Guwahati: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is taking a significant step toward standardizing the repair and maintenance practices for distribution transformers with the launch of a national awareness initiative. In a recent workshop held at Vivanta Guwahati, BIS introduced its newly published standard on transformer repair, emphasizing the importance of uniformity and safety in the repair process across India.
BIS Joint Director Abinash Bordoloi spoke with Business North East (BNE) about the key aspects of the new standard, which was officially released in 2023. The document, titled the Code of Practices for Repairing Distribution Transformers, provides a comprehensive framework for repairers to follow, ensuring consistency, safety, and efficiency in transformer repairs nationwide. The Joint Director of BIS explained that the standard is a critical part of BIS’s efforts to improve the quality and reliability of power distribution in India.
“The standard was developed through a rigorous process that involved multiple stakeholders, including industry experts and technicians,” he said and added, “It outlines specific guidelines on how to repair transformers, ensuring that repair work is done safely and effectively. Once people across the country are fully aware of these practices, BIS will take the next step of certifying repairers who meet the established criteria.”
The workshop, organized in collaboration with the Indian Transformers Manufacturers Association (ITMA), gathered experts, manufacturers, and repair professionals from across the region. The goal was to create awareness about IS 18284, the Indian Standard governing the repair and maintenance of distribution transformers. This code aims to not only improve the technical aspects of transformer repair but also ensure that the repair processes are aligned with the broader goals of sustainability and safety.
Shouvik Chanda, Head of BIS Guwahati, addressed the gathering and discussed the importance of transformers in the country’s power infrastructure. He stressed that transformers play a vital role in maintaining a stable power supply and ensuring the safe delivery of electricity to homes and industries. "This workshop is crucial for educating stakeholders on how to properly maintain and repair transformers. It will ultimately contribute to a more sustainable and safer power system for India," Shouvik Chanda said.
The Code of Practices for Transformer Repair is part of BIS’s broader strategy to develop a range of standards that govern various aspects of the power sector, from product specifications to testing procedures. Bordoloi explained that while the new standard on repair practices is important, it is just one piece of a larger puzzle.
“There are multiple categories of standards like product standards, testing standards, and general practice standards all of which are essential to ensure that the power sector operates efficiently and safely,” he said.
One of the key objectives of the workshop was to raise awareness about the certification process that will follow the introduction of the new standard. Abinash Bordoloi further explained that once repair professionals across the country are familiar with the guidelines, BIS will begin certifying those who meet the required criteria. Certification will help establish a level of trust in the industry, ensuring that only qualified professionals are authorized to carry out repairs on distribution transformers.
The workshop also emphasized the environmental and public health benefits of adhering to the BIS standards. Chanda pointed out that proper transformer maintenance is not only crucial for reliability but also for the health and safety of the community.
“Transformers that are well-maintained and repaired according to prescribed standards are less likely to pose risks to public health or the environment. We are committed to ensuring that these devices do not have a negative impact on either,” Abinash Bordoloi said.
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As part of BIS’s vision for a cleaner, greener future, the organization has been working with manufacturers to ensure that transformers are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. “Our goal is to help build a power distribution system that is safe for both the environment and the public,” he added.
The BIS initiative to standardize transformer repair practices is part of its broader mandate to promote quality, safety, and sustainability across various sectors. As awareness of the new standards spreads, industry stakeholders are expected to play a critical role in driving their adoption, contributing to the long-term sustainability of India’s power infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the national workshop in Guwahati marks an important step in the effort to modernize and standardize transformer repair practices across India. By aligning repair procedures with BIS standards, the country can ensure that its power infrastructure remains safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible.
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