BIS Certification Consultant for Stationary Storage Type Electric Water Heaters | IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 21):2018 | Qualitance India
Introduction
Stationary storage type electric water heaters, commonly known as electric storage geysers, are used in residential, commercial and institutional settings. Manufacturers must consider both product performance requirements and electrical safety requirements when preparing for BIS certification.
IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 21):2018 – Safety of Household and Similar Electrical Appliances: Part 2, Particular Requirements, Section 21: Stationary Storage Type Electric Water Heaters specifies particular safety requirements for this product category.
BIS has also published a third-revision product manual for
IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 21):2024 / IEC 60335-2-21:2022. The revised manual states that manufacturers must obtain BIS certification as per
IS 2082:2018, after which compliance with the specified 2024 safety requirements is deemed to be met. Applicants should therefore confirm the currently applicable standard and certification route before filing an application. <Cite refs={["turn927517search25","turn570896view0"]}/>
Qualitance India provides consultancy support to manufacturers seeking guidance on BIS product certification, technical documentation, testing requirements and factory quality-control preparation.
What Is IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 21):2018?
IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 21):2018 addresses the safety requirements applicable to stationary storage type electric water heaters. These products store water in a tank and use an electrical heating element to heat it.
The standard is concerned with safety aspects of the appliance, including protection against electric shock, heating-related hazards, abnormal operation, moisture, mechanical risks and other applicable electrical safety requirements.
The applicable requirements should be assessed with reference to the relevant edition of the standard, its amendments, the general requirements under IS 302 Part 1 where applicable, and the current BIS product manual.
Is BIS Certification Mandatory for Electric Storage Geysers?
Yes, the applicable BIS certification requirement for domestic water-heating appliances is covered under the
Electrical Appliances for Domestic Water Heating (Quality Control) Order, 2025. The order was published in January 2025 and specifies relevant Indian Standards, including IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 21):2018 and IS 2082:2018. <Cite refs={["turn570896view1","turn927517search2"]}/>
The implementation dates specified in the 2025 order are:
- General implementation: 1 March 2025
- Small enterprises: 1 June 2025
- Micro enterprises: 1 September 2025
These dates are stated in the order’s table for electrical appliances for domestic water heating. The order also provides specified exemptions, including for certain goods manufactured domestically for export. Applicants should read the full notification and verify whether any subsequent amendment or exemption applies to their business. <Cite refs={["turn927517search26","turn570896view1"]}/>
Where compulsory certification applies, manufacturers must comply with the applicable requirements and obtain the relevant BIS licence before using the Standard Mark.
Relationship Between IS 2082:2018 and IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 21)
Manufacturers should not treat the product specification and safety standard as interchangeable.
- IS 2082:2018: Covers the specification for stationary storage type electric water heaters.
- IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 21):2018: Covers particular safety requirements for stationary storage type electric water heaters.
- IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 21):2024 / IEC 60335-2-21:2022: Represents the later revision identified in the current BIS product manual.
The September 2024 BIS product manual states that manufacturers are required to obtain certification as per IS 2082:2018 and that the product requirements under the 2024 safety standard are then deemed complied with. <Cite refs={["turn570896view0","turn570896view2"]}/>
For this reason, manufacturers planning a new application or a change to an existing licence should verify the latest BIS instructions and product manuals rather than relying only on the 2018 standard reference.
BIS Certification Process for Stationary Storage Type Electric Water Heaters
The certification process generally involves the following stages. The exact procedure and documents depend on the applicable BIS scheme, product manual and the applicant’s circumstances.
1. Confirm Product Applicability and Scope
Identify the product type, model numbers, rated voltage, power rating, capacity, inner-tank material and other relevant specifications.
The manufacturer should also confirm the appropriate product standard and applicable Quality Control Order requirements before beginning the application.
2. Review Manufacturing Facilities
Review the manufacturing process, assembly operations, quality-control procedures and facilities available for routine testing.
The manufacturer should be able to demonstrate how product conformity is maintained during production and how non-conforming products are controlled.
3. Prepare Technical Documentation
Prepare the product specifications, electrical diagrams, component details, bill of materials, test records and other documents relevant to the application.
The technical information should consistently identify the manufacturer, factory, product models and intended certification scope.
4. Review Components and Raw Materials
The BIS product manual refers to components covered under the relevant component requirements of the applicable safety standard. Manufacturers should maintain appropriate component specifications, supplier details and supporting conformity records. <Cite refs={["turn570896view0"]}/>
5. Arrange Product Testing
Determine the required tests, sample quantity and testing arrangements from the current product manual and applicable standard.
Testing may involve electrical safety, heating, leakage current, electric strength, pressure and other requirements applicable to the product design.
