Cables
Welding Cables
Strategic Recommendations for Welding Cables – IS 9857:1990
- Engage Early with BIS & Labs
Apply for BIS certification for IS 9857:1990 well in advance. Conduct flexibility, conductor resistance, and insulation durability 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 welding 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 existing welding cable designs with IS 9857:1990 requirements for conductor specifications, insulation properties, and electrical performance.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Welding Cables |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 9857:1990 |
| Title of Indian Standard | Welding Cables – Specification |
| 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 | The standard ensures safe electrical conductivity, durable insulation, and mechanical strength of welding cables, minimizing the risk of electric shock, overheating, and premature failure. |
| Products Covered | Flexible single-core cables with copper conductors and elastomer insulation, designed to withstand mechanical stress, high current loads, and exposure to heat, oil, and abrasion during welding operations. |
| Exemptions | Products exclusively meant for export are exempt from BIS certification. |
| Industries Impacted | Cable manufacturing, welding equipment manufacturers, fabrication units, shipbuilding, automotive, construction, and heavy engineering industries. |
| Mandatory Compliance |
Must conform to IS 9857:1990 BIS certification under Scheme-I mandatory, ISI mark must be affixed on product and packaging. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | Conduct BIS-approved testing for conductor resistance, flexibility, insulation quality, and durability. Prepare documentation, apply for BIS licence, and ensure ISI marking before sale. |
| Legal Framework Provision & Enforcement | Enforced under BIS Act, 2016 by BIS with powers to inspect manufacturing units, draw samples, 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 welding cables sold in India must be BIS-certified and ISI-marked to ensure safety, reliability, and compliance with national standards. |
| References/Annexures | - Cables (Quality Control) Order, 2020 – S.O. 280(E) [21 Jan 2020] |
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Notification
Welding Cables are covered under the Cables (Quality Control) Order, 2020, notified via S.O. 280(E) on 21 January 2020 by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry (DPIIT) under the BIS Act, 2016. Compliance with IS 9857:1990 is mandatory for manufacture, import, and sale in India.
Overview
Welding cables are designed to safely transmit power from the welding machine to the welding electrode holder. These cables require high flexibility, superior insulation, and the ability to withstand heat, mechanical abrasion, and electrical stress in demanding work environments.
Objective & Scope
To ensure the safety, flexibility, and electrical performance of welding cables used for transmitting power from welding machines to the welding tool. The standard covers conductor quality, insulation durability, and heat resistance for safe operation.
Products Covered
Flexible single-core copper conductor cables insulated with heat- and abrasion-resistant elastomer compounds. Suitable for use with AC or DC electric arc welding equipment, they maintain flexibility under bending, twisting, and exposure to oils or chemicals.
Exemptions Provided
Products exclusively manufactured for export are exempt from BIS certification.
Industries Impacted
Cable manufacturers, welding machine OEMs, shipyards, fabrication workshops, automotive assembly plants, heavy construction, and industrial maintenance sectors.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
From 1 August 2020, welding cables must:
- Conform to IS 9857:1990
- 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
- Conduct type testing in BIS-approved laboratories
- Prepare technical and quality management documentation
- Apply for BIS licence well in advance
- Ensure ISI marking on all coils or drums before sale
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
BIS enforces this order under the BIS Act, 2016 with authority to inspect production units, draw and test samples, 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
Since 1 August 2020, all welding cables sold in the Indian market must be BIS-certified under IS 9857:1990. This ensures durability, operator safety, and adherence to national quality standards, reducing risks in welding operations.
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.