Why BIS Certified Evaporative Air Coolers Becomes Mandatory in India?

Evaporative air coolers, also known as desert coolers, have been a popular choice for cooling in India, especially during the scorching summer months. These devices provide an effective and energy-efficient alternative to traditional air conditioning systems by utilizing the natural process of evaporation to cool the air.

These air coolers work by drawing warm air through water-saturated pads, where the water evaporates, resulting in cooler air that is then circulated into the living or working space. These coolers provide effective cooling while being energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

Given their widespread use and importance in Indian households, ensuring the safety, quality, and performance of evaporative air coolers has become a priority. This has led to the mandatory requirement for Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Certification for these cooling appliances in India.

What is Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Certification Scheme?

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Certification Scheme stands as a cornerstone in the framework established by the Indian government to uphold the quality, safety, and reliability of products circulating in the market. At its core, this scheme is designed to protect consumer interests by establishing stringent benchmarks and guidelines that products must meet before they are considered compliant.

BIS Certification spans across various industries and product categories, encapsulating a diverse spectrum of industrial and manufacturing activities. Under this scheme, the Indian Standards Institution (ISI) plays a pivotal role in developing and maintaining standards for goods, services, and systems.

The ISI mark, Indian Standard mark, is a symbol of conformity to the specifications outlined by BIS. Products displaying the ISI mark have undergone rigorous testing and evaluation to ensure adherence to these standards, signifying their quality and safety.

The ISI mark serves as a reassurance to consumers, indicating that the product meets the prescribed requirements and has been subjected to thorough scrutiny. Through the BIS Certification Scheme and the ISI mark, the Indian government endeavours to instil confidence among consumers, promote fair trade practices and uphold the integrity of the market by ensuring that only products of the highest quality and safety standards reach the hands of the consumers.

Why Evaporative Air Coolers Need BIS Certificate in India?

The Bureau of Indian Standards has recently mandated requiring a BIS certificate for the sale of evaporative air coolers under IS 3315:2019 in India, confirming the quality, safety, and performance of these cooling appliances.

Here's why evaporative air coolers necessitate BIS certification:

• BIS Certification ensures that evaporative air coolers meet stringent safety standards, mitigating risks associated with electrical faults and water leakage, thus enhancing consumer safety.
• Evaporative air coolers undergo comprehensive testing and evaluation as part of the BIS certification process, ensuring adherence to established quality benchmarks for dependable performance and longevity.
• BIS-certified evaporative air coolers are designed to meet specific energy efficiency standards, contributing to reduced electricity consumption and supporting environmental sustainability efforts.
• The mandatory BIS certification instils confidence in consumers, assuring them that the evaporative air coolers they purchase comply with recognized standards for safety, quality, and performance, enhancing consumer trust and satisfaction.

What Requirements are Covered Under IS 3315:2019 for Evaporative Air Coolers?

IS 3315:2019 is a standard that comprehensively addresses the requirements for evaporative air coolers, covering aspects such as air capacity, constructional features, performance criteria, and testing methodologies.

Key requirements outlined in this standard include:

• Minimum air capacities for evaporative air coolers are specified, ranging from 750 to 8,000 m3/h when delivering air at 'Zero' static pressure, with the option for other capacities based on agreement between manufacturer and purchaser.
• The body of the air cooler must be made from a galvanized steel sheet with a minimum Grade 350 conforming to IS 277:1992 to ensure rigidity and longevity.
• For plastic bodies, manufacturers must declare properties such as weathering, ageing, colour fastness, resistance to heat, flammability, etc., along with the thickness of the body and the extent of fire retardant used.
• The body undergoes a drop test from a height of 3 m to ensure durability without sustaining damage.
• The design and assembly should prevent rattling and loosening of parts due to vibration, with the overall design aiming for reasonably silent performance.
• Noise levels should not exceed 65 dBA at a distance of 1 m from the air cooler, as per the manufacturer's guidance.
• Under standard rating conditions, the air cooler must meet certain requirements:
  • The air delivery should not be less than the declared minimum capacity.
  • Cooling efficiency should be not less than 65 per cent.

What is the BIS Quality Control Order for Evaporative Air Coolers?

