InfraLensInfraLens
IS CodesIRCToolsSORHandbookQA/QCPMCFormatsCPHEEOMapsProjectsDCRRulesAbout Join Channel
Join
IS CodesIRCToolsSORHandbookQA/QCPMCFormatsCPHEEOMapsProjectsDCRDesign RulesBIMAbout Join WhatsApp Channel
InfraLensInfraLens
IS CodesIRCToolsSORHandbookQA/QCPMCFormatsCPHEEOMapsProjectsDCRRulesAbout Join Channel
Join
IS CodesIRCToolsSORHandbookQA/QCPMCFormatsCPHEEOMapsProjectsDCRDesign RulesBIMAbout Join WhatsApp Channel

IS 9537 Part 1 : 1980Conduits for electrical installations - Part 1: General requirements

PDFGoogleCompareBIS Portal
Link points to Internet Archive / others. Not hosted by InfraLens. Details
IEC 61386-1 · BS EN 61386-1 · AS/NZS 61386.1
CurrentFrequently UsedSpecificationBIMMEP · Electrical Installations
PDFGoogleCompareBIS Portal
Link points to Internet Archive / others. Not hosted by InfraLens. Details
OverviewValues6InternationalTablesFAQ4Related

IS 9537:1980 Part 1 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for conduits for electrical installations - part 1: general requirements. This standard specifies the general requirements and tests for conduits and fittings used to protect electrical wiring. It establishes a classification system based on mechanical strength, temperature resistance, and electrical properties, and defines standard dimensions. This part acts as a foundational document for the entire IS 9537 series on electrical conduits.

Lays down general requirements for conduits and conduit fittings used for the protection of electrical wiring installations.

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Frequently Used
Domain
MEP — Electrical Installations
Type
Specification
Amendments
Amendment 1 (August 1987)
International equivalents
IEC 61386-1:2008 · International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), InternationalBS EN 61386-1:2008+A1:2019 · British Standards Institution (BSI), United KingdomAS/NZS 61386.1:2015 · Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand, Australia/New ZealandNEMA TC 2-2020 · National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), USA
Typically used with
IS 732
Also on InfraLens for IS 9537
6Key values4Tables4FAQs

BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.

Practical Notes
! This Part 1 specifies general requirements; always refer to the specific part (e.g., Part 2 for steel, Part 3 for PVC) for material-specific details.
! The 4-digit classification code (e.g., 3321) is critical for selecting the correct conduit type for the environment, representing compression, impact, min temp, and max temp respectively.
! Always check for the BIS certification mark on the conduit as required by Clause 13 to ensure compliance and safety.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 6DimensionsCl. 7ConstructionCl. 8Mechanical PropertiesCl. 12ClassificationCl. 13Marking
Pulled from IS 9537:1980. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
Updates & Amendments1 amendment
Amendment 1 (August 1987)
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
steelpvcmetalnon-metalliccomposite materials

