IS 17293 BIS Certification for Electric Cable for Photovoltic Systems for Rated Voltage 1500V DC
Electric Cable for Photovoltic Systems for Rated Voltage 1500V DC made, imported or sold in India must be certified against IS 17293 under an ISI mark licence (Scheme-I). What the standard covers, how testing works and how to get the licence.
About IS 17293
| Standard | IS 17293:2020 |
|---|---|
| Title | Electric Cable for Photovoltic Systems for rated voltage 1500V DC |
| Product covered | Electric Cable for Photovoltic Systems for Rated Voltage 1500V DC |
| Category | Solar DC Cable and Fire Survival Cable |
| Scheme | ISI mark licence (Scheme-I) |
| Notified under | Solar DC Cable and Fire Survival Cable (Quality Control) Order, 2023, S.O. 3807(E), dated 24th August 2023 · Order PDF |
Editions and amendments of IS 17293
| Edition | Published | Status |
|---|---|---|
| IS 17293:2020 Electric Cables for Photovoltaic Systems for Rated Voltage 1 500 V d.c. | 31 Dec 2020 | Current, next review 29 May 2031 |
No amendments to the current edition are listed by BIS.
Marking fee for IS 17293
BIS charges an annual minimum marking fee for the ISI mark under IS 17293, set by unit size, plus a per-unit rate once production passes the minimum:
| Unit size | Minimum marking fee (per year) |
|---|---|
| Large | ₹3,59,000 |
| Medium | ₹2,88,000 |
| Small | ₹1,79,500 |
| Micro | ₹71,800 |
Unit rate: ₹8 per 100m. Source: BIS marking fee schedule for Scheme-I products, September 2026.
Sampling and key tests for IS 17293
From the BIS product manual for IS 17293, which BIS officers and applicants follow for certification:
Sample quantity:100 m
Raw material requirements:
- Annealed tinned Copper wire as per IS 8130
Tests BIS can carry out in a day during factory inspection:
- Dimensions
- Maximum Conductor diameter
- Overall dimensions
- Ovality
- Thickness of sheath and insulation
- Insulation Application
- Insulation Thickness
- Sheath application
- Sheath Thickness
- Sheath Colour
- Cable Identification
- Continuity of Marking
- Durability
- Legibility
- Core Identification
- Persulphate test
- Conductor Resistance
- Tensile Test (before ageing)
- Insulation Resistance Test
- HV Test (at Room Temperature)
- Flammability Test
The full type test covers every clause of IS 17293; the list above is what can be checked on site.
ISI licences under IS 17293
BIS records 49 operative licences (50 including deferred, cancelled or under stop marking). Most licensed factories are in Gujarat (14), Rajasthan (11), Uttar Pradesh (3), Maharashtra (2), Telangana (2).
Testing against IS 17293
BIS inspects the factory and has samples tested to the full Indian Standard at a BIS or BIS-recognised laboratory. After grant, the factory keeps testing production under the Scheme of Inspection and Testing, and BIS draws factory and market samples.
The test report has to cover every clause of IS 17293 that applies to the product, in the edition current on the date of testing. When BIS revises IS 17293 or replaces it with a new edition, existing licence holders move to the new edition by the date BIS sets in its notification.
How to get an ISI mark licence under IS 17293
The licence is granted to the manufacturer for a specific factory and product. Indian factories apply under Scheme-I; overseas factories apply under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) and must nominate an Authorised Indian Representative.
- Confirm the exact Indian Standard and the varieties to cover
- Get the product tested at a BIS-recognised lab (simplified procedure) or arrange BIS sampling
- Apply on Manak Online with factory, quality-control and test documents
- BIS factory inspection and sample verification
- Grant of licence, then marking with the ISI mark and CM/L number
Timeline. BIS targets 30 days under the simplified procedure (applying with a recent lab test report) and 90 days under the normal procedure. Overseas factories under FMCS typically take around 6 months.
Fees. Application fee ₹1,000 and annual licence fee ₹1,000, inspection charges of ₹7,000 per man-day, testing charges, and an annual minimum marking fee set for each Indian Standard (with concessions for micro and small units).
Mark. Certified products carry the ISI Standard Mark with the IS number and the CM/L-XXXXXXXXXX licence number.
Frequently asked questions
What does IS 17293 cover?
IS 17293:2020: Electric Cable for Photovoltic Systems for rated voltage 1500V DC. BIS has made certification against it compulsory for electric cable for photovoltic systems for rated voltage 1500V DC.
Is BIS certification under IS 17293 mandatory?
Yes, for electric cable for photovoltic systems for rated voltage 1500V DC, under the Solar DC Cable and Fire Survival Cable (Quality Control) Order, 2023, S.O. 3807(E). The product needs a valid BIS licence (ISI mark) and must carry the ISI Standard Mark with the IS number and the CM/L-XXXXXXXXXX licence number.
Where is a product tested for IS 17293?
BIS inspects the factory and has samples tested to the full Indian Standard at a BIS or BIS-recognised laboratory. After grant, the factory keeps testing production under the Scheme of Inspection and Testing, and BIS draws factory and market samples.
How long does IS 17293 BIS certification take?
BIS targets 30 days under the simplified procedure (applying with a recent lab test report) and 90 days under the normal procedure. Overseas factories under FMCS typically take around 6 months.
Other standards in Solar DC Cable and Fire Survival Cable
- IS 17505 Thermosetting Insulated, Fire Survival Cables for Working Voltage Upto and Including 1100V AC and 1500V DC
Source: BIS lists of products under compulsory certification (Scheme-I, Scheme-II), checked October 2026. See the full BIS product list or all Indian Standards.
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