IS 1554(Part 2) : 1988
Cables - Specification for PVC Insulated (Heavy Duty) Electric Cables Part 2 For Working Voltages from 3.3 kV up to and Including 11 kV
summary
PVC Insulated (Heavy Duty) Electric Cables for working voltages from 3.3 kV up to and including 11 kV are power cables designed for medium-voltage electricity transmission and distribution. They use PVC insulation to provide electrical safety, mechanical strength, durability, and reliable performance in industrial, utility, and infrastructure applications.
Why BIS Certificate is Mandatory for Specification for PVC Insulated (Heavy Duty) Electric Cables Part 2 For Working Voltages from 3.3 kV up to and Including 11 kV
BIS certification is mandatory to ensure these medium-voltage PVC insulated cables meet essential safety, performance, and quality standards. As they carry high electrical loads, BIS standards help prevent insulation failure, electrical accidents, fire hazards, and power losses, ensuring safe installation, reliable operation, and regulatory compliance in India.
What is BIS Certified for Specification for PVC Insulated (Heavy Duty) Electric Cables Part 2 For Working Voltages from 3.3 kV up to and Including 11 kV
The BIS certified specification defines requirements for conductor material, insulation thickness, voltage rating, electrical properties, mechanical strength, heat resistance, and testing methods. It ensures PVC insulated heavy duty cables comply with Indian Standards for safety, durability, current-carrying capacity, and reliable performance under medium-voltage operating conditions.
Test required for Specification for PVC Insulated (Heavy Duty) Electric Cables Part 2 For Working Voltages from 3.3 kV up to and Including 11 kV
| Title | Mandatory/Optional |
|---|---|
| Purity test for Cu | Optional |
| Conductor resistance | Required |
| High voltage test (routine test) | Required |
| Partial discharge test (for 6.35/ 11 kV cables only) | Required |
| Armour resistance (for mining cables) | Required |
| Annealing test (for Copper) | Required |
| Tensile test (for Aluminium) | Required |
| Wrapping test (for Aluminium) | Required |
| Test for thickness of insulation and sheath | Required |
| Tensile strength and elongation at break of Insulation and Sheath | Required |
| Insulation Resistance | Required |
| High Voltage test (Acceptance/ Type test) | Required |
| Dimensions | Required |
| Tensile Strength | Required |
| Elongation at break | Required |
| Torsion test for round wires | Required |
| Winding test for formed wires | Required |
| Uniformity of Zinc coating | Required |
| Mass of Zinc coating | Required |
| Tensile strength and elongation at break after aging in air oven | Required |
| Shrinkage test | Required |
| Hot deformation test | Required |
| Loss of mass in air oven | Required |
| Heat shock test | Required |
| Thermal Stability | Required |
| Water absorption (gravimetric test for insulation, where applicable ) | Required |
| Bending test | Required |
| Dielectric power factor test | Required |
| Heating cycle test | Required |
| Impulse withstand test | Required |
| Flammability test | Required |
| Oxygen Index Test | Optional |
| Flame Retardance Test on single cable | Optional |
| Flame Retardance Test on bunched cable | Optional |
| Test for specific optical density of smoke | Optional |
| Temperature Index | Optional |
| Smoke Density | Optional |
| Test for Halogen acid gas evolution | Optional |
Benefits of BIS Certification for Specification for PVC Insulated (Heavy Duty) Electric Cables Part 2 For Working Voltages from 3.3 kV up to and Including 11 kV
1. Enhanced Electrical Safety
BIS certification ensures cables meet strict insulation and construction standards, reducing risks of electric shock, short circuits, and fire hazards in medium-voltage installations.
2. Assured Performance and Reliability
Certified cables are tested for voltage endurance, thermal stability, and mechanical strength, ensuring consistent performance in demanding industrial and power distribution environments.
3. Longer Service Life
BIS-compliant PVC insulated cables offer better resistance to heat, moisture, and mechanical stress, minimizing breakdowns and extending operational lifespan.
4. Legal and Regulatory Compliance
BIS certification is mandatory in India, allowing manufacturers and importers to supply cables legally without facing penalties, rejection, or project delays.
5. Market Trust and Acceptance
BIS-marked cables gain higher acceptance among utilities, contractors, and infrastructure developers, improving brand credibility and competitiveness in domestic and institutional markets.