6. Submit the BIS Application
Submit the application and supporting documents through the applicable BIS process. Ensure that product information, model numbers, factory details and proposed scope are consistent across all documents.
7. Address BIS Observations and Inspection Requirements
Respond to any technical or documentary observations raised during the certification process. Where required, support factory assessment and demonstrate that manufacturing and quality-control arrangements meet the applicable requirements.
8. Obtain the Licence and Maintain Compliance
The Standard Mark may be used only in accordance with the licence granted by BIS and its approved scope. The manufacturer must maintain the applicable inspection, testing, recordkeeping and marking requirements during licence operation.
Testing Requirements for Electric Storage Water Heaters
Testing is essential to demonstrate that the appliance meets the applicable safety requirements. The exact tests depend on the relevant standard, model, construction and certification route.
Important testing areas may include:
- Marking and instructions: Required product information, warnings and instructions.
- Protection against access to live parts: Assessment of protection against electric shock.
- Power input and current: Verification of electrical input and current-related requirements.
- Heating: Assessment of heating performance and temperature-related safety.
- Leakage current and electric strength: Verification of relevant electrical insulation and safety requirements.
- Provision for earthing: Assessment of protective earthing provisions.
- Pressure test: Verification of applicable pressure-related requirements for the water-heating assembly.
- Moisture resistance: Assessment of safety under the relevant moisture exposure conditions.
- Abnormal operation: Assessment under specified abnormal operating conditions.
- Construction and internal wiring: Review and testing of construction, wiring, connections and related requirements.
- Mechanical strength and stability: Assessment of applicable mechanical hazards.
- Resistance to heat and fire: Testing under the relevant requirements.
- Clearances, creepage distances and solid insulation: Verification of applicable electrical insulation arrangements.
The BIS product manual for the 2024 edition identifies a sample quantity of
two water heaters for the product-testing process. It also lists relevant test equipment and inspection-and-testing guidance. Applicants must verify the applicable sample quantity and test requirements for their specific application and current certification route. <Cite refs={["turn570896view0"]}/>
This list is an overview, not a substitute for the complete standard or the current BIS product manual.
Sample Requirements and Scope of Licence
The BIS product manual for IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 21):2024 identifies key parameters used to describe the product scope. These include: <Cite refs={["turn570896view0"]}/>
- Product model number
- Appliance class
- Product type, such as closed, open-outlet, cistern-fed, cistern-type, low-pressure or heat-exchange type
- Pollution degree and material group, where applicable
- Inner-tank material, such as stainless steel, copper or vitreous enamelled tank
- Rated power, voltage, frequency and phase
- Declared capacity in litres
- Degree of protection
The product manual states that each model is to be tested for grant of licence or change in licence scope, subject to the stated grouping guidance. Changes in aesthetics, such as colour or visual design, may not necessarily be treated as a different model. The final scope depends on the applicable product manual, manufacturing capability, testing facilities and BIS approval. <Cite refs={["turn570896view0"]}/>
Manufacturers should therefore prepare an accurate model list before applying.
In-House Testing and Quality-Control Requirements
Manufacturers must establish an appropriate system for ensuring that production conforms to the applicable Indian Standard.
The BIS product manual for the 2024 safety standard describes a Quality Assurance Plan, routine testing and in-process controls. It also explains that testing arrangements can differ according to manufacturer category and the type of test. Certain tests may be subcontracted to a BIS-recognised or empanelled laboratory or a laboratory with valid NABL accreditation as per IS/ISO/IEC 17025, subject to the applicable provisions. <Cite refs={["turn570896view0"]}/>
The manual provides specific provisions for MSME manufacturers concerning routine in-house testing facilities, including use of common cluster-based or shared testing facilities where permitted. Large-scale manufacturers are subject to the relevant requirements for routine testing facilities or permitted alternatives.
Manufacturers should review the applicable product manual carefully before investing in testing equipment or finalising a subcontracting arrangement.
Documents Required for BIS Certification
The final checklist must be confirmed against the current BIS application procedure and applicable product manual. Depending on the case, relevant documents may include:
- Business registration and legal-entity details
- Factory address and manufacturing-facility details
- Product specifications and model list
- Product drawings and electrical circuit diagrams
- Bill of materials and component details
- Manufacturing process flow chart
- Details of technical and quality-control personnel
- Quality-control procedures and inspection records
- Details of testing equipment and calibration records, where applicable
- Component conformity documents and supplier records
- Product test reports, where applicable
- Product marking, packaging and instruction-manual details
- Undertakings and declarations required by BIS
- Other documents specified in the current application checklist
Documents should be complete, consistent and specific to the product and factory covered by the application.
