Full Text
REGD. No. D. L.-33004/99
The Gazette of India
CG-DL-E-11032025-261542
EXTRAORDINARY
PART I-Section 1
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
No. 70]
NEW DELHI, MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2025/PHALGUNA 19, 1946
1641 GI/2025
MINISTRY OF HEAVY INDUSTRIES
ORDER
New Delhi, the 10th March, 2025
F. No. 8(1)/2018-HEI-Part (1). - Product Specific Guidelines for Low Voltage Switchgear and
Controlgear: Switches, Disconnectors, Switch-Disconnectors and Fuse-Combination Units conforming
to IS/IEC 60947-3: 2020 under Electrical Equipment (Quality Control) Order, and subsequent
amendments made from time to time.
1.
This Product Specific Guidelines /sampling shall be used for the purpose of grant of licence /change
in scope of licence for Low Voltage Switchgear and Controlgear: Switches, Disconnectors, Switch-
Disconnectors and Fuse-Combination Units conforming to IS/IEC 60947-3 : 2020 under Electrical
Equipment (Quality Control) Order, 2020 and subsequent amendments made from time to time and as per
the procedure defined by Bureau of India Standards, accordingly.
2.
For purpose of obtaining the licence / change in scope of licence from the Bureau, Manufacturer shall
apply to Bureau of Indian Standards ascertaining the scope of licence and technical file including test
reports(s) / certificates(s), etc. as per the procedure defined by the Bureau of Indian Standards under the
Conformity Assessment Scheme as mentioned in the Electrical Equipment (Quality Control) Order, 2020
and subsequent amendments made from time to time ensuring the minimum number of sample(s) in respect
of a product series/range or group.
3.
Product Grouping
3.1
Product series of equipment(s): A group of switches, disconnectors, switch-disconnectors and/or
fuse combination units referred to a particular type designation(s) or model(s) having a range of current
ratings with a unique combination of function(s) under classification mentioned in Table A at Annexure -I.
Note 1: Switches, disconnectors, switch-disconnectors and fuse-combination units is referred to as
"equipment".
Note 2: Equipment in a product series may have same or different fundamental design and function(s).
Note 3: Within the product series, the width or height may vary according to number of poles or types of
termination.
Note 4: The classification is indicative, and possible classification may increase on the basis of any specific
requirements.
3.2 Requirements for equipment having the same fundamental design (as per clause 9.3.3.3 of IS/IEC
60947-3 : 2020)
Switches, disconnectors, switch-disconnectors or fuse combination units shall meet the following criteria for
acceptance as the same fundamental design:
a) the material, finish and dimensions of the current-carrying parts are identical, except for variation in
design of terminals and means of fuse attachment
b) the contact size, material, configuration and method of attachment are identical;
c) the operating mechanism is of the same fundamental design, materials and physical characteristics are
identical;
d) the closing and opening speeds of contacts are substantially the same;
e) moulding and insulating materials are identical;
f) method, materials and construction of any arc extinction device are identical.
The following variations are also permitted, 9.3.3.4 of IS/IEC 60947-3 : 2020 or provisions in 4.1.3 is used:
g) utilization category and operational voltage;
h) application for 50 Hz or 60 Hz;
i) three or four pole equipment (switched or non-switched neutral), provided the requirements of clause
8.1.9 of IS/IEC 60947-3:2020 are applicable;
j) design of terminal provided that clearances and creepage distance are not reduced (see clause 9.2.5 and
9.3.4.3 of IS/IEC 60947-3:2020 and also see clause 8.1.4 of IS/IEC 60947-1:2020);
k) different types of actuators, either additional or integral, provided the requirements for strength of
actuator are verified (see clause 9.2.6 of IS/IEC 60947-3: 2020) on each type of actuator, one of which
during test sequence I.
1) fuse-base contacts of switch-fuses, disconnector-fuses and switch-disconnector-fuse with different types
of fuse-links (fuse-link removed only under no-load conditions).
4.
Sampling and Testing
4.1.
Sampling and Testing: The type test for each product series shall be as below:
4.1.1.
For each product series type test report, an equipment with maximum current rating and maximum
features, functions satisfying all operational criteria shall be tested. The test must be in accordance with the
clause 9.3.2, Table 9 & Table 10 of IS/IEC 60947-3 : 2020. The number of test sample (s) for each test
sequence shall be selected as defined in the respective test sequence and according to 4.1.3 if applicable.