The Bureau of Indian Standards has introduced the Evaporative Air Coolers (Quality Control) Order, 2023, signalling a pivotal development in ensuring the quality and safety of these cooling devices. As per this order, the Bureau of Indian Standards now mandates the acquisition of BIS Certification for Evaporative Air Coolers.

In adherence to the standards set by IS 3315:2019, these air coolers are required to prominently display the ISI Mark under a license obtained from the BIS, following the Scheme of the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. This comprehensive approach underscores the commitment to maintaining stringent quality control measures for Evaporative Air Coolers in the Indian market.

For detailed insights into the BIS Quality Control Order for Evaporative Air Coolers, please find the document attached below to check the BIS QCO for Evaporative Air Coolers.

What are the Tests Specified Under IS 3315:2019 for Evaporative Air Coolers?

Under IS 3315:2019 for evaporative air coolers, several tests are specified to ensure the quality, safety, and performance of these cooling appliances:

• Test for Dimensions: This test ensures that the dimensions of the evaporative air cooler comply with the specified standards, ensuring proper fit and function.
• Test for Capacity of Sump Tank: The capacity of the sump tank is tested to ensure it meets the required capacity for efficient operation and sufficient water supply.
• Test for Protection Against Electric Shock: This test assesses the effectiveness of the evaporative air cooler's protection mechanisms against electric shock, ensuring user safety.
• Test for Power Input and Current: This test measures the power input and current of the evaporative air cooler to verify its energy efficiency and electrical performance.
• Test for Leakage Current and Electric Strength at Operating Temperature: This test evaluates the leakage current and electric strength of the evaporative air cooler at operating temperature conditions, ensuring electrical safety.
• Test for Earthing Connection: This test examines the earthing connection of the evaporative air cooler to ensure effective grounding and minimize the risk of electrical hazards.
• Test for Insulation Resistance: This test measures the insulation resistance of the evaporative air cooler to verify electrical insulation and prevent electrical leakage.
• Test for Cooling Efficiency: This test assesses the cooling efficiency of the evaporative air cooler, ensuring that it provides effective cooling performance as per the specified standards.
• Test for Air Delivery: This test measures the air delivery capacity of the evaporative air cooler, ensuring that it meets the required airflow specifications for efficient cooling.

These tests, as specified under IS 3315:2019, ensure that evaporative air coolers meet stringent quality, safety, and performance standards, providing consumers with reliable and efficient cooling solutions.

What is the Procedure for Obtaining BIS License for Evaporative Air Coolers?

Obtaining a BIS license for evaporative air coolers involves a systematic process to ensure compliance with the Bureau of Indian Standards regulations. The procedure includes the following steps:

Step 1: Submit an application for BIS certification to the BIS office or through the BIS online portal.

Step 2: Along with the application, the manufacturer must submit the necessary documents as required by the BIS.

Step 3: BIS may conduct an inspection of the manufacturing facility to assess compliance with quality control measures, manufacturing processes, and other requirements specified by BIS standards.

Step 4: Samples of the evaporative air coolers are collected from the manufacturing facility or the market for testing as per the relevant BIS standards.

Step 5: BIS evaluates the test results and verifies compliance with the specified standards.

Step 6: Upon successful completion of the certification process and verification of compliance, BIS issues a BIS license to the manufacturer for the evaporative air coolers.

What Documentations are Important to Get BIS License for Evaporative Air Coolers?

To obtain BIS license for evaporative air coolers, several important documents are required:

• Product Specifications
• Test Reports
• Manufacturing Process Details
• Quality Control Procedures
• Compliance Declaration
• ISI Mark Usage Agreement
• Bill of Materials
• Factory Inspection Report
• Packaging Details

Conclusion

The mandatory requirement for BIS Certification for evaporative air coolers in India marks a significant step toward ensuring the quality, safety, and performance of these essential cooling appliances.

At Brand Liaison, we understand the importance of BIS certification for manufacturers and importers seeking to enter the Indian market with their evaporative air coolers. As a leading compliance consultancy, we specialize in providing comprehensive assistance and support to streamline the process of obtaining BIS licenses quickly and easily.

Our team of experts navigates the complexities of regulatory requirements, ensuring that manufacturers and importers meet all necessary criteria for certification. With our support, they can expedite the certification process, minimize delays, and confidently bring their BIS-certified evaporative air coolers to the Indian market.

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