The Central Electricity Authority (CEA), under the Ministry of Power, has issued a clarification regarding the acceptance of in-house type testing for major electrical equipment in the power sector. The clarification comes after the release of the “Guidelines for the Type Tests for Major Equipment of Power Sector, 2026,” which were earlier circulated on January 19, 2026.
The clarification focuses on Clause 3(d) of the guidelines, which defines the procedures manufacturers must follow when conducting tests within their own facilities. The issue arose after several stakeholders sought clarity on whether manufacturers could rely solely on their NABL-accredited laboratories and internal staff for witnessing such tests.
Addressing these concerns, the CEA has clearly stated that while in-house testing is allowed, it cannot be carried out without independent oversight. The authority emphasized that having a laboratory compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 standards alone is not sufficient to eliminate the need for an external witness. The aim is to ensure transparency, reliability, and technical accuracy in the testing process.
As per the clarification, in-house type testing will be considered valid only if the laboratory holds accreditation from the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL). In addition, the tests must be witnessed by an authorized person who is not employed by the manufacturer.
The CEA has also laid down a clear order of preference for selecting such witnesses. The first preference is a representative from another independent NABL-accredited laboratory. If that is not possible, a representative from the purchasing utility can act as the witness. In cases where both options are not available, a representative from the CEA itself may be assigned for this purpose.
The authority further clarified that every valid type test report must include complete details of the external witness, along with their signature or official authentication. This ensures accountability and strengthens the credibility of the test results.
The CEA also pointed out that these requirements are not new and were already part of the 2022 guidelines. With this clarification, the authority aims to remove confusion and ensure uniform standards across the power sector. Manufacturers and stakeholders have been advised to strictly follow these rules for all future testing activities.
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