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BIS Certification Consultant for Electrical Insulating Mats | IS 15652:2006 | Qualitance India

BIS Certification Consultant for Electrical Insulating Mats | IS 15652:2006 | Qualitance India

Introduction

Electrical insulating mats are safety products used in electrical installations to provide insulation between personnel and the floor surface while working near electrical equipment. They are commonly installed in electrical substations, transformer rooms, switchgear rooms, control panels, power plants, industrial facilities and electrical maintenance areas. These mats are particularly important in locations where workers may be exposed to electrical hazards. Their performance depends on electrical insulation properties, physical strength, thickness, workmanship and resistance to environmental conditions specified for the intended application. In India, IS 15652:2006 – Insulating Mats for Electrical Purposes – Specification establishes requirements for electrical insulating mats. The standard is used under the BIS Scheme-I product certification framework, and BIS publishes a dedicated product manual for manufacturers and prospective applicants. The latest product manual identified for this standard is PM/IS 15652/2/March 2024. <Cite refs={["turn423143search25","turn423143search0"]}/> Qualitance India provides consultancy support for BIS product certification, technical documentation, product testing coordination and regulatory compliance for manufacturers of electrical insulating mats.

What Is IS 15652:2006?

IS 15652:2006 is the Indian Standard for insulating mats for electrical purposes. It specifies requirements intended to establish the electrical, physical and other performance characteristics of mats used as floor coverings in electrical installations. The standard superseded the earlier IS 5424:1969 and was developed with reference to international practices for electrical insulating matting. <Cite refs={["turn423143search27"]}/> The standard addresses important product characteristics, including:
  • Classification and designation.
  • Raw material composition.
  • Shape and dimensions.
  • Thickness and colour.
  • Workmanship and finish.
  • Tensile strength and elongation at break.
  • Electrical insulation and dielectric properties.
  • AC proof voltage.
  • Ageing characteristics.
  • Flame retardance.
  • Low-temperature resistance.
  • Resistance to acids, alkalis and oil.
  • Extreme low-temperature performance, where applicable.
  • Product marking and packing.
The applicable requirements depend on the declared class, category, thickness and intended product configuration. Manufacturers should use the current official standard and product manual to determine the exact technical requirements. <Cite refs={["turn904198view0","turn423143search25"]}/>

Applications of Electrical Insulating Mats

Electrical insulating mats are used in different electrical environments, including:

1. Electrical substations

Insulating mats may be installed in designated operating and maintenance areas around electrical equipment, subject to the installation's safety requirements.

2. Transformer rooms

They can be used in appropriate working areas around transformers and associated electrical equipment.

3. Switchgear and control panels

Mats may be placed in front of switchgear, electrical distribution boards and control panels to provide an insulating floor covering.

4. Power plants and industrial facilities

Electrical insulating mats are used in designated maintenance and operating areas where electrical insulation is required.

5. Electrical maintenance workshops

They may be used in suitable electrical maintenance locations, subject to the electrical system, risk assessment and applicable safety procedures. Important: An insulating mat is only one element of electrical safety. It does not replace isolation, earthing, lockout/tagout, appropriate PPE, safe working procedures or other required protective measures.

Classification of Electrical Insulating Mats Under IS 15652:2006

The BIS product manual identifies the following parameters for the scope of an IS 15652:2006 licence:
  • Class: A, B or C.
  • Category: I, II or III.
  • Thickness: As applicable to the product.
  • Extreme low-temperature suitability: Where applicable, with the class designation identified using a subscript “c”. <Cite refs={["turn904198view0"]}/>

1. Class A, Class B and Class C

The class is an important part of the product's classification and licence scope. Manufacturers must ensure that the declared class is supported by the applicable test results and meets the relevant requirements of IS 15652:2006. Do not select a class based only on a customer's requested voltage rating or a marketing description. Confirm the applicable classification and performance requirements from the official standard.

