The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has released draft revised guidelines for the type testing of major equipment in the electrical power sector. These guidelines aim to establish uniformity in the periodicity of type tests and to reduce the unnecessary repetition of tests, a practice that has caused concern among manufacturers due to its associated costs and time delays. The document emphasizes that the new guidelines are designed to mitigate the uncertainty faced by manufacturers and to alleviate the financial burden on end consumers.
The revised guidelines were developed in response to feedback from manufacturers and a request from the Ministry of Power to extend the validity of type test reports for some equipment. The new rules are based on principles of rationality, uniformity across all electrical systems for a given class of equipment, and the availability of testing facilities.
Key Principles of the New Guidelines
- Uniformity and Reducing Repetition: The primary purpose of the guidelines is to set a uniform periodicity for type tests across all utilities, eliminating subjectivity in the acceptance of Type Test Reports (TTRs). This will prevent the repetition of tests on equipment that has not undergone major changes in design, material, or manufacturing processes.
- Use of Accredited Laboratories: Type tests for indigenous equipment should preferably be conducted in independent, NABL-accredited laboratories in India. For tests where no facility is available in India, an accredited foreign laboratory may be used. In-house tests by manufacturers are also acceptable if the lab is accredited and a purchaser’s or CEA’s representative is present to witness the test.
- Validity of Type Test Reports: The guidelines specify that TTRs need not be repeated unless there is a change in the design, material, manufacturing process, or a revision in the relevant standard’s type test conditions. The validity of a TTR will be determined by its date of issue relative to the date of the bid submission by the manufacturer.
- Minor vs. Major Changes: A fresh type test is warranted for major changes in technology, design, or manufacturing. However, minor changes that do not affect the equipment’s functionality and reliability, and for which the OEM provides a written undertaking, may not require a re-test.
- Cost and Time: While utilities may demand a repeat of a type test at their own cost, they are urged to refrain from making it a regular practice. If a repeat test is requested, the utility must clearly specify it in the contract and provide extra time for the manufacturer to comply.
- Hydro Power Sector: The guidelines acknowledge that for equipment in the hydro power sector, such as turbines and generators, designs are often project-specific and “tailor-made”. Therefore, it is not possible to specify a uniform type test validity period for these major components. Only those components with auxiliary functions, which do not undergo major changes, are included for a specified type test periodicity.
The CEA has noted that the successful completion of a type test does not guarantee an equipment’s immunity from failure but serves to validate the design and quality of the product. The guidelines are intended to reduce the burden on testing facilities and ensure the availability of infrastructure for new equipment and R&D requirements.
The CEA has requested all stakeholders to submit their comments on the draft guidelines to the Chief Engineer (PSE&TD Division) via email at ce-psetd@gov.in by September 17, 2025.