Electrical wires and cables form one of the most commonly used products in offices and households as well as industries in India. Considering the danger posed by the use of non-conforming cables such as short circuiting, fire hazards, and even electrocution, it is mandatory for all the PVC-insulated cables to have the BIS certification as per IS 694.
The producers of electric cables and wires for domestic and industrial purposes must secure the BIS certification (ISI mark) prior to marketing their products in India. The necessity for the same has been made mandatory by the ‘Electric Wires, Cables, Appliances, and Protection Devices and Accessories (Quality Control) Order.’
In this blog, we cover everything about BIS certification for electric wires and cables—the standard, process, documents, testing parameters, and how ELT Corporate can help you get certified quickly.
The BIS certification as per IS 694 is very important for the manufacturing of electric wires and cables since such products are necessary in ensuring the safety of products, compliance with laws, and credibility in the market. This is because of the importance of such products for safety in any construction.
Need Help Getting BIS Certification for Electric Wires and Cables?
📱 WhatsApp Us 📞 Call Now 📝 Free AssistanceWhat is IS 694?
IS 694 refers to an Indian Standard specification for PVC-insulated cords and cables that are used to work at voltages that go up to and beyond 1100 V. It covers multicore and single-core cables that have flexible and rigid conductors composed of aluminum or copper.
The standard defines requirements for:
- Conductor material and construction (copper/aluminum)
- PVC insulation and sheathing quality
- Voltage rating and current-carrying capacity
- Flame-retardant (FR) and flame-retardant low smoke halogen (FR-LSH) properties
- Dimensional tolerances (insulation thickness, overall diameter)
- Marking and labeling requirements
Benefits of BIS Certification
- Strengthens overall quality management within the manufacturing process
- Reduces rejection and rework costs by improving production consistency
- Acts as proof of product safety and quality for buyers and government bodies
- Improves resource utilization through standardized manufacturing practices
- Opens access to institutional, export, and overseas market opportunities
- Builds long-term brand reputation and consumer trust
Why is BIS Certification Mandatory for Electric Wires and Cables?
- Ensures cables can safely carry rated current without overheating or insulation failure
- Confirms fire safety through flame-retardant compliance
- Mandatory under the Quality Control Order — manufacturing/selling without ISI Mark is illegal
- Required for government tenders, electrical contractors, and institutional buyers
- Builds trust with distributors, electricians, and end consumers
- Reduces risk of electrical accidents and fire hazards in buildings
Related BIS Standards for Wires & Cables
While IS 694 covers standard PVC-insulated cables up to 1100V, BIS has notified several other standards for specialized wire and cable categories. It’s useful to know where your product fits:
| IS Number | Product Coverage |
| IS 1554 (Part 1) | PVC insulated cables for voltages up to 1100V |
| IS 1554 (Part 2) | Heavy-duty PVC-insulated cables, 3.3kV to 11kV |
| IS 7098 (Part 1) | XLPE-insulated, PVC-sheathed cables up to 1100V |
| IS 7098 (Part 2) | XLPE-insulated cables, 3.3 kV to kV |
| IS 7098 (Part 3) | XLPE-insulated cables, 66kV to 220 kV |
| IS 17048 | Halogen-free flame retardant (HFFR) cables up to 1100V |
| IS 14255 | Aerial bunched cables up to 1100 V |
If your product falls outside standard low-voltage PVC cables—such as heavy-duty, XLPE, or specialized industrial cables—you may need certification under one of these related standards instead of, or in addition to, IS 694.