2. Category I, Category II and Category III

The category is another parameter used to determine the product's classification and certification scope. The BIS product manual provides specific grouping rules for these categories. A manufacturer should declare the intended categories before sample testing so that the proposed licence scope can be planned correctly. <Cite refs={["turn904198view0"]}/>

3. Thickness

Thickness is a specified product characteristic under IS 15652:2006. It is subject to dimensional and other applicable requirements. Manufacturers should maintain production controls to ensure that the supplied mats conform to the specified thickness and the applicable requirements for the declared class and category.

4. Extreme low-temperature suitability

Some products may be intended for applications requiring performance at extreme low temperatures. Where this characteristic is claimed, the relevant designation and testing requirements must be considered separately under the standard and product manual. <Cite refs={["turn904198view0"]}/>

Is BIS Certification Mandatory for Electrical Insulating Mats?

BIS publishes a dedicated product manual for electrical insulating mats under IS 15652:2006, operating under Scheme-I of the BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018. Manufacturers seeking certification should use this manual to understand the applicable testing, inspection, grouping and marking provisions. <Cite refs={["turn423143search25","turn423143search0"]}/> Whether certification is legally compulsory for a particular product and transaction should be verified against the current applicable Quality Control Order, Gazette notifications and amendments. Before manufacturing, importing or selling electrical insulating mats, businesses should:
  • Confirm that the product falls within the scope of IS 15652:2006.
  • Check the latest applicable compulsory certification notification and its implementation provisions.
  • Verify whether any exemption applies to the particular manufacturer or goods.
  • Determine the required BIS licence and marking arrangements.
  • Ensure that the approved product scope covers the class, category and other declared characteristics.
A test report alone does not grant permission to use the ISI Mark. Where a BIS licence is required, the manufacturer must obtain the applicable authorization and comply with its conditions.

BIS Certification Process for Electrical Insulating Mats

Manufacturers seeking BIS certification should prepare their product range, manufacturing process, quality control arrangements and testing plan in accordance with the current standard and product manual.

Step 1: Confirm product applicability and classification

Identify the electrical insulating mats proposed for certification. The preliminary assessment should cover:
  • Applicable Indian Standard.
  • Class A, B or C.
  • Category I, II or III.
  • Thickness and product dimensions.
  • Extreme low-temperature suitability, if applicable.
  • Raw material and manufacturing process.
  • Factory address and proposed licence scope.
Correct classification is essential because the grouping and testing requirements depend on the product characteristics.

Step 2: Review raw materials and manufacturing processes

The manufacturer should review the raw materials used in the mats and verify the applicable requirements under Clause 5 of IS 15652:2006. Manufacturing controls should address the production process, consistency of material composition, dimensions, thickness, colour, vulcanisation or other relevant process controls, and final product inspection, as applicable to the manufacturing method. The manufacturer should maintain relevant raw material records and production documentation to support conformity.

Step 3: Prepare the BIS application documents

Prepare the application and supporting records required by the current BIS procedure. The documentation may include:
  • Company registration and legal entity documents.
  • Manufacturing facility details.
  • Authorized signatory information.
  • Product specifications and declared classification.
  • Manufacturing process flow chart.
  • Machinery and production equipment details.
  • Raw material specifications and supplier documents.
  • Quality control personnel details.
  • Inspection and testing equipment list.
  • Calibration plan and records, where applicable.
  • In-house testing procedures and records.
  • Proposed product marking and packaging details.
  • Applicable declarations, undertakings and test reports.
The final checklist should be prepared according to the current BIS requirements and the applicant's specific manufacturing arrangement.

Step 4: Arrange product testing

The applicant must arrange testing of samples against the applicable requirements of IS 15652:2006. The BIS Product Manual dated March 2024 specifies a sample size of 4 metres × 1 metre. For mats with a width of less than 1 metre, the manufacturer is required to provide test pieces of 1 metre width. <Cite refs={["turn904198view0"]}/> Sample selection and the test plan should account for the class, category and other characteristics intended to be covered by the licence.

