One of those electrical protection devices that could be small but might be vital for protection is the RCCB. It senses a safety imbalance between the live conductor and neutral conductor and switches off the supply when the residual current exceeds the operating residual current.
The construction, tripping performance, insulation, endurance and other safety features of RCCBs must conform to specified requirements because they are designed to protect against electrical occurrences like electric shock and continuing earth faults.
The Residual Current Operated Circuit Breakers without Integral Overcurrent Protection (RCCB) are under mandatory BIS ISI Certification for RCCBs. IS 12640 (Part 1) is listed under the Scheme-I (ISI Mark Scheme) by the BIS.
New and significant information for manufacturers, too. The previous version of IS 12640:2016/IEC 61008-1:2016 is superseded by IS 12640 Part 1:2024/IEC 61008-1:2013, and earlier licensees were asked to make the necessary changes to comply with the new standard by 25 January 2025.
UMSPCS supports RCCB manufacturers in product applicability assessment, review of standards, coordination of testing, documentation, BIS application filing, and providing assistance for certification.
What Is IS 12640 (Part 1) for RCCBs?
IS 12640 Part 1 covers Residual Current Operated Circuit-Breakers without Integral Overcurrent Protection for Household and Similar Uses (RCCBs) – Part 1 General Rules.
The current revised standard is IS 12640 (Part 1):2024 / IEC 61008-1:2013. BIS classifies it for RCCBs that don’t feature overcurrent protection and are meant for domestic and comparable applications.
The current standard covers RCCBs:
If overcurrent protection is not included, it will not provide protection.
- Use for house or other applications.
- With rated voltage up to 440 V AC
- With rated currents up to 125 A
- With rated frequencies of 50 Hz, 60 Hz or 50/60 Hz
Is BIS Certification Mandatory for RCCBs in India?
Yes, the IS 12640 Part 1 is now compulsorily listed with BIS under Scheme I (ISI Mark Scheme). The BIS listing is related to the Electrical Wires, Cables, Appliances and Protection Devices and Accessories Order, 2003, with subsequent amendments.
The ongoing BIS publication for IS 12640 (Part 1): 2024 also mentions that the applicable QCO requires compliance, and the RCCBs which are sold, manufactured or imported must carry the Standard Mark under BIS licence.
Thus, BIS Marking should not be considered as an optional quality tag on RCCB products to be covered.
Who Needs BIS ISI Certification for RCCBs?
It may apply to manufacturers of covered RCCBs to be marketed in India.
This may include:
- Indian RCCB manufacturers
- Electrical protection-device manufacturers
- Switchgear manufacturers
- Electrical equipment manufacturers
- OEM/ODM manufacturers
- Brand owners manufacturing through third parties
- Covered RCCBs from abroad manufacturers to India
Manufacturers should evaluate their actual RCCB design, ratings, configuration and product range with the requirements of BIS before the beginning of certification.
Which RCCBs Are Covered Under IS 12640 (Part 1)?
The standard has been written specifically for the use of RCCB without built-in overcurrent protection in household and similar applications.
It should be noted that this distinction applies to RCCB and devices with built-in overcurrent protection which are governed by different sections of the IS 12640 series.
IS 12640 (Part 2) is separately listed by BIS for residual current operated circuit breakers having overcurrent protection integrated in them.
The manufacturer should therefore not just choose the product from its commercial name but also the type of product.
What Are the Key Requirements for RCCBs?
The requirements that apply to the RCCB are those that apply to construction and to electrical safety and operating performance.
Important areas include:
- Mechanical design
- Mechanism
- Protection against electric shock.
- Keep clearance and creepage distances to a minimum.
- Screws and current-carrying connections are unreliable.
- Reliability of terminals
- Insulation resistance
- Dielectric strength
- Temperature rise
- Resistance to heat
- The ability to withstand abnormal temperature and fire.
- Resistance to rusting
- Mechanical & Electrical Durability
- Residual operating characteristics
- When line voltage fails, the behaviour will be such.
- Surge current performance
- Marking and identification
The specific tests mentioned in the BIS product-manual structure include protection against electric shock, temperature rise, insulation, heat and fire, mechanical/electrical endurance and residual operating characteristics.
How to Get BIS ISI Certification for RCCBs?
At UMSPCS we have a systematic procedure for manufacturers to get BIS ISI Certification for RCCBs
Step 1: Identifying the Relevant Indian Standard (IS Code)
The first step is to identify the relevant IS code of the product.
This step includes the following sub-steps:
- Product Categorisation Analysis
- Identification of the appropriate IS code
- Compliance requirement review
- Manufacturing process gap analysis
- Pioneering compliance with BIS quality requirements
Step 2: Testing of the Product and Document Preparation
For the product to comply with the IS code, it has to undergo testing in an NABL-accredited and BIS-approved laboratory.
This step includes the following sub-steps:
- Product sample analysis
- Preparation of technical documents
- Information about manufacturing
- High-quality record keeping
- Form preparation
Step 3: Filing of the BIS Application
After carrying out product testing and preparation of the required documents, BIS application filing will follow.
Steps involved in this phase include:
- BIS application filing
- Test report submission
- Factory information submission
- Government fee payment
- Scrutiny of the application by BIS officers
Step 4: BIS Factory Inspection
The manufacturing factory is inspected by the BIS authorities to make sure that all the requirements of the certification are fulfilled.
As a part of the inspection, BIS evaluates:
- Manufacturing process
- Production facilities
- Quality assurance system
- Testing facilities
- Product consistency
Step 5: Sample Testing and Laboratory Evaluation
Samples can be collected for testing and evaluation during the inspection period.