Common Challenges During BIS Certification
Manufacturers may face delays when the product scope, documentation or testing arrangements are not aligned with BIS requirements. Common issues include:
- Using an outdated standard reference: Failing to check the later 2024 safety-standard revision and current product manual.
- Confusion between IS 2082 and IS 302 Part 2/Sec 21: Treating the product specification and safety requirements as identical without reviewing the applicable BIS instructions.
- Incomplete model details: Omitting rated power, voltage, capacity, inner-tank material or appliance type.
- Insufficient component records: Missing specifications or conformity evidence for relevant components.
- Inadequate testing arrangements: Not identifying routine tests, external testing needs or the applicable sample quantity.
- Inconsistent documents: Differences in model numbers, factory details or technical specifications across the application.
- Incomplete quality-control records: Lack of documented inspection, testing, calibration or non-conforming product controls.
A preliminary technical review can help identify these gaps before an application is submitted.
How Qualitance India Can Help
Qualitance India provides consultancy support for manufacturers seeking BIS certification and product-compliance guidance.
Our support may include:
- Preliminary review of product applicability and relevant Indian Standards
- Guidance on the BIS certification process
- Assistance with technical documentation and application preparation
- Review of product models and proposed licence scope
- Guidance on testing requirements and sample preparation
- Review of factory quality-control and routine-testing arrangements
- Guidance on component documentation and conformity records
- Support in addressing documentary gaps and certification observations
- Guidance on understanding marking and licence-maintenance requirements
The scope, professional fees and timeline depend on the product, number of models, factory readiness, testing arrangements and applicable BIS procedure. Certification decisions remain with BIS.
Why Choose Qualitance India?
Qualitance India helps manufacturers understand Indian Standards, prepare certification documentation and plan product-compliance activities. Our approach focuses on practical guidance, document consistency and identifying relevant requirements before the application progresses.
Qualitance India – Improving Quality & Competence
We support businesses with BIS product certification consultancy, NABL ISO/IEC 17025 consultancy and related quality-management services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which standard applies to stationary storage type electric water heaters?
The product specification is covered by
IS 2082:2018, while the safety requirements have been addressed under
IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 21):2018. BIS has also published a third-revision safety product manual for IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 21):2024 / IEC 60335-2-21:2022. Confirm the applicable route with the latest BIS instructions. <Cite refs={["turn570896view0","turn927517search2"]}/>
2. Is BIS certification mandatory for electric storage geysers?
The Electrical Appliances for Domestic Water Heating (Quality Control) Order, 2025 covers relevant domestic water-heating appliances and specifies applicable implementation dates for general, small-enterprise and micro-enterprise categories. Confirm the product’s coverage and any applicable exemption against the full current order. <Cite refs={["turn570896view1","turn927517search26"]}/>
3. How many samples are specified in the BIS product manual?
The BIS product manual for the 2024 safety-standard edition specifies
two samples. Confirm the requirements applicable to your product and application before arranging testing. <Cite refs={["turn570896view0"]}/>
4. Which tests are relevant to stationary storage water heaters?
Testing may cover marking and instructions, protection against access to live parts, power input and current, heating, leakage current, electric strength, earthing, pressure, moisture resistance, abnormal operation, construction and other applicable safety requirements. The exact tests depend on the standard and product configuration. <Cite refs={["turn570896view0"]}/>
5. Is in-house testing mandatory for every manufacturer?
Testing-facility requirements depend on the applicable product manual and manufacturer category. The 2024 manual includes provisions for routine in-house testing, subcontracted testing and certain MSME testing-facility alternatives. Applicants should confirm the applicable conditions before finalising their arrangements. <Cite refs={["turn570896view0"]}/>
6. Can Qualitance India guarantee BIS certification?
No consultant can guarantee the grant of a BIS licence. Qualitance India can provide consultancy support for requirement review, documentation, testing readiness and process guidance. The certification decision remains with BIS.
Official References
Use these official resources to review the relevant standards, product manuals and regulatory requirements:
- BIS Product Manual for IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 21):2024: View the official product manual
- BIS Product Manual for IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 21):2018: View the official product manual
- Electrical Appliances for Domestic Water Heating (Quality Control) Order, 2025: View the official notification
- BIS Scheme-I Product Listing: View products under compulsory certification
- BIS Laboratory Information Management System: View testing information for IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 21):2018
Always check the latest BIS instructions, applicable standard edition, Gazette notifications, amendments and exemptions before making a compliance decision.
Contact Qualitance India for BIS Certification Consultancy
Are you a manufacturer of stationary storage type electric water heaters looking for BIS certification consultancy? Contact Qualitance India for guidance on applicable standards, product documentation, testing arrangements and certification preparation.
Qualitance India – Improving Quality & Competence
Contact us to discuss your BIS certification consultancy requirements.
