The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has announced the implementation of the updated standard IS 16242 (Part 1):2025, aligning it with the international benchmark IEC 62040-1:2017, including its amendments AMD1:2021 and AMD2:2022 CSV. This revision supersedes the previous standard IS 16242 (Part 1):2014, marking a significant step towards enhancing the safety and performance of Uninterruptible Power Systems (UPS) in India.
Key Revisions in the 2025 Standard
The updated standard introduces several critical changes to improve UPS safety and reliability:
- Reference Update: Incorporation of IEC 62477-1:2012 as a reference document.
- Terminology Change: Introduction of the term “movable UPS”.
- Material Safety: Modified flammability requirements for enclosure materials.
- Electrical Testing: Additional working voltages in creepage distance tests and revised input current test parameters.
- Mechanical Testing: Enhanced steady force tests and additional requirements for handles and manual control securement.
- Capacitor Discharge: Updated requirements for capacitor discharge tests, especially for pluggable type B UPS and permanently connected UPS.
- Thermal and Environmental Tests: Stricter temperature rise tests and the introduction of new tests such as short-time withstand current, unsynchronized load transfer, loss of coolant, dry heat, damp heat, and hydrostatic pressure tests.
These updates aim to align India’s UPS safety standards with international benchmarks, ensuring better protection for users and equipment.
Implementation Timeline
The revised standard is set to become mandatory from 19 November 2025. After this date, compliance with IS 16242 (Part 1):2025 / IEC 62040-1:2017 + AMD1:2021 + AMD2:2022 CSV will be required for all UPS systems in India. The earlier version (IS 16242 (Part 1):2014) will be withdrawn and no longer valid.
Compliance Guidelines for Stakeholders
For Existing Licensees:
- Test Reports: Submit complete test reports for all lead models under the new standard.
- Undertaking: Provide an undertaking confirming compliance for all models in the license scope.
- Non-Compliance: Failure to comply by 19 November 2025 may result in license cancellation or model deletion.
For New Applicants:
- Application Processing: Applications can be processed under the old or revised standard until the implementation deadline.
- Compliance Declaration: A declaration to comply with the revised standard by the deadline is required.
For Changes in License Scope:
- Scope Requests: Requests can be processed under the old standard until the implementation deadline.
- Post-Deadline Compliance: Compliance with the revised standard is mandatory thereafter.
Action Points for Stakeholders
- Manufacturers: Ensure all UPS models comply with the revised standard and submit necessary documentation to BIS.
- Testing Laboratories: Update testing protocols to align with the new requirements.
- Importers/Exporters: Verify that UPS products meet the revised standards to facilitate smooth market entry.