This step comprises:
- Collecting a sample from the product
- Lab test on samples
- Technical assessment
- Submission of LTR (Laboratory Test Report)
Step 6: Closing of the Observations
In case there are any observations found either from the inspection or testing, it has to be taken care of.
This could include:
- Rectifying BIS observations
- Corrective actions
- Updating of technical information
- Proving compliance
Step 7: Payment of License and Marking Fees
After compliance verification is successful, it is important to pay the required BIS charges.
The following are some of the charges that need to be made:
- Annual Licence Fee Payment
- ISI Marking Fee Payment
- Compliance with the BIS Licence Conditions
Step 8: Issue of BIS Licence
On successful completion of all the processes, the BIS issues the licence certificate.
Once the licence is issued:
- The ISI mark can be put on the licensed products
- The products will be able to be sold in India.
- Ongoing compliance will be required by the manufacturers.
Read more also: ISI Mark Certification
Documents Required for BIS ISI Certification for IS 12640
However, the type of documents that are to be provided will depend on the product as well as the certification programme.
The list of documents generally required is as follows:
- Basic details regarding the product line and the manufacturing unit
- Address proof of the manufacturing unit, for example, a utility bill, rent agreement, etc.
- The trademark certificate of the brand name
- Licenses for manufacturing and other statutory approvals
- Product design and manufacturing drawings
- Installed manufacturing capacity
- List of materials along with specifications
- Details of manufacturing equipment and machinery
- Factory layout plan including production area, testing area, and storage area
- Includes the manufacturing process flow in detail.
- Test equipment details and calibration data
- Details regarding the quality control personnel
- Organogram of the factory
BIS ISI Certification Cost for IS 12640
A lot of manufacturers enquire about the cost of certification.
The total cost would depend on:
- Product type
- Indian standard applicable to the product
- Number of models
- Testing requirements
- Factory audit requirements
- Government BIS fees
- Requirements for consultant services
BIS ISI Certification Validity for IS 12640
Validity of a certificate is contingent upon the certification process.
- ISI Licence: Normally valid for the period mentioned in the regulations laid down by BIS.
- CRS Registration: Valid for 5 years.
- Certification of foreign manufacturers: Valid as per BIS Licensing & renewability rules.
Manufacturers need to ensure that they get their certificates renewed before it becomes too late.
Why Do RCCB BIS Applications Get Delayed?
Manufacturers can be delayed due to:
- Incorrect standard selection
- Using outdated 2016 requirements
- Incorrect product classification
- Testing failures
- Incomplete technical documents
- Inadequate testing facilities
- Missing calibration records
- Incorrect product grouping
- Product-rating inconsistencies
- Factory-readiness issues
- Responses to BIS observations that are delayed.
How Can UMSPCS Help With BIS Certification for RCCBs?
UMSPCS offers support during the entire process for RCCB manufacturers to become certified by BIS.
Our assistance includes:
- Product applicability assessment
- Review of the requirements in IS 12640 (Part 1).
- 2024 revision assessment
- Evaluating products and models.
- Technical documentation
- Laboratory coordination
- Product testing assistance
- BIS application filing
- Factory inspection preparation
- BIS query handling
- Observation closure support
- Licence assistance
- Post-certification compliance guidance
At UMSPCS, we support manufacturers by understanding the applicable requirements before spending money on testing and filing for the application. With 6 years of experience in this leading industry, we have successfully provided more than 600+ certifications to manufacturers.
Conclusion
The BIS ISI certification for RCCBs according to IS 12640 (Part 1) is one of the mandatory compliance requirements for covered RCCBs without overcurrent protection.
The manufacturers also have to pay attention to the above-mentioned revision. IS 12640 is the current applicable revised standard. BIS requires a transition from the old version (2016) to the new one by 25 January 2025.
Compliance for RCCB manufacturers is not limited to product testing only. The manufacturing process, testing, calibration, quality control, documentation, and inspection & testing requirements have to comply with BIS requirements. Get to know more information about BIS ISI Certification for RCBO.
Looking for BIS ISI Certification for RCCBs?
UMSPCS is able to assist you with evaluation of your RCCB product and the applicable IS 12640 (Part 1):2024 requirements, testing coordination, documentation preparation, and the entire process of BIS certification.
Contact UMSPCS to discuss your RCCB models and requirements before the BIS certification application.
Read more also: IS 17399: New QCO Rules for PP/HDPE Laminated Woven Sacks
FAQs
- Is BIS certification mandatory for RCCBs in India?
Yes, the covered RCCBs according to IS 12640 (Part 1) are within the mandatory BIS Scheme-I certification scope.
- What is the latest version of IS 12640 Part 1?
The latest revised standard is IS 12640 (Part 1):2024 / IEC 61008-1:2013.
- Can RCCBs with overcurrent protection be certified under IS 12640 Part 1?
No, Part 1 applies to RCCBs without overcurrent protection. Products with overcurrent protection belong to the scope of Part 2.
- What tests are needed for BIS certification of RCCBs?
Tests can include electrical safety tests, insulation tests, temperature rise tests, endurance tests, residual operating characteristic tests, heat/fire resistance test and many others depending on the requirements of the applicable standard.
- How expensive is BIS certification for RCCBs?
The cost depends on the RCCB ratings, scope of the product, testing requirements, laboratory fee and BIS fee. Thus, it is better to perform the product-specific assessment.
- Can UMSPCS help with BIS certification for RCCBs?
Yes, UMSPCS is able to assist you with applicability assessment, testing coordination, documentation preparation, BIS application filing, factory preparation and certification.
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