Switches are electrical devices used to control the flow of electricity. They work by being inserted into the switchboard. Designed to turn electrical appliances on and off, they are valued for providing a convenient way to manage electricity consumption. Considered an integral part of electrical systems, they are used in various commercial and domestic settings

To ensure the product quality of these switches and consumer safety, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has made it mandatory for manufacturers to undergo BIS registration and obtain the BIS ISI mark before selling their products in the market. Manufacturers can use the ISI Mark on their products only after obtaining a license from BIS that is granted after BIS registration. The presence of the ISI mark on a product indicates that it complies with BIS's stringent quality standards.

Switches are covered under IS 3854:1997.BIS adopted this Indian standard after the draft finalized by the electrical wiring accessories sectional committee was approved by the electro technical division council. This standard applies to manually operated general purpose switches intended for use in households with a rated voltage of not more than 440 volts and arated current of not more than 63 amps. The switches in this standard are suitable for use at room temperature.

This specification also covers the following switches:

·       Switches incorporating pilot lights.

·       Electromagnetic remote control switches

·       Switches incorporating a time delay device.

·       Combinations of switches and other functions.

·       Electronic switches

REQUIREMENTS FOR SWICHES

1.      Switches that meet this standard are suitable for use at ambient temperatures that do not normally exceed 350C.

2.      This standard does not apply to household and similar installation circuit breakers, appliance switches, or cord switches.

3.      Switches and boxes must be designed and built in such a way that their operation is reliable and poses no risk to the user or the environment in normal use. In general, compliance is determined by performing all of the specified tests.

4.      Switches with rated voltages of 110 V, 230 V, 240 V, 250 V, 400 V, 415 V, and 440 V are preferred. Switches with rated currents of 6a, 10a, 16a, 20a, 25a, 32a, 40a, and 63a are preferred.

5.      Switches are classified as follows:

·       Single pole switches

·       Double pole switches

·       Three pole switches

·       Three pole plus switched neutral switches

·       Two-way switches

·       Two circuit switches with a common incoming

·       Two-way switches with one-off position

·       Two ways double pole switches

·       Two-way double pole reversing switches

6.      Switches and boxes must adhere to the manufacturer's specifications. Measurement is used to ensure compliance.

7.      Switches must be designed in such a way that live parts are not accessible when they are mounted and wired as they would be in normal use.

8.      Switches must be equipped with screw clamping terminals or screw less terminals.

TEST REQUIRED UNDER IS 3854:1997

The following test shall be carried out in a day.

·       Marking

·       Protection Against Electric Shock

·       Electric Strength (Flash Test)

·       Temperature Rise

·       Making and breaking capacity

·       Mechanical Strength

·       Resistance to heat

·       Screws, current-carrying, parts, and connections

·       Creepage distance and clearances

·       Resistance to rusting and so on

To learn about the test equipment in detail, please refer to the BIS official product manual. 

Product Manual link: https://law.resource.org/pub/in/bis/S05/is.3854.1997.pdf

Process for BIS ISI Mark Certification

To know the process in detail, please visit:

• ISI Mark Certification for Domestic Manufactures

• ISI Mark Certification for Foreign Manufactures

Under BIS Registration Products ISI and CRS

·       BIS CRS Registration For IT Products List

·       ISI Mark Registration For ISI Products List

CONCLUSION

Switches have been included in the mandatory ISI Certification Scheme under the IS 3854:1997 standard. This product cannot be exported, imported, or sold in the Indian consumer market without the ISI Mark imprinted.

If you need any assistance with BIS ISI registration for switches or ISI mark certification for switches, you can reach out to Evtlindia. We provide assistance with all documentation formalities with India's BIS office, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free registration experience, guiding you through the entire process from start to finish.

You can contact us via email at contact@evtlindia.com or by phone at 9560935898. Feel free to get in touch with us anytime for the support you need.