CEA clarifies external witnessing rule for in-house type tests

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has issued a clarification on Clause 3(d) of its revised Type Test Guidelines for Major Equipment of Power Sector, 2026, addressing industry queries since the guidelines came into effect in January 2026. The clarification confirms that in-house type testing cannot be self-witnessed, even if conducted in a NABL-accredited laboratory.

What Clause 3(d) provides

The January 2026 guidelines allow manufacturers to conduct type tests in their own facilities under defined conditions. Clause 3(d) permits such testing only if the in-house laboratory is accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) and the test is witnessed by an external representative. The order of preference for witnessing is specified within the clause.

Clarification on witnessing requirement

In its communication dated March 19, 2026, CEA’s Power System Engineering & Technology Development Division addressed whether a manufacturer’s NABL-accredited laboratory, compliant with ISO/IEC 17025, could conduct type tests witnessed only by its own personnel. CEA has rejected this interpretation.

The authority has reiterated that external witnessing is mandatory and follows a defined hierarchy. The first preference is a representative from a different NABL-accredited laboratory, not the one conducting the test. If that is not feasible, a representative of the purchasing utility may witness the test. In the absence of both, a CEA representative may be present.

Consistency with earlier guidelines

CEA has noted that this requirement is not new. The 2022 guidelines contained the same provision, indicating continuity in regulatory approach. The clarification reinforces that self-witnessed testing does not meet the requirements under Clause 3(d).

Implications for manufacturers

The clarification affects manufacturers operating in-house testing facilities. Even with NABL accreditation, self-certification is not valid for type test acceptance under the CEA framework. External witnessing remains a required condition.

The clarification aligns with the objectives of the revised guidelines issued on January 19, 2026, which aim to standardise type test validity, reduce repeat testing for unchanged designs, and improve utilisation of testing infrastructure. CEA has directed stakeholders to follow Clause 3(d) as clarified. The communication has been issued with the approval of the Competent Authority.

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