BIS Certification for Split Air Conditioners | IS 1391 (Part 2):2018 | BIS Certification Consultancy

Introduction

Split Air Conditioners are widely used in residential, commercial and other buildings for maintaining comfortable indoor temperature. A typical split air conditioner consists of an indoor unit, outdoor unit, compressor, heat exchanger, fan, refrigerant circuit, electrical controls and other components.

For manufacturers of Split Air Conditioners in India, compliance with the applicable Indian Standard is an important requirement. IS 1391 (Part 2):2018 – Room Air Conditioners – Specification, Part 2: Split Air Conditioners specifies requirements applicable to split air conditioners.

BIS has included IS 1391 (Part 2):2018 in its compulsory product certification framework. The applicable Quality Control Order also identifies Room Air Conditioners – Split Air Conditioners against IS 1391 (Part 2):2018.

Qualitance India provides BIS Certification Consultancy for Split Air Conditioners, helping manufacturers with product assessment, documentation, laboratory testing coordination, BIS application and factory inspection preparation.

Product ke baare mein

A Split Air Conditioner is an air-conditioning system in which the indoor and outdoor components are separated.

The major components may include:

Indoor Unit
Outdoor Unit
Hermetic Compressor
Heat Exchanger
Refrigerant Circuit
Fan Motor
Air Filter
Temperature Sensing Controls
Electrical Controls
Drainage Arrangement
Connecting Pipes
Electrical Cables
Remote Control System

Split air conditioners can be designed for:

Cooling only
Cooling and heating
Different cooling capacities
Different energy-efficiency levels
Different refrigerants
Different indoor and outdoor unit configurations

The BIS product manual identifies relevant components and requirements, including electrical cables, temperature sensing controls, hermetic compressors, motors and heat exchangers.

Applicable IS Standard

The applicable standard is:

IS 1391 (Part 2):2018 – Room Air Conditioners – Specification, Part 2: Split Air Conditioners

The BIS product manual specifically identifies this standard as the basis for certification of Split Air Conditioners under Scheme-I.

BIS's current compulsory-certification listing also includes IS 1391 (Part 2):2018 – Room Air Conditioners – Specification Part 2 Split Air Conditioners.

Scope of Standard

IS 1391 (Part 2):2018 deals with requirements for Split Air Conditioners.

The requirements cover important aspects of:

Construction
Materials
Electrical components
Refrigerant circuit
Performance
Cooling capacity
Heating capacity, where applicable
Power consumption
Sound
Safety
Leakage
Earthing
Electrical strength
Temperature sensing controls
Compressor
Motors
Heat exchangers
Marking

The BIS Product Manual provides certification guidance covering sampling, product grouping, testing equipment, Scheme of Inspection and Testing and licence scope.

Product Requirements

A Split Air Conditioner needs to meet applicable requirements relating to construction, performance and safety.

Important product characteristics include:

Cooling Capacity

The air conditioner should achieve the specified cooling capacity under the applicable test conditions.

Heating Capacity

For applicable heat-pump models, heating capacity requirements need to be met.

Power Consumption

The power consumed during applicable operating conditions is evaluated.

Energy Performance

Applicable energy-performance requirements and ISEER-related conditions need to be considered.

Sound Level

The sound performance of the air conditioner is evaluated according to applicable requirements.

Refrigerant Circuit

The refrigeration circuit needs to meet applicable construction and leakage requirements.

Electrical Safety

Electrical safety requirements include applicable insulation, high-voltage, leakage-current and earthing checks.

Condensate Management

Applicable condensate disposal and enclosure-sweat requirements need to be satisfied.

Testing Requirements

Testing is one of the most important stages of BIS Certification for Split Air Conditioners.

BIS laboratory information for IS 1391 (Part 2):2018 identifies testing areas including:

Physical verification
Construction
Materials
Electrical cable
Refrigerant cycle
Grounding terminal and grounding lead wire
Air filter
Power factor
Maximum operating conditions
Freeze-up test
Enclosure sweat test
Power consumption
Cooling capacity
Heating capacity
Maximum heating performance
Sound test
General running test
Pressure/leakage test
High-voltage test
Leakage-current test
Earthing resistance test

The exact tests applicable to a particular model depend on the product configuration and applicable requirements.

Cooling Capacity Test

Cooling capacity is a key performance characteristic of a Split Air Conditioner.

The test evaluates whether the air conditioner can deliver the declared cooling performance under specified conditions.

BIS laboratory listings for IS 1391 (Part 2):2018 specifically identify Cooling Capacity Test as part of the testing scope.

