On March 16, 2022, The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) introduced “Scheme X” covering low-voltage switchgear and control gear products.   

The BIS authority announced that the scheme’s implementation will take place gradually from May 10, 2024.   

The BIS is India’s National Standards Body, established under the BIS Act 2016. It is responsible for the harmonious development of standardisation, marking, and quality certification of goods.  

Also, BIS administers various certification schemes which are designed to safeguard consumer interests, promote product quality, suppress unfair trade practices, ensure national security and so on.     

Mandatory schemes of BIS Certification are as follows: 

• Scheme-I: ISI Mark Certification Scheme 
• Scheme-II: Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) 
• Scheme-IV:S Grant of Certificate of Conformity (CoC) 
• Scheme-X: For LV Switchgear & Controlgear Certification (Recently Introduced) 
• Hallmarking Scheme: Jeweller Registration Scheme

So, in this article, we are going to learn about ‘Scheme X’ of BIS, which was recently introduced.  

Also, you can refer to our blog if you want more understanding about BIS Compulsory Product Certification Schemes.  

What is Scheme X of BIS?  

According to Scheme X, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) will supervise the quality and safety of Low Voltage (LV) switchgear devices used in power distribution, control, and protection applications.  

In addition to enhancing the reliability of electrical systems and protecting users and infrastructure, Scheme X ensures that LV switchgear products meet strict safety and quality standards.   

Unlike Scheme II, the new scheme covers a wider range of products and has several new requirements for producers/manufacturers.   

Here are some of the most important characteristics of Scheme X:  

• Mandatory compliance with the Indian IS 60947 series of standards 
• Enhanced surveillance and monitoring 
• A major development in the field of LV Switchgear safety and quality.  
• Improved safety of users and infrastructure against electrical incidents and the reliability of the electrical systems.

Products Covered under Scheme X 

Scheme X covers the following categories of LV switchgear notified by the Ministry of Heavy Industries. 

No.	Electrical Equipment	Indian Standard
1	Low – Voltage switchgear and control gear: Circuit – Breakers	IS/IEC 60947: Part 2: 2016
2	Low – Voltage switchgear and control gear: switches, disconnectors, switch disconnectors and fuse – Combination units	IS/IEC 60947: Part 3: 2012
3	Low – Voltage switchgear and control gear: electromechanical contactors and motor – -starters	IS/IEC 60947: Part 4: Sec 1: 2012
4	Low – Voltage switchgear and control gear: a.c semiconductor motor controllers and starters	IS/IEC 60947: Part 4: Sec 2: 2011
5	Low – Voltage switchgear and controlgear: a.c. semiconductor motor controllers and contactors for non – Motor loads	IS/IEC 60947: Part 4: Sec 3: 2014
6	Low – Voltage switchgear and control gear: electromechanical control circuit device slow – Voltage switchgear and control gear: electromechanical control circuit devices	IS/IEC 60947: Part 5: Sec 1: 2009
7	Low – Voltage switchgear and control gear proximity switches	IS/IEC 60947: Part 5: Sec 2:2007
8	Low – Voltage switchgear and control gear: electrical emergency stop devices with mechanical latching function	S/IEC 60947: Part 5: Sec 5: 2016

Note – Refer to the link if you want a detailed list of the products covered in Scheme X

*IEC 60947-2 will be implemented in a phased manner as per the specific requirements mentioned below table- 

Product category	Specific requirement	Implementation date
AC circuit breaker category A-rating up to 630A, up to 440Vac	All tests of IS/IEC 60947-2 except EMC	10th May 2024
AC circuit breaker category A rating -up to 630A, up to 440Vac	All tests of IS/IEC 60947-2 (including EMC)	10th May 2026*
AC circuit breaker category A -rating above 630A, up to 440Vac	All tests of IS/IEC 60947-2 except EMC	10th May 2025
AC circuit breaker category A -rating above 630A, up to 440Vac	All tests of IS/IEC 60947-2 (including EMC)	10th May 2026*
AC circuit breaker category B-rating, all Rating up to 2000A, up to 440Vac	All tests of IS/IEC 60947-2 except EMC	10th May 2025
AC circuit breaker category B-rating, all Rating up to 2000A, up to 440Vac	All tests of IS/IEC 60947-2 (including EMC)	10th May 2026*
AC circuit breaker category A- all Rating above 440Vac	All tests of IS/IEC 60947-2	10th May 2026
AC circuit breaker category B-, all Rating above 2000A, and up-to 440Vac	All tests of IS/IEC 60947-2	10th May 2026
AC circuit breaker category B-, all Rating above 440Vac	All tests of IS/IEC 60947-2	10th May 2027
DC circuit breaker category A, all ratings	All tests of IS/IEC 60947-2	10th May 2027
DC circuit breaker category B, all ratings	All tests of IS/IEC 60947-2	10th May 2027

Note – Refer to the link if you want a detailed list of the products covered in Scheme X  

Feel free to reach us for any further questions/clarification about the same. Write down to us at fmcs-isi@vincular.in  

Join Our Live Webinar on Scheme X

If you are interested in learning about Scheme X in detail then join our enlightening Webinar to have a complete 360-degree understanding of “BIS – Scheme X”, on January 10th, 2024, from 11:00 AM – 01:00 PM (IST).

This session promises an in-depth exploration of crucial topics, ensuring a comprehensive understanding. So, join our webinar by clicking on the link. 

Vincular – Your Trusted Compliance Partner

Vincular is a leading regulatory compliance company assisting brands, manufacturers and importers to comply with their products with the Indian Standards through Certification, Testing and Consulting services. 

Moreover, with our team of experts, you can achieve BIS certification without any hassle in a short duration. 

Also, our services extend beyond BIS Certification and include BEE, Telecom, Voice compliance, Waste Management and so on.