4.1.2. Type Tests are grouped together in number of test sequences, the test shall be done as per the
sequence and applicability defined in each test sequence. For each sequence, tests shall be made in the
order listed in accordance with the requirements of the appropriate subclause, unless otherwise specified in
IS/IEC 60947-3: 2020.
Note- Spares, accessories and sub-assemblies are integral part of equipment. They shall be tested as
far as possible with the equipment. (Spares and sub-assemblies being the integral part of the device,
separate testing is not envisaged; Accessories may please be used while testing.
In case, the accessories are complying to the requirement of any other standard IS/IEC 60947 series)
then accessories shall meet the requirements of the respective Indian Standards.
4.1.3. In order to reduce multiple testing for the same fundamental design of equipment, the following
Simplified test procedure shall be used:
a) If equipment having the same fundamental design is marked claiming more than one utilization category
and/or more than one operational voltage, the number of test samples may be reduced, providing the
tests are conducted under the most severe conditions.
For short-circuit, making and breaking, and operational performance tests, the conditions are deemed
more severe if the following conditions are simultaneously fulfilled:
operational rated voltage equal or higher;
test current equal or higher;
power factor equal or lower;
number of operations equal or higher.
Product series having multiple rated operational voltages, multiple rated operational currents, multiple
utilization categories will be covered by testing a single sample at maximum rated operational current
with corresponding rated operational voltage and maximum rated operational voltage with
corresponding rated operational current, most severe utilization category with maximum number of
operations as per Table 4 of IS/IEC 60947-3.
b) Tests performed at 50 Hz are deemed to cover 60 Hz applications and vice versa. with the following
exceptions:
temperature-rise test according to 9.3.4.2 for devices having a current greater than 800 A;
NOTE: By agreement between manufacturer and user, tests at 50 Hz may be accepted for operation at
60 Hz and vice versa for currents greater than 800 A.
temperature-rise and operational performance of relays and releases (see 8.2.2 and 8.2.2.7 of IS/IEC
60947-1:2020): Temperature-rise tests of coils shall be performed for each frequency, but only one
included in the relevant test sequence, and if separate supplying of coils and other circuits is possible, it
is accepted that other circuits remain supplied at 50 Hz.
c) Tests performed on three pole devices are deemed to cover also four pole devices with a non-switched
neutral pole, provided a single-phase test on the neutral pole is performed according to clause 9.3.3.3.4
of IS/IEC 60947-1:2020.
Tests performed on four switched pole devices are deemed to cover also three switched pole devices
provided that all poles are identical and the closing and opening speeds of contacts are substantially the
same (only the requirements of clause 8.1.9 of IS/IEC 60947-3 : 2020 are applicable concerning closing
and opening of the neutral pole). However, the four switched pole devices shall always be connected in
a three-phase arrangement (see Figure 11 of IS/IEC 60947-1:2020).
d) Tests performed with different types of fuse-base contacts. Where switch-fuse, disconnector-fuse or
switch-disconnector-fuse are designed to be provided with different types of fuse-base contacts,
temperature-rise tests according to 9.3.4.2 of IS/IEC 60947-3 : 2020 shall be conducted on each type at
the corresponding highest fuse rated current.
The type having the maximum temperature-rise among those of the maximum test current shall be used
for tests to sequences I, II and V. Sequence IV shall be conducted on each type of fuse-base contacts
whose fuse connecting means are other than bolted connection, at the highest rated conditional short
circuit corresponding current, and, if different, with the type of fuse having the maximum let through
energy at the highest test voltage.
e) Tests performed with different terminal designs. Where equipment is designed to be provided with
different designs of terminal, the requirements and tests according to 9.3.4.2 of IS/IEC 60947-3:2020
and 9.2.5 of IS/IEC 60947-1:2020 shall be conducted on each design.
Where equipment has terminals to be used on plug-on busbars, tests according to 9.3.4.2, 9.3.6.2 or
9.3.7.3.1 a) or 9.3.7.2.1 a) of IS/IEC 60947-3:2020, as applicable, shall be performed. Verification of
the plugging operation shall be made. The number of operating cycles shall be 50, the cycle being from
the connected position to the disconnected position and back to the connected position. The plugging
operation test can be performed on a separate sample.
