A Watt-hour meter refers toa measuring device that computes and records the electrical power propagating through a circuit at a given time. With this meter installed, the consumer can ascertain the amount of energy used by a household in a given timeframe. Electric power distribution companies install watt-hour meters at households to determine electrical usage for billing purposes. When a given billing period nears its end, the staff member from the power company visits households to note down the meter’s reading in the Kilowatt-hour (kWh). Companies intending to produce such meters must apply for BIS registration beforehand. This is a mandatory requirement. Let’s see how you can apply and secure BIS certification for AC Watt-hour meters.
An Overview of IS 13010:2002 and its Role in BIS Registration
IS 13010:2002 is an Indian Standard that covers AC Watt-hour meters adhering to accuracy class 0.5, 1, and 2. No other meters are covered under this standard that falls outside what is mentioned. The standard also applies to meters’ parts and accessories such as current transformers. Products like Maximum Demand Indicators (MDI) fall outside the scope of this standard. The Indian Standard – IS 8530 covers such products.
This standard covers multi-rate meters but does not encompass other meter types used for testing purposes falling under the Indian Standard called IS 11426.
Meters are categorized depending on their respective class indices like 0.5, 1, or 2.
The meter’s construction, design, and workability should not pose any risk to the end users. The meter should adhere to sufficient mechanical strength and cope with temperature variances.
All these guidelines serve as a base for the BIS certification for AC Watt-hour meters.
Tests concerning BIS certification for AC Watt-hour meters
To qualify for BIS certification, the manufacturers must test their product(s) for performance and quality via a certified lab. The lab shall perform the following test to determine the product’s quality.
- Type test
- Running with no load
- Insulation resistance
- Power loss
- Starting
- Heating
- ac voltage test
- Impulse voltage test
- Sustained accuracy test and so on
- Acceptance test
- Running with no load
- Limits of errors
- Insulation resistance test
- Test of meter constant
- Repeatability of error
- Routine test
- Starting
- Running with no load
- Insulation resistance
- Limits of error
Post completing these tests, the lab will generate a detailed report and share the same with the applicant.
Packing and Marking Norms concerning BIS certification for AC Watt-hour meters
Packing and marking should be performed as per the standard’s norms. Each meter should reflect information cited in the standard. Manufacturers can also affix the ISI marking these products but only after securing the BIS approval.
To bring the marking process into effect, first, the applicant needs to apply for the BIS registration via a prescribed application. The authority (BIS)[1] will scrutinize the application and the production premises for any non-conformity before handing over the certification.
Documents concerning BIS certification for AC Watt-hour meters
Common paperwork required for BIS certification includes the following:
- Application form
- Test reports accorded by the BIS-recognized labs
- ISO/IEC 17025 certificate or equivalent
- Trademark registration (if applicable)
- List of machinery as well as equipment
- Quality control manual
- Appointment letter for non-Indian manufacturers
- Manufacturing unit layout plan
- Proof of payment of fees
- Undertaking to assuring conformity with the BIS regulations
Note: The documents mentioned here are generalized ones. Hence, depending on what product you have, the paperwork for BIS certification can vary drastically.
How to secure BIS Certification for AC Watt-hour meters?
Acquiring a BIS registration is a tedious process, especially for new companies. It includes various steps including paperwork arrangement and premises inspection, which can take days to complete if apt planning is missing. Nonetheless, feel free to follow the given procedure to apply for BIS registration if you are unsure how to do the same with ease.
- Step 1: Locate the standard governing your product
The initial step in securing BIS certification for AC Watt-hour meters is to pinpoint the standard governing your product. At present, around 19000 product standards are being used by BIS to formulate, amend, and enact quality norms for certification purposes. The detail about these standards is available on the BIS web portal.
- Step 2: Arrange paperwork
The next step is this process to arrange the mandatory paperwork. The application for BIS goes along with various paperwork, including test reports, business registration, QMS certificate, and commercial documents. Before you upload these documents online, make sure they are correct and free from inaccuracies.
- Step 3: Conduct Product Testing
Subjecting product(s) to mandatory tests is what happens in this step. For this purpose, the applicant needs to visit the certified lab to get their product(s) certified for intended quality and performance. The timeline and cost of testing shall vary product-wise.
- Step 4: Submit the Application
After getting the product certified for quality, it’s time to file an online application with the BIS. To do so, visit the BIS web portal and fill out the e-form concerning the ISI marking scheme. During filing, you will be prompted to include various details such as plant address, product detail, testing information, and so on. Make sure the information provided is authentic or else your request for certification may be cancelled.
Step 5: Application vetting and grant of certification
As soon as your application reaches the authority, the vetting process will be initiated under which officials will perform a thorough evaluation of paperwork and production premises. Any error or non-compliance detected in the document shall be shared with the applicant for timely correction. Likewise, if the authority fails to detect any loophole from the compliance standpoint, the certification will be accorded to the applicant.
Conclusion
To sum up, obtaining BIS certification for AC Watt-hour meters is not only mandatory but also important for fostering consumer trust. With the ISI logo placed on the products, you do not have to put extra effort to vouch for the product’s quality. ISI marking is an indication of the utmost quality and reliability of the product.
Read Our Article: BIS Certification For Masonry Cement: An Overview