Step 5: Complete the BIS assessment

BIS evaluates the application and supporting documentation under the applicable conformity assessment procedure. Depending on the case, the assessment may involve review of manufacturing facilities, quality control arrangements, testing equipment, product samples and test results. Any observations raised during the assessment should be addressed with suitable technical evidence and revised documentation, where necessary.

Step 6: Obtain the licence and comply with marking requirements

Once the applicable requirements have been satisfied, BIS may grant a licence covering the approved product scope. The manufacturer must comply with the licence conditions, quality assurance plan, inspection and testing scheme, and applicable marking requirements. The ISI Mark must be applied only in accordance with a valid BIS licence and the relevant rules. A pending application or successful test report does not independently authorize its use.

Product Testing Requirements Under IS 15652:2006

Testing is essential for evaluating the electrical and physical performance of insulating mats. The March 2024 BIS Product Manual identifies the major test equipment and the Scheme of Inspection and Testing. Its listed test parameters include shape, dimensions, thickness, colour, workmanship, tensile strength, elongation, electrical properties, ageing, flame retardance, low-temperature resistance, chemical resistance and extreme low-temperature performance, where applicable. <Cite refs={["turn904198view0","turn423143search4"]}/> The following table summarises the principal testing areas.
Testing area Purpose
Classification and designation To verify the declared product class and category
Composition To assess the applicable material requirements
Shape and dimensions To verify the specified form, length and width
Thickness To check conformity with the applicable thickness requirements
Colour To verify the specified colour
Workmanship and finish To assess visible quality and finishing
Tensile strength and elongation at break To evaluate physical strength and deformation characteristics
Insulation resistance with water To assess the specified electrical insulation characteristic
Leakage current To evaluate leakage current under the prescribed test conditions
AC dielectric strength To assess the ability to withstand the prescribed electrical stress
AC proof voltage To verify compliance with the applicable proof-voltage requirements
Ageing properties To assess performance after prescribed ageing conditions
Flame retardance To evaluate compliance with the specified flame-retardance requirements
Low-temperature resistance To assess performance under the prescribed low-temperature test
Acid, alkali and oil resistance To evaluate resistance to the specified chemical and oil exposure
Extreme low-temperature performance To assess this characteristic where applicable
The precise test methods, conditioning requirements, voltage levels, acceptance criteria and sampling frequencies must be taken from the current official standard and product manual. This table is an overview, not a substitute for the complete test schedule.

Sample Requirements and Product Grouping Guidelines

The BIS Product Manual for IS 15652:2006 provides specific grouping guidelines for the scope of licence. According to Annex A of the March 2024 manual:
  • Class A, Class B and Class C are considered for grouping.
  • Category I, Category II and Category III are considered for grouping.
  • Suitability for extreme low temperature is considered where applicable.
  • Samples of each class and category are required to be tested separately for inclusion of each in the licence scope.
  • Testing a higher class may permit coverage of lower classes under the specified grouping rules.
  • Testing Category III may permit Categories I and II to be included without additional testing under the stated provisions.
  • Extreme low-temperature suitability requires separate testing for a given class, subject to the stated relaxation for higher classes. <Cite refs={["turn904198view0"]}/>
The manufacturer must declare the varieties intended to be covered by the licence. The scope may be restricted based on the manufacturer's manufacturing and testing capabilities. Practical recommendation: Finalise the class, category, thickness and any extreme low-temperature claims before sending samples. A properly planned grouping strategy can help avoid unnecessary testing while ensuring that the intended licence scope is supported by the required evidence.

In-House Laboratory and Quality Control Requirements

The product manual requires manufacturers to establish a quality assurance plan that defines control units, testing levels, sample quantities and test frequency. The plan is submitted to the relevant BIS Branch Office for information, and manufacturers must maintain the applicable test records. <Cite refs={["turn904198view0"]}/>

Large-scale manufacturers

Large-scale manufacturers are expected to maintain an in-house laboratory equipped for routine tests identified in the inspection and testing scheme. They must also implement a calibration plan for their in-house test equipment. The product manual also refers to provisions for sharing testing facilities, subject to the applicable BIS guidelines. <Cite refs={["turn904198view0"]}/>

MSME manufacturers

For MSME manufacturers, the product manual makes the requirement to maintain an in-house laboratory for routine tests optional under the specified provisions. MSMEs may use common cluster-based facilities, shared testing facilities, BIS-recognised or empanelled laboratories, or other laboratories with valid NABL accreditation as per IS/ISO/IEC 17025, subject to the applicable guidelines. <Cite refs={["turn904198view0"]}/> Manufacturers should review the current manual and relevant BIS guidance to determine which arrangements are applicable to their business.

