Safety Testing IS 16242-1 : 2014 Uninterruptible Power System

The primary regulatory directive for this category is IS 16242 (Part 1) : 2014, which focuses on General and Safety Requirements for UPS. It is highly harmonized with the international IEC 62040-1: 2008 standard. Manufacturers must transition to the updated IS 16242 (Part 1) : 2025 by November 2025 to maintain compliance.

This standard specifically applies to electronic Uninterruptible Power Systems and Inverters designed for low-voltage distribution systems.

• Capacity Limit: UPS and Inverters with a rating of $\leq$ 10 kVA.
• Technology Types: On-line UPS, Off-line (Standby) UPS, and Line-Interactive UPS.
• Usage Context: Commercial, residential, and light-industrial power backup units.

To secure a BIS license, the product undergoes rigorous laboratory evaluation across several safety vectors:

• Insulation & Earthing: Testing the integrity of protective grounding and dielectric strength.
• Thermal Evaluation: Monitoring temperature rise in transformers and batteries under full load.
• Fault Simulation: Assessing unit behavior during short circuits and fan failures.
• Mechanical Integrity: Evaluation of enclosure strength and stability tests.
• Creepage & Clearance: Precise measurement of distances between live parts to prevent arcing.

Navigating the BIS registration process typically follows this window:

• Testing Phase: 10 to 15 working days (subject to sample performance).
• Portal Upload & Submission: 2 to 3 working days.
• BIS Review & Grant: 15 to 20 working days.
• Total Lead Time: Approximately 30 to 45 days from the date of sample receipt.

For a standard technical evaluation, manufacturers are generally required to provide:

• Main Units: 1 to 2 complete UPS units (ready for operation).
• Critical Components: Additional samples of transformers or internal batteries may be requested for separate destructive testing if they lack individual UL/IEC/IS certifications.

The total expenditure for certification is divided into three primary tiers:

1. Testing Fees: Charged by the NABL lab (varies by UPS rating and complexity).
2. BIS Official Fees: Includes application processing fees and annual license fees.
3. Professional Charges: For consultancy, technical documentation, and representation. Note: Fees for foreign manufacturers also include the cost of an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).

A comprehensive filing requires the following high-level documents:

• Business Proof: Certificate of Incorporation and Trademark Registration (Brand Authorization).
• Technical Specifications: Circuit diagrams, PCB layouts, and a detailed User Manual.
• Bill of Materials (BOM): Comprehensive list of critical components with their respective safety certificates.
• Factory Documents: ISO 9001 certificate and details of internal testing equipment.
• AIR Documents: For overseas manufacturers, a formal appointment of a local representative.