Heating Capacity Test

For applicable cooling-and-heating or heat-pump models, heating capacity is evaluated.

The BIS laboratory scope includes:

Heating Capacity Test
Maximum Heating Performance Test
Power Consumption Test for Heating by Heat Pump

ISEER and Energy Performance

Energy performance is an important aspect of modern Split Air Conditioners.

The BIS testing information identifies the Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (ISEER) and associated test conditions for applicable products.

Manufacturers should therefore ensure that declared energy-performance information corresponds with the applicable test results and regulatory requirements.

Safety Testing

Electrical and operational safety tests may include:

High Voltage Test
Leakage Current Test
Earthing Resistance Test
General Running Test
Pressure or Leakage Test
Protection against access to live parts

These tests are reflected in BIS laboratory information for the applicable air-conditioner standard.

Raw Material Requirements

The BIS Product Manual identifies various component/material requirements for Split Air Conditioners.

The manual specifically refers to:

Material as per the applicable clause
Electrical Cables – IS 694 or IS 9968 (Part 1)
Temperature Sensing Controls – IS/IEC 60730-2-9
Hermetic Compressors – IS 10617
Motors
Heat Exchangers – IS 11329

Manufacturers should maintain suitable records for materials and critical components, including:

Supplier details
Material specifications
Purchase records
Component test certificates
Incoming inspection records
Batch identification
Traceability records

Manufacturing Requirements

A typical Split Air Conditioner manufacturing process may include:

Raw-material and component procurement
Incoming inspection
Indoor unit assembly
Outdoor unit assembly
Heat exchanger assembly
Fan and motor installation
Compressor installation
Refrigeration piping
Electrical wiring
Control-system installation
Brazing and joining
Leak testing
Vacuuming
Refrigerant charging
Electrical safety testing
Performance testing
Final inspection
Marking
Packing

The actual manufacturing process may vary depending on the manufacturer's design and production technology.

BIS Certification Process

Step 1 – Product Assessment

The Split Air Conditioner models are reviewed against IS 1391 (Part 2):2018.

Step 2 – Product Grouping

Models are assessed according to the applicable BIS grouping guidelines.

The BIS Product Manual provides specific grouping guidelines for Split Air Conditioners.

Step 3 – Scope Finalisation

The manufacturer identifies the models and variants proposed for certification.

Step 4 – Factory Assessment

Manufacturing facilities and testing arrangements are reviewed.

Step 5 – Documentation

Technical, factory and quality-control documents are prepared.

Step 6 – Sample Selection

Representative samples are selected according to the applicable BIS requirements.

Step 7 – Laboratory Testing

The samples are tested against the applicable requirements.

Step 8 – BIS Application

The manufacturer submits the BIS application with required information and documents.

Step 9 – Application Scrutiny

BIS examines the submitted application and supporting documents.

Step 10 – Factory Inspection

BIS assesses manufacturing and quality-control arrangements as applicable.

Step 11 – Observation Closure

Any observations or deficiencies identified during the process are addressed.

Step 12 – Licence Grant

After successful completion of the applicable requirements, the BIS licence is granted for the approved scope.

Documents Required

The manufacturer may need documents such as:

Company registration documents
Factory address proof
Factory layout
Manufacturing process flow
Machinery list
Product drawings
Technical datasheets
Model list
Product specifications
Component details
Compressor details
Motor details
Heat exchanger details
Refrigerant details
Electrical cable details
Supplier information
Testing equipment list
Calibration certificates
Internal test reports
Quality-control plan
Inspection records
Production records
Product photographs
Packaging details
Marking details
Authorised signatory documents
Trademark documents, where applicable

The exact document requirement depends on the manufacturer and certification scope.

Factory Inspection

During factory inspection, BIS may assess different areas of manufacturing and quality control.

Manufacturing Machinery

Equipment used for indoor and outdoor unit assembly, piping, brazing, electrical assembly and testing may be reviewed.

Testing Facilities

Required testing and measuring facilities should be available according to the applicable certification requirements.

Calibration

Applicable measuring and testing instruments should have valid calibration records.

Refrigeration Testing

Suitable arrangements should be maintained for leakage, vacuuming, charging and refrigeration-system checks.

Electrical Testing

Applicable electrical safety testing arrangements should be available.

Quality Control

Incoming, in-process and final inspection procedures should be properly maintained.

Records

Production, inspection, testing and calibration records should be available.

Finished Products

Finished air conditioners should be properly identified and traceable.

Product Quality Checks

Manufacturers should maintain quality checks throughout the manufacturing process.