Selection of a Testing Laboratory

Manufacturers should select a laboratory whose listed scope covers the tests and product characteristics required for their application. The official BIS Laboratory Information Management System provides listings for IS 15652:2006, including laboratory scope and test charges. Available testing scope and exclusions vary by facility. <Cite refs={["turn423143search2","turn423143search4"]}/> Before sending samples, confirm:
  • Whether the laboratory covers the required class and category.
  • Whether the required thickness and product characteristics are covered.
  • Whether dielectric and AC proof-voltage tests are included.
  • Whether thermal, ageing and extreme low-temperature tests are available.
  • Whether any parameters are excluded from the laboratory's scope.
  • Sample dimensions and submission requirements.
  • Applicable charges, taxes and turnaround time.
Do not assume that every laboratory listed against IS 15652:2006 can perform every test. Verify the current laboratory scope directly before making a booking or submitting samples.

Documents Required for BIS Certification

A preliminary checklist for electrical insulating mats may include:
  1. Company registration and legal entity documents.
  2. Factory address and manufacturing details.
  3. Authorized signatory documents.
  4. Product specifications and proposed licence scope.
  5. Class, category and thickness details.
  6. Manufacturing process flow chart.
  7. Machinery and production equipment list.
  8. Raw material specifications and supplier documents.
  9. Quality control personnel details.
  10. Inspection and testing equipment list.
  11. Calibration plans and records, where applicable.
  12. Quality assurance plan and test records.
  13. Relevant product test reports, where applicable.
  14. Proposed product marking and packaging details.
  15. Applicable declarations and undertakings.
  16. Other documents required under the current BIS procedure and product manual.
The final checklist should be tailored to the manufacturer's facility, product range and applicable BIS requirements.

Common Challenges During BIS Certification

Manufacturers may encounter delays when product classification, raw material records, test arrangements or factory documentation are incomplete. Common challenges include:
  • Incorrect declaration of class or category.
  • Unclear thickness and product specifications.
  • Incomplete raw material composition records.
  • Insufficient routine testing and production controls.
  • Inadequate calibration records.
  • Selecting a laboratory that does not cover all required tests.
  • Failure to include extreme low-temperature testing when that performance is claimed.
  • Incomplete product marking or packaging information.
  • Failure to address technical observations raised during assessment.
A technical review of the product range and quality control system before application submission can help identify gaps early.

How Qualitance India Can Help

Qualitance India provides consultancy support for BIS product certification and regulatory compliance. For manufacturers of electrical insulating mats, our services may include: BIS applicability review: Initial assessment of the product, applicable standard and certification requirements. Product classification support: Guidance on declaring the appropriate class, category, thickness and additional characteristics. Documentation support: Assistance with preparing and reviewing the application and technical records. Product testing coordination: Guidance on sample planning, laboratory selection and the required test scope. Factory-readiness guidance: Support in reviewing the manufacturing process, routine testing arrangements, quality assurance plan and records. Application support: Assistance in preparing application information and responding to technical observations. Regulatory compliance guidance: Support in understanding licence scope, inspection and testing obligations, and marking requirements. The scope of consultancy depends on the product range, manufacturing arrangement and services agreed with the client. BIS retains authority over the certification decision.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which Indian Standard applies to electrical insulating mats?

