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Core Purpose

This order establishes product specific guidelines for electromechanical contactors and motor starters under the Electrical Equipment (Quality Control) Order, 2020.

Detailed Summary

The Ministry of Heavy Industries issues this order to define product specific guidelines for Low Voltage Switchgear and Controlgear, specifically focusing on Electromechanical Contactors and Motor Starters, in accordance with IS/IEC 60947-4-1:2018 and the Electrical Equipment (Quality Control) Order, 2020. These guidelines serve to regulate the grant and modification of licenses by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Manufacturers must apply to BIS with comprehensive technical documentation, including test reports, adhering to BIS procedures under the Conformity Assessment Scheme. The order details product series classifications, type testing protocols as per IS/IEC 60947-4-1:2018, and criteria for sample selection. It outlines specific cases for testing various configurations of contactors and starters and provides annexures for classification parameters and conditions for license scope expansion without further testing.

Full Text

REGD. No. D. L.-33004/99 The Gazette of India CG-DL-E-11032025-261545 EXTRAORDINARY PART I-Section 1 PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY No. 71] NEW DELHI, MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2025/PHALGUNA 19, 1946 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: Electromechanical Contactor(s) and Motor Starter(s) conforming to IS/IEC 60947-4-1:2018 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: Electromechanical Contactors and Motor Starters conforming to IS/IEC 60947-4-1:2018 under Electrical Equipment (Quality Control) Order, 2020 and subsequent amendments made from time to time and as per the procedure defined by Bureau of Indian 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 report(s) /certificate(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 Electromechanical Contactor(s) and Motor Starter(s) - A group of Contactor(s) and/or Motor Starter(s) having a common frame size or enclosure ¹ used for a range of current ratings with a unique combination of feature(s) under classification mention in Table A at Annexure-I. 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: Contactor(s) and/or Motor Starter(s) equipment with Maximum rated operational current (or rated power), at corresponding rated operational voltage and equipment with maximum rated operational voltage, at corresponding rated operational current (or rated power), with maximum functions satisfying all operational performance criteria shall be tested. The test and number of sample(s) must be in accordance with the clause 9.1.2 and 9.3 of IS/IEC 60947-4-1:2018. 4.1.2 Type tests are grouped together in a number of sequences, the test shall be done as per sequence and applicability defined in clause 9.1.2 and 9.3.1 of IS/IEC 60947-4-1:2018. 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 Each product rating(s) /varieties may not be subjected to testing. Product sample as mentioned in para 4.1.1 will cover all the Product rating (s) / varieties having ratings equal or below under the Scope of Licence is by virtue of this grouping guidelines. 4.1.4 The selection of samples to be tested for a series of devices with same enclosure / frame size and without significant difference in construction shall be based on engineering judgement including but not limited to as defined below: Case I - Contactor(s) having multiple utilization category – As per Clause 5.4.2 of IS/IEC 60947-4-1:2018. Case II - Contactor(s) having multiple ratings for same utilization category – rating with max. Operational current (or maximum power), at the corresponding rated operational voltages of the equipment declared to be considered for test purpose. Case III – For a given range of motor combination starter(s), if any Starter combination is tested with the Main/Line Contactor of a highest rating (rated operational current) with suitable overload relay then all other possible combination(s) with lower complexities of the same Contactor with different relays ratings are covered by this combination. Example: +-----+---------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+--------------------------------+------------------+---------------------+ | Sr. | Starter | Rated | Rated | Rated | Contactor | Overload Relay | | No. | Enclosure | Operational | Operational | Operational | | Range | | | Size | Voltage | Power | Current | | | | | | (Starter) | (Starter) | (Starter) | | | | | | | (kW) | (A) | | | +=====+=====================+==============================+==============================+================================+==================+=====================+ | 1 | | 3ø -415V ac | 0.55 | 1.7 | Type – X (12A) | 1 - 1.6 A | +-----+---------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+--------------------------------+------------------+---------------------+ | 2 | | 3ø-415V ac | 0.75 | 2.2 | Type – X (12A) | 1.6 - 2.5 A | +-----+---------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+--------------------------------+------------------+---------------------+ | 3 | | 3ø -415V ac | 1.1 | 2.9 | Type – X (12A) | 2.0 - 3.2 A | +-----+---------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+--------------------------------+------------------+---------------------+ | 4 | | 3ø-415V ac | 1.5 | 3.8 | Type – X (12A) | 3.2 - 5.0 A | +-----+---------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+--------------------------------+------------------+---------------------+ | 5 | Size 1 | 3ø-415V ac | 2.2 | 5.1 | Type - X (12A) | 4.0 - 6.3 A | +-----+---------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+--------------------------------+------------------+---------------------+ | 6 | | 3ø -415V ac | 3.7 | 8.1 | Type – X (12A) | 6.3 - 10.0 A | +-----+---------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+--------------------------------+------------------+---------------------+ | 7 | | 3ø-415V ac | 5.5 | 11.4 | Type – X (12A) | 8.0 - 12.5 A | +-----+---------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+--------------------------------+------------------+---------------------+ | 8 | | 3ø -415V ac | 7.5 | 15.4 | Type – Y (20A) | 12.5 - 20 A | +-----+---------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+--------------------------------+------------------+---------------------+ | 9 | | 3ø-415V ac | 9.3 | 19.5 | Type – Y (20A) | 16 - 25 A | +-----+---------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+--------------------------------+------------------+---------------------+ All applicable tests will be conducted on 2x ratings mentioned at sr. no 7 and 9 i.e. 5.5 kW & 9.3 kW. 4.1.5 However, for ease of Product Series formation or in case of same fundamental design spread in more than one phases under phase -wise plan as mentioned Electrical Equipment (Quality Control) Order, 2020 and subsequent amendments made from time to time, higher product rating(s) tested will cover the lower product ratings(s) of other phase of phase -wise plan. 4.1.6 However, for cases as mentioned in Table B of Annexure-II separate type test report is not required for inclusion of the same under scope of license. 4.1.7 Contactors/starters having both AC & DC voltage ratings shall be tested separately for both AC & DC utilization categories. VIJAY MITTAL, Jt. Secy. Annexure-I Table A. Classification of Electromechanical Contactor and Starters combinations (physical and operational parameter) +-----+-------------------------------------------------------------------+----------------------------------------------+ | S. | Classification based on | Type of physical and operational parameter | | No. | Classification as per Clause 5.2 of | | | | IS/IEC 60947-4-1:2018 | | +=====+===================================================================+==============================================+ | 1. | Type of equipment | a) Contactor, | | | | b) direct-on-line a.c. starter | | | | c) star-delta starter; | | | | d) two-step auto-transformer starter; | | | | e) rheostatic rotor starter; f) combination | | | | or protected starter | | | | g) motor protective switching device (MPSD) | +-----+-------------------------------------------------------------------+----------------------------------------------+ | 2. | No. of poles | a) 1P, b) 2P, c) 3P, d) 4P | +-----+-------------------------------------------------------------------+----------------------------------------------+ | 3. | Kind of current | a) ac, b) dc | +-----+-------------------------------------------------------------------+----------------------------------------------+ | 4. | Interrupting medium | a) air, b) oil, c) gas, d) vacuum, etc. | +-----+-------------------------------------------------------------------+----------------------------------------------+ | 5. | Method of operation | a) manual, b) electromagnetic, | | | | c) motor-operated, | | | | d) pneumatic, e) electro-pneumatic etc. | +-----+-------------------------------------------------------------------+----------------------------------------------+ | 6. | Method of control | a) automatic, b) non-automatic, | | | | c) semi-automatic | +-----+-------------------------------------------------------------------+----------------------------------------------+ | | Operational Characteristic | | +-----+-------------------------------------------------------------------+----------------------------------------------+ | 7. | Utilization category | a) AC1, AC2, AC3, AC4, AC5a, AC5b, AC6a, | | | | AC6b, AC7a, | | | | AC7b, AC8a, AC8b etc. | | | | b) DC1, DC3, DC5, DC6 etc. | +-----+-------------------------------------------------------------------+----------------------------------------------+ | 8. | Control circuits | a) type of current – ac, dc or ac/dc; | | | | b) rated frequency (for ac) or direct current;| | | | c) rated control circuit voltage Uc | | | | d) rated control circuit supply voltage Us | | | | where applicable | | | | e) power consumption | +-----+-------------------------------------------------------------------+----------------------------------------------+ | 9. | Rated duties | a) Eight-hour duty (continuous duty) | | | | b) Uninterrupted duty | | | | c) Intermittent periodic duty or | | | | intermittent duty | | | | d) Temporary duty | | | | e) Periodic duty | +-----+-------------------------------------------------------------------+----------------------------------------------+ | | Additional features | | +-----+-------------------------------------------------------------------+----------------------------------------------+ | 10. | Suitability for isolation | a) Suitable b) Not suitable | +-----+-------------------------------------------------------------------+----------------------------------------------+ | 11. | Type of coordination with short- | a) Type 1 b) Type 2 | | | circuit protective devices | | +-----+-------------------------------------------------------------------+----------------------------------------------+ | 12. | Degree of protection | With maximum Ingress Protection code/rating | +-----+-------------------------------------------------------------------+----------------------------------------------+ | 13. | Auxiliary circuits (if applicable) | To be specified as per Clause 5.6 of IS/IEC | | | | 60947-4-1:2018 number | | | | and kind of contacts (to be described, | | | | e.g. 2 NO & 2NC contacts) | +-----+-------------------------------------------------------------------+----------------------------------------------+ | 14. | Types and characteristics of relays | To be specified as per clause 5.7.2 Types of | | | and releases (if applicable, only for | relay or release and | | | starters) | 5.7.3 Characteristic values of IS/IEC | | | | 60947-4-1:2018 | | | | For Example: Shunt Trip, Undervoltage Relay, | | | | Thermal overload | | | | relay or Electronic overload relay etc. with | | | | trip class 2 / 3 / 5 / 10 / | | | | 10A etc. | +-----+-------------------------------------------------------------------+----------------------------------------------+ | 15. | Types and characteristics of special | To be described, as per clause 5.10, 5.11 or | | | starters (if applicable) | 5.12 of IS/IEC 60947-4- | | | | 1:2018 as & when applicable | +-----+-------------------------------------------------------------------+----------------------------------------------+ For Example- Product Series 1- Four Pole, Air-Break, Contactor, Non-automatic, Electromagnetic Operation, Utilization Categories - AC1, AC2, AC3 & AC4; Uninterrupted duty, Not suitable for isolation, IP20, Rated control circuit voltages : 24V till 440V ac, 50/60Hz, Maximum 4 NO + 4 NC auxiliary contacts, Type 2 Coordination with SCPD; having a common frame size for a range of current. Product Series 2- Three Pole, Air-Break, Direct-On-Line AC Starter, Non-automatic, Electromagnetic Operation, Utilization Categories – AC1, AC2, AC3 & AC4; Uninterrupted duty, Not suitable for isolation, IP43, Rated control circuit voltages : 24V till 440V ac, 50/60Hz, Maximum 2 NO + 2 NC auxiliary contacts, Type 2 Coordination with SCPD; having a common Enclosure size for a range of current. Note- the classification is indicative, and the possible classification may be increase on the basis of any specific requirements. Annexure-II Table B. Contactor and Starter(s) combination(s) can be added under the scope of license without additional type testing. (vice versa condition is not applicable) +-------+------------------------------------------+------------------------------------------+ | Case | Contactor and Starter(s) | Condition | | | combination(s) | | +=======+==========================================+==========================================+ | A | Product with Multiple Coil types and | If product series is tested with | | | voltages | representative coil with maximum | | | (ac, dc, electronics, ac/dc etc.) | VA, then all other variants will be | | | | covered. | +-------+------------------------------------------+------------------------------------------+ | B | Product not-suitable for isolation | if product series is tested for product | | | | suitable for isolation. | +-------+------------------------------------------+------------------------------------------+ | C | One, two, three and four poles | If the higher Pole Combination device | | | | is tested, then lower Pole | | | | Combination will be covered subject to | | | | identical pole designs. | | | | e.g. | | | | 4 Pole device testing covered 3 Pole | | | | & 2 Pole devices, 1 Pole | | | | device will be tested separately. | +-------+------------------------------------------+------------------------------------------+ | D | Multiple Short Circuit Breaking | Highest breaking capacity with | | | capacities | corresponding operational voltage | | | (For MPSD) | and Highest operational voltage with | | | | corresponding breaking | | | | capacity needs to be tested. | +-------+------------------------------------------+------------------------------------------+ | E | Multiple types of Short-Circuit | SCPD having equal or higher let through | | | Protective Devices (SCPD) for | energy (I²t) capacity | | | equipment | cover the other SCPDs. | +-------+------------------------------------------+------------------------------------------+ | F | Product with different types of releases | If a product series is tested with a | | | (Shunt, Under-voltage, under-current, | representative release(s), it will | | | Overload time-delay, Stall relay etc.) | cover the other variants. However, | | | having different features/settings | declaration to be provided for | | | | all such releases by Manufacturer. | +-------+------------------------------------------+------------------------------------------+ | G | Product tested for Type 2 co-ordination | Deemed to cover Type 1 co-ordination | | | | also. | +-------+------------------------------------------+------------------------------------------+ ¹ Frame size or Enclosure - a term designating a group of contactors and/or motor-starters, the external physical dimensions of which are same to a range of current ratings. Uploaded by Dte. of Printing at Government of India Press, Ring Road, Mayapuri, New Delhi-110064 and Published by the Controller of Publications, Delhi-110054.

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