These may include:

Incoming material inspection
Component inspection
Dimensional inspection
Electrical inspection
Wiring inspection
Refrigeration circuit inspection
Leakage testing
Vacuum testing
Refrigerant charging verification
Cooling performance testing
Heating performance testing
Power consumption checks
Sound checks
Earthing checks
Final inspection
Marking verification

Common Reasons for Testing/Certification Failure

Manufacturers may face testing or certification problems because of:

Incorrect product grouping
Incorrect declared cooling capacity
Inadequate cooling performance
Heating performance failure
Excessive power consumption
ISEER-related non-conformity
Sound-test failure
Refrigerant leakage
Pressure-test failure
Electrical safety failure
High-voltage test failure
Leakage-current failure
Earthing resistance failure
Freeze-up failure
Enclosure sweat failure
Condensate disposal problems
Incorrect component specifications
Inadequate testing equipment
Missing calibration records
Incomplete documentation
Factory not properly prepared

Proper product evaluation before formal testing can help reduce avoidable delays.

BIS Marking

After grant of the BIS licence, the manufacturer must follow the applicable BIS marking requirements.

The manufacturer should ensure that:

Product identification is correct.
Applicable standard information is correctly represented.
BIS licence details are used as required.
BIS Standard Mark is applied according to licence conditions.
Product and packaging information is accurate.

The exact marking requirements should always be followed according to the current BIS licence and applicable certification documents.

Who Needs BIS Certification

BIS Certification is relevant to manufacturers of products covered under the applicable compulsory certification requirements.

This may include manufacturers of:

Split Air Conditioners
Wall-Mounted Split ACs
Floor-Mounted Split ACs
Cooling-Only Split ACs
Cooling and Heating Split ACs
Residential Split ACs
Commercial Split ACs
OEM Split Air Conditioner Manufacturers
Private-Label Manufacturers

The applicable Quality Control Order specifically includes Room Air Conditioners – Split Air Conditioners against IS 1391 (Part 2):2018.

BIS's current compulsory-certification listing also includes IS 1391 (Part 2):2018.

Cost

The cost of BIS Certification for Split Air Conditioners depends on several factors, including:

BIS application charges
Laboratory testing
Number of models
Product grouping
Cooling capacity
Heating function
Testing requirements
Factory inspection
Testing equipment
Calibration
Retesting, if required
Consultancy charges

Laboratory charges can vary significantly depending on the laboratory and applicable testing scope. Current BIS LIMS listings show separate charges for different tests and laboratories, so manufacturers should obtain the applicable current quotation before budgeting the certification.

Timeline

The timeline depends on:

Product readiness
Product grouping
Sample availability
Laboratory availability
Testing duration
Test results
Documentation
BIS application scrutiny
Factory readiness
Factory inspection
Closure of observations

Split AC certification can involve extensive performance and safety testing, so proper preparation before submission is important.

Benefits

Better Product Quality

Testing helps verify compliance with applicable product requirements.

Improved Customer Confidence

BIS certification can increase confidence among customers, dealers and institutional buyers.

Regulatory Compliance

It helps manufacturers meet applicable mandatory certification requirements.

Market Acceptance

Certification supports the sale of products in markets where BIS certification is required.

Consistent Manufacturing

Quality-control procedures help maintain consistency between production batches.

Business Credibility

BIS certification can strengthen the manufacturer's position in the air-conditioning market.

Why Choose Qualitance India

Qualitance India provides BIS Certification Consultancy for manufacturers of electrical, electronic, refrigeration and air-conditioning products.

For Split Air Conditioners as per IS 1391 (Part 2):2018, our support can include:

Product applicability assessment
IS 1391 (Part 2):2018 requirement review
Product grouping guidance
Model scope assessment
Documentation support
Sample preparation guidance
Laboratory testing coordination
BIS application assistance
Factory inspection preparation
Testing equipment guidance
Quality-control documentation
Observation closure support
BIS licence assistance

Our objective is to help manufacturers manage the certification process systematically from product assessment through testing, factory inspection and licence grant.

Complete Process

Product Identification
↓
IS 1391 (Part 2):2018 Requirement Review
↓
Model & Capacity Assessment
↓
Product Grouping
↓
Certification Scope Finalisation
↓
Factory Assessment
↓
Documentation Preparation
↓
Sample Selection
↓
Laboratory Testing
↓
BIS Application
↓
Application Scrutiny
↓
Factory Inspection
↓
Observation Closure
↓
BIS Licence Grant
↓
BIS Marking

The BIS Product Manual specifically provides grouping guidelines, sample-size information, test-equipment requirements, Scheme of Inspection and Testing and licence-scope guidance for IS 1391 (Part 2):2018.

