Split air conditioners are a type of air conditioning system consisting of an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit cools the air, while the outdoor unit is equipped with a compressor and other components. The demand for split air conditioners in India is on the rise due to rising temperatures, soaring disposable income, and a growing middle class. A report by Research andMarkets shows that the AC market will grow at a CAGR of 13.7% between 2020-2025, with split air conditioners topping the sales chart. This growth is attributed to increasing urbanization, rising temperatures, and the availability of energy-efficient models. The makers of Split Air conditioners must have BIS certification to legally Air Conditioners. Read on to find out how to secure BIS certification for Split Air Conditioners.
An Outlook of IS 1391(Part 2):2018 – An Indian Standard for Split AC
IS 1391(Part 2):2018 covers split air conditioners. This standard specifies the design and performance norms for split air conditioners. This standard also pens down the test circumstances and procedures for various performance factors of these air conditioners that run frost-free when cooling and dehumidifying at standard rating conditions.
This standard specifies split air conditioners that can work as heaters by leveraging a heat pump or an electric heater. It comprises two parts: an inside unit and an outdoor unit.
The indoor unit can be installed on the wall, floor, or ceiling. The compressor, heat exchangers, fan motors, & air handling system are equipped in two separate cabinets in the Indoor and Outdoor units.
These ACs are intended to supply conditioned air to an enclosed space. It has a primary source of refrigeration for cooling & dehumidification & mechanisms for air movement & filtering. The manufacturer must ensure that the product adheres to the standard’s general, construction, & performance norms.
Split air conditioners are classified as shown below based on their function and nominal cooling capacity.
- Classification by Function
- Cooling and Dehumidification
- Cooling and Heating by Heat Pump
- Cooling and Heating by Electric Heater
- Unit Type
- Single Split having Single Indoor & Outdoor Unit
- Unit Mounting Arrangement
- Floor Type
- Multi Split having Multiple Indoor & Single Outdoor Unit
- Ceiling Type
- Wall Type
The nominal cooling capacity of split ACs should be classified as follows:
3000, 4500, 6000, 7500, & 9000 kcal/h.
The air conditioner & its components must be built with apt strength and rigidity to counter regular handling, transit, & operation conditions. They should be free from sharp edges or comers that could cause human injury.
Materials used in the construction of cabinets, front panels, & so on must adhere to corresponding Indian Standards wherever applicable unless modified by this standard. The manufacturer must assure the soundness of the construction and the AC’s performance.
Mandatory Tests Concerning BIS Certification for split air conditioners
The following tests shall be carried out for split air conditioners.
- Â General Running Test
- High Voltage Test
- Pressure test or Leakage test
- Earth Resistance test
- Leakage Current Test
- Cooling Capacity test
- Maximum Operating Condition test
- Power factor test
- Freeze up test
- Power consumption test
- Enclosure sweat test
- Maximum Heating Performance Test
What are the labelling norms under BIS certification for Split Air Conditioners?
Labelling and marking shall be performed as per IS 1391 (Part 2): 2018. Conforming to the norms of IS 1391(Part 2):2018, the product may be approved under the terms of the BIS Act 2016 and the Rules & norms formulated thereunder, and the product may be affixed with the ISI marking.
The Manufacturer must secure a BIS registration from the BIS to use an ISI marking. The BIS grants a license based on an in-depth evaluation of the manufacturing facility, quality control, and testing capabilities.
Documents concerning BIS certification for Split Air Conditioners
The common documents required for securing BIS certification for Split Air Conditioners are:
- Application form for BIS certification
- Test reports from a BIS-certified laboratory
- Manufacturing registration (if applicable)
- ISO 9001 registration[1] (if applicable)
- Technical documents such as product design, drawings, and specifications
- Quality control manual
- List of manufacturing machinery and equipment
- Electrical safety reports (if applicable)
- Factory layout plan in detail
- Details of raw materials
- Bill of materials (BOM)
- Declaration of conformity with the applicable Indian Standard(s)
- Undertaking for compliance with BIS terms and conditions.
How to apply for BIS certification for Split Air Conditioners?
The process of obtaining BIS certification for Split Air Conditioners can be broadly classified into the following steps:
Find the Indian Standard(s)
The initial step is to look out for the Indian Standard(s) under which your product falls. You can do this by heading to the BIS website or by contacting a reputed licensing agency like Corpbiz.
Preparation of Application Form
After finding the relevant Indian Standard(s), it’s time to file an application form for BIS certification. To so do, you can visit the BIS portal.
Application and paperwork submission
You must furnish the completed application form and the required paperwork, including test reports, technical documents, quality control manuals, etc.
Product Testing
The testing lab will perform tests on your product to determine whether it meets the underlying Indian Standard(s).
Factory Inspection
Once product testing is complete, a BIS official will visit your production facility to check that your production processes comply with BIS norms.
Certification Grant
If your product adheres to specified requirements, BIS will accord the certificate of conformity, which will come with the two years validity.
It’s vital to note that the exact process may vary depending on the product type and other factors. It is recommended to consult a certified agency for detailed information on the process for obtaining BIS certification.
Conclusion
In conclusion, BIS certification is mandatory for split air conditioners in India. IS 1391(Part 2):2018 specifies the constructional and performance specifications for split air conditioners, and the mandatory tests include the cooling capacity test, power consumption test, and maximum heating performance test. The manufacturer must secure a BIS license to use the ISI Mark.
Read our Article:How To Get BIS Certification For Ac Watt-Hour Meters?