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
IEC 61386-1:2008International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), International
HighCurrent
Conduit systems for cable management - Part 1: General requirements
Defines the core general requirements and tests for all types of conduit systems, serving the same role as IS 9537-1.
BS EN 61386-1:2008+A1:2019British Standards Institution (BSI), United Kingdom
HighCurrent
Conduit systems for cable management. General requirements
The European and British adoption of IEC 61386-1, making it technically identical.
AS/NZS 61386.1:2015Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand, Australia/New Zealand
HighCurrent
Conduit systems for cable management, Part 1: General requirements
Modified adoption of IEC 61386-1 for Australian and New Zealand conditions.
NEMA TC 2-2020National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), USA
MediumCurrent
Electrical Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Conduit
Covers PVC conduits specifically, with different classification (Schedule 40/80) and test methods common in North America.
Key Differences
≠The primary difference is the classification system. IEC 61386-1 uses a comprehensive 12-digit classification code defining performance against compression, impact, temperature, corrosion, etc. IS 9537:1980 uses a simpler, descriptive classification (e.g., Light, Medium, Heavy Duty) without a codified system.
≠IEC 61386-1 specifies multiple, distinct performance levels for mechanical properties (e.g., five levels for compression from 125N to 4000N). IS 9537:1980 has fewer, broader categories, which offers less granularity for specification.
≠The international standard includes a formal classification for lower and upper temperature limits for application and installation (e.g., -45 °C to +250 °C). IS 9537:1980 specifies heat resistance and low-temperature tests but does not provide a graded classification for operational temperature range.
≠Marking requirements in IEC 61386-1 are more detailed, mandating the full classification code be marked on the product. This allows users to verify all performance characteristics at a glance, whereas IS 9537:1980 requires more basic identification.
Key Similarities
≈Both standards share the fundamental objective of ensuring that electrical conduits provide adequate mechanical protection for cables and do not contribute to fire hazards.
≈Both standards mandate a core set of mechanical tests, including tests for resistance to compression (crushing), resistance to impact, and bending properties, forming the basis for performance evaluation.
≈For non-metallic conduits, both standards specify requirements and tests for resistance to flame propagation to ensure the conduit does not spread fire along its length.
≈Both standards prescribe controls and tests for critical dimensions, such as outside and inside diameters and wall thickness, to ensure compatibility with fittings and accessories.
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Standard StatusWithdrawn — superseded by IS 9537 (Part 1):2013CurrentIEC 61386-1:2008
Classification SystemDescriptive terms (e.g., Light/Medium/Heavy duty)12-digit numerical code for performance characteristicsIEC 61386-1
Compression Strength (Typical Medium)~350 N (based on 35 kg load in IS 9537-3:1983 for medium duty non-metallic)750 N (Classification '3' for Medium)IEC 61386-1
Impact Strength (Typical Medium)Pass/fail at a given energy (e.g., 1kg from 100mm)2 Joules (Classification '3' for Medium)IEC 61386-1
Low Temperature ClassificationSpecific test temperature (e.g. -5 °C) but no formal classesFormal classification code (e.g., Code '2' for -5 °C)IEC 61386-1
Ingress Protection (IP) RatingNot formally defined or classified with IP ratingsClassified via 7th & 8th digits of the classification codeIEC 61386-1
Bending Test CriteriaVisual check for cracks or kinking after bendingVisual check plus a gauge must be able to pass through the bent sampleIEC 61386-1
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values6

Quick Reference Values
Standard nominal conduit sizes16, 20, 25, 32, 40, 50, 63 mm
Standard length of straight conduits3 m (±10 mm tolerance)
Compression strength for 'Medium' duty>750 N
Impact strength for 'Medium' duty>2.0 Joules
Lower temperature limit for 'Type 2' classification-5 °C
Upper temperature limit for 'Type 1' classification+60 °C

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
Table 1 - Standard Sizes of Conduits and Fittings
Table 2 - Classification of Conduits According to Mechanical Properties
Table 3 - Classification According to Temperature Limits
Table 6 - Mandrel Diameters for Bending Test
Key Clauses
Clause 6 - Dimensions
Clause 7 - Construction
Clause 8 - Mechanical Properties
Clause 12 - Classification
Clause 13 - Marking

Related Resources on InfraLens

Cross-Referenced Codes
IS 732:1989Code of practice for electrical wiring instal...
→

Frequently Asked Questions4

What are the standard nominal sizes for electrical conduits?+
The standard sizes are 16, 20, 25, 32, 40, 50, and 63 mm, as per Table 1.
What does the conduit classification '3321' mean?+
It's a 4-digit code for Compression, Impact, Min Temp, and Max Temp. '3321' signifies Medium Compression (>750N), Medium Impact (>2.0J), and a service temperature range of -5°C to +60°C (Tables 2 & 3).
Does this standard cover both metal and PVC conduits?+
Yes, this Part 1 covers general requirements for all types. However, specific requirements for rigid steel are in Part 2 and for rigid non-metallic (like PVC) are in Part 3.
What is the standard length of a conduit pipe?+
The standard length for straight conduits is 3 meters, with a tolerance of ±10 mm, as stated in Clause 6.2.

QA/QC Inspection Templates

📋
QA/QC templates coming soon for this code.
Browse all 300 templates →