Indian cable standards reference guide
Plain-language explainers for the BIS and IEC standards that govern electrical cables sold in India. Each entry covers scope, test methods, NBC 2016 applicability, and how to verify a manufacturer's BIS Conformity Marking Licence (CM/L) on bis.gov.in ↗ and manakonline.in ↗.
IS 694:2010FRFR-LSHHouse wireIS standardThe mandatory standard for residential and commercial building wiring in India. Covers FR (flame-retardant) and FR-LSH (low-smoke halogen-limited) single-core wires 0.5–16 sqmm.
IS 17048:2018HFFRZHFRHospitalsMetroRequired under NBC 2016 Part 4 for G+4 and above occupancies, hospitals, and public buildings where low-smoke, low-toxicity cable is mandated.
IS 1554 Parts 1 & 2ArmouredPower cableUndergroundSub-mainsGoverns PVC-armoured cables for sub-main feeders, outdoor runs, and underground distribution. Part 1 = standard PVC; Part 2 = HOFR (heat/oil-resistant flame-retardant).
IS 7098 Parts 1–3XLPEHT cableEHVSolarCovers cross-linked polyethylene insulated cables from LV (up to 1100 V, Part 1) through MV (3.3–33 kV, Part 2) and EHV (66–220 kV, Part 3).
IEC 62930SolarDC cablePVIEC standardThe international IEC standard for DC cables in solar photovoltaic systems. Indian market requires IEC 62930 or equivalent; no BIS IS standard covers PV DC cable.
Every IS standard requires a Bureau of Indian Standards Conformity Marking Licence (CM/L). Search any CM/L number at manakonline.in ↗ or visit bis.gov.in ↗ for the full standards catalogue.