The test is considered to be satisfactory if the equipment remains mechanically operable.
f) When conducting the tests according to 4.1.3 items d) and e), the temperature-rise at terminals and
accessible parts can be measured. If the temperature-rise limits of accessible parts comply with Table 3
of IS/IEC 60947-1:2020, no further tests of these parts according to clause 9.3.4.7 of IS/IEC 60947-
3:2020 are necessary. Since the intention of the tests to 4.1.3, items d) and e), is to establish the worst
case, the values of Table 2 of IS/IEC 60947-1:2020 do not apply.
4.1.4
Each Product rating(s) / varieties are not subjected to testing. Product samples as mentioned in para
4.1.1 will cover all the product rating(s) / varieties having ratings lower or equal under the scope of Licence
is by virtue of this grouping guidelines.
4.1.5 For any change in the fundamental design (i.e. non-permissible variations corresponding to same
fundamental design), the manufacturer shall have additional sample submission for testing as defined and
may have a common test report for a given type of equipment with different fundamental design.
4.1.6 However, for cases as mentioned in Table B, Annexure-II, separate type test report is not required
for inclusion of the same under scope of licence.
4.1.7 If Equipment with a fuse combination, having same fundamental design and function is tested with
most severe conditions, only additional test sequence as applicable is needed on the equipment without fuse
to include under the scope of licence. No repeat testing of all test sequences is required on the equipment
without fuse as outlined in Table C, Annexure III.
4.1.8 Equipment marked with both AC & DC voltage ratings shall be tested separately for both the
utilization (AC & DC) categories.
VIJAY MITTAL, Jt. Secy.
Annexure-I
Table A. Classification of Equipment Switches, Disconnectors, Switch-Disconnectors and Fuse-
Combination Units
+-----+-------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| Sr. | Classification based on | Type of Equipment |
| No. | | |
+=====+===========================================+=============================================+
| | | Switch; |
| | | Switch-fuse; |
| | | Fuse-switch; |
| | | Disconnector; |
| 1 | Equipment Types | Disconnector-fuse; |
| | | Fuse-disconnector; |
| | | Switch-disconnector; |
| | | Switch-disconnector-fuse; |
| | | Fuse-switch-disconnector |
+-----+-------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| 2 | Breaking arrangement for fused devices | - Single opening |
| | | - Double opening |
+-----+-------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| | Classification as per Clause 4 of | Category A Category B |
| | IS/IEC 60947-3 : 2020 | AC-20A AC-20B |
| | | AC-21A AC-21B |
| | | AC-22A AC-22B |
| | | AC-23A AC-23B |
| 3 | Utilization category | AC-23Ae AC-23Be |
| | | DC-20A DC-20B |
| | | DC-21A DC-21B |
| | | DC-22A DC-22B |
| | | DC-23A DC-23B |
+-----+-------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| | Method of operation of manually operated | - dependent manual operation; |
| 4 | equipment | - independent manual operation; |
| | | - semi-independent manual operation |
+-----+-------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| | | suitable for isolation; |
| 5 | Suitability for isolation | - not suitable for isolation |
+-----+-------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| | Degree of protection provided | According to clause 8.1.12 and Annex C of |
| 6 | | IS/IEC 60947-1:2020 |
| | Operational Characteristics | |
+-----+-------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| | | 1 Phase AC; |
| 7 | Type of Supply | - 3 Phase AC; |
| | | Direct Current(DC) |
+-----+-------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| | | One Pole; |
| | | Two Pole; |
| 8 | Number of poles | Three Pole; |
| | | Four Pole, Three Pole + Neutral |
+-----+-------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| | | -Two(default) |
| 9 | Number of positions of the main contacts | - If more than two |
+-----+-------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------+
For Example
Product series 1: Switch –AXXA (type designation) - AC-21A/ AC-22A/ AC-23A - independent
manual operation - suitable for isolation – IPXX
Product series 2: Switch Disconnector, Switch Disconnector Fuse –XXXXX (type designations) -
AC-21A/AC-22A/ AC-23A - independent manual operation - suitable for isolation – IPXX
Product series 3: Switch-disconnector – AYYA (type designation) - AC-21A- independent manual
operation -suitable for isolation – IPXX
Annexure-II
Table B. Switches, Disconnectors, Switch-Disconnectors and Fuse-Combination Units can be added
under the scope of Licence without additional type testing (vice versa condition is not applicable)
+-------+---------------------------------------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Case | Equipment Type | Condition |