20 FAQs

1. What is IS 1391 (Part 2):2018?

IS 1391 (Part 2):2018 is the Indian Standard for Room Air Conditioners – Specification, Part 2: Split Air Conditioners.

2. Is BIS Certification mandatory for Split Air Conditioners?

IS 1391 (Part 2):2018 is included in the compulsory BIS product-certification framework.

3. What products are covered?

The standard covers Split Air Conditioners falling within its applicable scope.

4. What is tested in Split Air Conditioners?

Testing can cover cooling capacity, heating capacity where applicable, power consumption, sound, leakage, electrical safety, earthing and other applicable requirements.

5. Is Cooling Capacity Testing required?

Yes. Cooling Capacity Testing is specifically included in the BIS laboratory testing scope.

6. Is Heating Capacity Testing required?

It is applicable to models having the relevant heating/heat-pump function.

7. Is sound testing required?

Sound testing is included in the applicable testing information for Split Air Conditioners.

8. Is electrical safety testing required?

Yes. Applicable tests include high voltage, leakage current and earthing resistance testing.

9. Is refrigerant leakage testing required?

Applicable pressure and leakage checks form part of the testing requirements.

10. What components are considered under the standard?

Components can include cables, temperature sensing controls, compressors, motors and heat exchangers, among others.

11. Which standard applies to Hermetic Compressors used in Split ACs?

The BIS Product Manual references IS 10617 for Hermetic Compressors.

12. Which standard applies to heat exchangers?

The BIS Product Manual references IS 11329 for heat exchangers.

13. Which standard applies to temperature sensing controls?

The product manual references IS/IEC 60730-2-9 for temperature sensing controls.

14. Can multiple models be covered under one BIS licence?

Product grouping guidelines determine which models can be covered within the applicable certification scope.

15. What documents are required?

Technical, factory, manufacturing, testing, quality-control and product-related documents may be required.

16. Is factory inspection required?

Factory assessment forms part of the applicable BIS certification process.

17. How much does BIS Certification for Split AC cost?

The cost depends on models, grouping, testing, laboratory charges, factory inspection and other applicable expenses.

18. How long does BIS Certification take?

The timeline depends on testing, documentation, BIS scrutiny, factory inspection and closure of observations.

19. Can an OEM manufacturer apply for BIS Certification?

Manufacturers having suitable facilities and meeting the applicable requirements can apply, subject to BIS certification procedures.

20. Can Qualitance India help with Split AC BIS Certification?

Yes. Qualitance India provides consultancy for product assessment, documentation, testing coordination, BIS application and factory inspection preparation.

Related BIS Certification Services

BIS Certification for Unitary Air Conditioners – IS 1391 (Part 1)
BIS Certification for Hermetic Compressors – IS 10617
BIS Certification for Finned Type Heat Exchangers – IS 11329
BIS Certification for Ducted and Package Air Conditioners – IS 8148
BIS Certification for Temperature Sensing Controls
BIS Certification for Electric Motors
BIS Certification for Electrical Cables
ISI Mark Certification
BIS Testing Assistance
BIS Factory Inspection Assistance

Contact Qualitance India

Phone: +91 93106 15170
Email: info@qualitanceindia.com
Website: qualitanceindia.com

For assistance with BIS Certification for Split Air Conditioners as per IS 1391 (Part 2):2018, contact Qualitance India for product assessment, documentation, laboratory testing coordination and BIS certification support.

Conclusion

IS 1391 (Part 2):2018 – Room Air Conditioners – Specification, Part 2: Split Air Conditioners provides requirements covering important aspects of Split Air Conditioner construction, performance and safety.

BIS currently lists IS 1391 (Part 2):2018 under the compulsory product-certification framework, while the applicable Quality Control Order identifies Split Air Conditioners against this Indian Standard.

The certification process involves proper product grouping, sample selection, laboratory testing, documentation, BIS application and factory assessment. The applicable testing can include cooling capacity, heating capacity, power consumption, sound, leakage and electrical safety requirements.

Manufacturers should therefore prepare their products, testing facilities, technical documents and quality-control systems before applying for certification.

Qualitance India provides BIS Certification Consultancy for Split Air Conditioners as per IS 1391 (Part 2):2018, supporting manufacturers through product assessment, documentation, testing coordination, BIS application and factory inspection preparation.

Phone: +91 93106 15170
Email: info@qualitanceindia.com
Website: qualitanceindia.com