Documents Required for BIS Certification (IS 694)
| Document | Purpose |
| Factory and office address proof | Verify manufacturing location |
| Authorized representative letter (if applicable) | Confirm signing authority |
| List of manufacturing machinery | Confirm production capability |
| Manufacturing process flow chart | Explain production stages |
| Raw material information (copper/aluminum, PVC compound) | Verify input material quality |
| In-house test reports and lab equipment list | Confirm quality control setup |
| Valid calibration certificates for test equipment | Ensure testing accuracy |
| Third-party lab test report (if applicable) | Validate independent compliance |
| Product drawing | Technical reference |
| GST registration / factory license | Business verification |
| Factory layout plan and location map | Reference for site inspection |
| Method of disposal for substandard products | Quality assurance compliance |
BIS Certification Process for Electric Wires and Cables
| Step | Description |
| 1. Application Submission | Apply online via the BIS Manak portal (Form V) with required documents |
| 2. Document Verification | BIS reviews factory details, raw materials, and manufacturing processes. |
| 3. Factory Inspection | BIS officer visits the plant to inspect machinery, production, and QC setup |
| 4. Sample Testing | Cable samples tested for electrical, mechanical, and flammability parameters as per IS 694 |
| 5. Compliance Review | BIS evaluates test results against standard benchmarks |
| 6. License Grant | ISI Mark license issued for the specific cable type/voltage rating |
The process typically takes 30–90 days, depending on document readiness and inspection scheduling.
Key Testing Parameters Under IS 694
- Conductor resistance test — verifies current-carrying efficiency
- Insulation resistance test — checks protection against electrical leakage
- High-voltage test—confirms cable withstands rated voltage without breakdown
- Tensile strength & elongation test — measures PVC insulation durability
- Flammability test — verifies flame-retardant (FR) and FR-LSH properties
- Dimensional check — insulation thickness and overall cable diameter
- Hot deformation test — ensures insulation stability under heat
Types of Cables Covered Under IS 694
| Type | Application |
| Single-core unsheathed cables | Internal wiring, panel board wiring |
| Single-core sheathed cables | Residential and commercial wiring |
| Multicore flexible cables | Control panels, industrial equipment |
| FR/FR-LSH cables | High-rise buildings, public spaces requiring fire safety |
Validity, Renewal & License Cancellation
The BIS ISI license for electric wires and cables is generally granted for 1 to 2 years, subject to periodic surveillance audits and market sample testing by BIS. Manufacturers must apply for renewal before expiry to avoid disruption in production and sales.
It should also be mentioned that as per BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, it becomes the right of BIS to revoke the license if the company does not fulfill the continuous requirements of certification like quality, surveillance, or marking.
Therefore, it can be said that the company has to keep up quality standards even after getting the certification license.
Need Help Getting BIS Certification for Electric Wires & Cables?
📱 WhatsApp Us 📞 Call Now 📝 Free AssistanceConclusion
BIS approval in accordance with IS 694 is essential for electric wire and cable producers to ensure the safety of their products as well as legal compliance and credibility on the market. In light of the vital function these products play in all buildings and homes, having an ISI mark is more than an obligation of the law but a confidence signal for electricians and contractors as well as consumers.
Manufacturers that work with specific cables should also verify the standards that are related to them, like IS 1554 and IS 7098, to confirm that they’re certified according to the proper standard.
FAQs
Q1. Are BIS certifications required for all cable and wire producers?
Yes, in accordance with this applicable quality control order, PVC-insulated cables cannot be produced and sold outside of India without an ISI mark.
Q2. What is the voltage range that 694 covered?
IS 694 is a PVC-insulated cable with working voltages that range from 1100V. They are those which are used for commercial, residential, or industrial electrical wiring.
Q3. How long will BIS certification take?
Typically, 30-90 days, based on the readiness of documents and the schedule for factory inspections.
Q4. Can importers apply to apply for BIS certification?
Yes, importers are able to make an application through the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) for cables that are manufactured outside India.
Q5. What is the cost of BIS certification for electric wires and cables?
Costs vary based on application fees, testing fees, inspection charges, and annual license fees—contact ELT Corporate for a customized quote.
Q6. What does FR-LSH mean in cables?
FR-LSH stands for Flame Retardant, Low Smoke, and Halogen—indicating the cable emits less smoke and toxic gas during a fire, improving safety in enclosed spaces.
Q7. Can BIS cancel a certification after it’s granted?
Yes, BIS can cancel a license if a manufacturer fails to comply with ongoing certification conditions, including quality maintenance and surveillance requirements.