+=======+=======================================+===============================================+
| | Equipment with | If the Equipment with same fundamental design is tested with|
| | multiple utilization | most severe test conditions in terms of equal or higher |
| | categories and/or | operational rated voltage, equal or higher test current, equal or|
| A | multiple operational | lower power factor, equal or higher number of operations; all|
| | voltages, operational | other utilization categories, operational voltages, variants are|
| | currents | deemed to be covered. |
| | | e.g. AC-23 will cover both AC-21 and AC-22 categories; higher|
| | | operational voltage will cover all lower voltages. |
| | | e.g. DC-23 will cover DC-22 & DC-21 |
| | | Test to be carried out at maximum rated operational current at|
| | | corresponding rated operational voltage and at maximum rated|
| | | operational voltage with corresponding rated operational current,|
| | | most severe utilization category with maximum number of|
| | | operations as per Table 4 & 5 of IS/IEC 60947-3: 2020 |
+-------+---------------------------------------+-----------------------------------------------+
| | Equipment not suitable | If Equipment with same fundamental design is tested for |
| B | for isolation | equipment suitable for isolation then non-suitable for isolation|
| | | will cover. |
+-------+---------------------------------------+-----------------------------------------------+
| | One, Two, Three, Four | If the Equipment with higher pole combination is tested, then|
| C | Poles type equipment | lower pole combination will be deemed to be covered subject to|
| | | identical pole designs with same voltage rating.|
| | | If Four Pole is tested then 3 P + Neutral, 3 Pole, 2 Pole will be|
| | | covered. |
| | | Single Pole shall be tested separately. |
+-------+---------------------------------------+-----------------------------------------------+
| | Equipment with | If the Equipment is tested with a representative release, relays,|
| | different types of | accessories of highest features or parameters, it will cover other|
| D | accessories, relays and | variants, however declaration shall be provided for all such types|
| | releases | by Manufacturer. |
+-------+---------------------------------------+-----------------------------------------------+
| | Equipment with | If a range of Equipment having the same design and has|
| | combination of | combination of functions, equipment tested for maximum|
| E | functions | functionality and maximum severity will deem to cover all other|
| | | type of equipment |
| | | e.g. |
| | | a) Switch-disconnector will cover Switch and Disconnector |
| | | b) Switch Disconnector fuse will cover Switch-Fuse and|
| | | Disconnector-fuse |
+-------+---------------------------------------+-----------------------------------------------+
c) Fuse switch disconnector will cover Fuse- switch and Fuse –
disconnector
Annexure -III
Table C. Equipment without Fuse can be added under the scope of Licence with applicable
additional type testing.
+--------------------------+---------------------------+---------------------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Functions | Equipment Type | Fundamental | Remark |
| | | design | |
+==========================+===========================+=====================+===============================================+
| | Switch-disconnector- | Same | All applicable test sequences |
| | fuse | | |
| Making, breaking | | | Can be added under the scope of |
| and isolating | Switch-disconnector | Same | licence with only additional type |
| | | | test as per Table 9 and 14 of IS/IEC |
| | | | 60947-3:2020 |
| | Fuse-switch- | Different | All applicable test sequences |
| | disconnector | | |
+--------------------------+---------------------------+---------------------+-----------------------------------------------+
| | Disconnector-fuse | Same | All applicable test sequences |
| | | | Can be added under the scope of |
| Isolating | Disconnector | Same | licence with only additional type |
| | | | test as per Table 9 and 14 of IS/IEC |
| | | | 60947-3:2020 |
| | Fuse-disconnector | Different | All applicable test sequences |
+--------------------------+---------------------------+---------------------+-----------------------------------------------+
| | Switch-fuse | Same | All applicable test sequences |
| Making and | | | Can be added under the scope of |
| breaking current | Switch | Same | licence with only additional type |
| | | | test as per Table 9 of IS/IEC |
| | | | 60947-3:2020 |
| | Fuse-switch | Different | All applicable test sequences |
+--------------------------+---------------------------+---------------------+-----------------------------------------------+
Note: If for a function type, only one equipment is available then that equipment will be subjected for
all applicable test sequences.
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