CEA issues draft revised guidelines on power equipment testing and quality assurance

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has released draft revised guidelines for type tests and quality assurance of major power sector equipment.  

The draft documents include the Guidelines for the Type Tests for Major Equipment of Power Sector (2025) and the Guidelines for Model Quality Assurance Plan (MQAP) for Major Equipment of Power Sector (2025). Both replace the earlier guidelines issued in March 2022, which were later made mandatory under the CEA (Technical Standards for Construction of Electrical Plants and Electric Lines) Regulations, notified on 23 December 2022.

The revision follows a decision taken in a Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) weekly review meeting on 12 January 2023, chaired by the Secretary (Power). In that meeting, it was agreed that inspections at manufacturer premises should be discontinued, and CEA was asked to review the MQAP. The Ministry of Power subsequently issued a letter on 16 January 2023 directing CEA to update the guidelines. The Authority has also received several stakeholder requests to revise the periodicity of type tests.

Draft guidelines for type tests

The type test guidelines aim to standardise periodicity and reduce redundant testing. They set validity periods for test reports, with transmission equipment (66 kV and above) typically valid for 10 years, and distribution equipment below 66 kV valid for 5 years. Exceptions include gas-insulated switchgear and hybrid switchgear (15 years), generator circuit breakers (20 years), and smart meters (3 years compared to 5 years for other energy meters). Validity tables also extend to major equipment in thermal and selected hydro power plants.

Type tests would only need to be repeated in case of significant changes in design, materials, manufacturing processes, or applicable standards. Utilities are required to accept valid test reports unless such changes occur. Accredited laboratory reports, such as those from NABL labs in India or equivalent institutions abroad, will be mandatory. Manufacturer in-house test reports may also be accepted if witnessed by utilities or CEA.

Hydro sector equipment, such as turbines and generators, which are usually custom-designed for each project, are exempted from uniform type testing requirements. Components purchased with valid certificates will not need retesting.

Manufacturers will be required to provide undertakings confirming that no design or material changes have been made since the last test. Utilities may request additional testing at their own cost, but routine repetition of tests is to be avoided.

Draft guidelines for Model Quality Assurance Plan (MQAP)

The MQAP guidelines seek to bring uniformity to quality assurance processes for major electro-mechanical equipment used in substations, transmission lines, distribution systems, and power plants.

They define categories of tests, including type tests, routine tests, special tests, factory acceptance tests (FAT), and site acceptance tests (SAT). The aim is to align quality assurance practices across manufacturers and purchasers, streamline customer hold points to reduce bottlenecks, and avoid redundant checks.

Detailed annexures cover specific quality assurance plans for equipment such as insulators, transformers, circuit breakers, turbines, and cables. Testing protocols include raw material inspections, in-process checks, and final inspections. Raw material tests involve chemical, physical, and dimensional checks, while final inspections include visual, mechanical, and electrical assessments.

Documentation and traceability are emphasised, with calibration of test equipment required as per NABL guidelines, including sealing after calibration to prevent tampering. No equipment may be dispatched before pre-dispatch inspection and purchaser acceptance, unless explicitly waived. Purchasers retain the right to call for retesting at the supplier’s cost if certificates are found non-compliant.

Submission of comments

CEA has requested stakeholders to send comments on both draft guidelines to the Chief Engineer, Power System Engineering & Technology Development Division, CEA, by 12 September 2025.