
Effective 1 August 2020 for all manufacturers, importers, and sellers.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
- Perform BIS-approved testing for electrical and mechanical performance
- Prepare technical and quality system documentation
- Apply for BIS licence before enforcement date
- Ensure ISI marking before distribution
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
Regulated under the BIS Act, 2016 and enforced by the Bureau of Indian Standards.
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 and ISI marking have been mandatory for all shot firing cables used outside shafts, ensuring safety, reliability, and compliance with Indian quality standards.
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.