The applicable standard is IS 15652:2006 – Insulating Mats for Electrical Purposes – Specification. The latest BIS product manual identified for this standard is PM/IS 15652/2/March 2024. <Cite refs={["turn423143search25"]}/>

2. Is BIS certification required for electrical insulating mats?

BIS operates a Scheme-I certification framework for IS 15652:2006. Businesses should verify the current applicable Quality Control Order, notifications, amendments and exemptions to establish the legal requirement for their particular product and transaction. <Cite refs={["turn423143search25","turn423143search0"]}/>

3. What is the sample size for BIS certification?

The BIS Product Manual specifies a sample size of 4 metres × 1 metre. For mats narrower than 1 metre, test pieces of 1 metre width are required. Confirm the exact sampling arrangement against the current product manual. <Cite refs={["turn904198view0"]}/>

4. Which classes and categories are covered?

The product manual identifies Classes A, B and C, and Categories I, II and III. The licence scope also considers thickness and suitability for extreme low temperature, where applicable. <Cite refs={["turn904198view0"]}/>

5. Can a manufacturer obtain a licence for multiple classes and categories?

Yes, the intended scope may include multiple classes and categories, subject to the product manual's grouping rules, required testing and the manufacturer's production and testing capabilities. Samples of each class and category must be tested separately, subject to the specified relaxations. <Cite refs={["turn904198view0"]}/>

6. What tests are required under IS 15652:2006?

Relevant tests include dimensions, thickness, colour, workmanship, tensile strength, elongation, insulation resistance, leakage current, dielectric strength, AC proof voltage, ageing, flame retardance, low-temperature resistance and resistance to acids, alkalis and oil. Extreme low-temperature testing applies where relevant. The exact test schedule must be confirmed from the official standard and product manual.

7. Can MSME manufacturers use external testing facilities?

The March 2024 product manual provides options for MSMEs to use common cluster-based or shared testing facilities, BIS-recognised or empanelled laboratories, and other laboratories with valid NABL accreditation under IS/ISO/IEC 17025, subject to the applicable guidelines. <Cite refs={["turn904198view0"]}/>

8. Does a successful test report automatically grant the ISI Mark?

No. A test report provides evidence of test results. Where a BIS licence is required, the manufacturer must complete the applicable conformity assessment process and obtain authorization before using the Standard Mark.

9. How can I find a testing laboratory for IS 15652:2006?

Use the official BIS Laboratory Information Management System to search for IS 15652:2006 and review listed laboratories, testing scope and charges: https://lims.bis.gov.in/home/search_is_number/?is_number__doc_no=15652 Verify the required test scope and current charges directly with the laboratory. <Cite refs={["turn423143search2"]}/>

10. How can Qualitance India assist with BIS certification?

Qualitance India can provide consultancy support for applicability review, product classification, technical documentation, testing coordination, factory-readiness guidance and application-related compliance support.

Official References

For current technical and certification requirements, consult these official resources:
  1. BIS Product Manual – IS 15652:2006, March 2024: https://www.bis.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/PM_15652-PM-approved.pdf
  2. BIS Product Manuals – Official Directory: https://www.bis.gov.in/product-certification/product-specific-information-2/product-manualsmk/
  3. BIS Laboratory Information Management System – Search IS 15652:2006: https://lims.bis.gov.in/home/search_is_number/?is_number__doc_no=15652
  4. BIS – Know Your Standard: https://www.bis.gov.in/know-your-standard/
Use the latest official standard, product manual and applicable Gazette notifications when determining the final certification requirements.

Conclusion: Get BIS Certification Support for Electrical Insulating Mats

IS 15652:2006 specifies important requirements for electrical insulating mats used in electrical installations. Manufacturers must pay attention to product classification, category, thickness, material composition, physical properties, dielectric performance, ageing characteristics and applicable marking requirements. A clear understanding of the product manual, grouping rules, sampling requirements and quality assurance plan can help manufacturers prepare for the BIS conformity assessment process. Qualitance India supports manufacturers with BIS certification consultancy, technical documentation, product testing coordination and regulatory compliance guidance. Qualitance India – Improving Quality & Competence For consultancy support for electrical insulating mats under IS 15652:2006: Contact Qualitance India to discuss your product range, testing requirements and BIS certification needs.

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