Updated on July 16, 2025 10:44:19 AM
Covered Electrodes for manual metal arc welding covered electrodes are widely used in all industries including fabrication and construction industries where high-quality, strengthened and well-protected welds are needed. In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has established IS 814:2004, which stipulates the specified requirements for covered electrodes intended for welding carbon and carbon manganese steels. This inevitable standard is important to maintain the quality of the electrode in accordance with its chemical composition, mechanical characteristics, and diffusible hydrogen code which has a direct relation to the quality of the weld.
The significance of IS 814:2004 does not only benefit manufacturers but also ensures that welders and end-users of the products are guaranteed that they use standard quality products. According to this standard, manufacturers can improve their status in the market while offering better-welded structures safety and durability. This blog will explore the various aspects of IS 814:2004, concerning the welding industry in India is used to outline the performance requirements, testing methods, and certification processes as well as the significance of BIS certification in encouraging quality assurance in the welding industry in India.
IS 814:2004 is the Indian Standard set by BIS that particularly defines the standard for covered electrodes meant for Manual Metal Arc (MMA) welding of carbon and carbon manganese steel. This standard contributes significantly to guaranteeing the quality and performance of welding consumables, which account for the fabrication of sound welded joints in applications cross-cutting construction, automotive among others.
The standard identifies the electrodes and divides them into groups, as well as determines the performance requirements for the electrodes to be used in MMA welding processes. There are several aspects which are chemical nature, mechanical nature, and type of covering on the two electrodes that define the quality of the weld that has been merged.
The performance requirements outlined in IS 814:2004 are intended to confirm the quality of covered electrodes for usage in welding. Key performance criteria include:
Mechanical Properties: It establishes the lower limits of tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, and impact toughness of the weld metal obtained using these electrodes. For instance, the tensile strength should not be more than 610 MPa.
Diffusible Hydrogen Content: It is preferable that the amount of diffusible hydrogen in the deposited weld metal be kept to a minimum because of its detrimental effect on hydrogen-induced cracking. The standard provides internationally acceptable maximum allowable limits depending on the electrode type.
To verify compliance with these performance requirements, IS 814:2004 lays down particular test procedures that shall be carried out in accredited laboratories.
Testing methods play a crucial role in ensuring that covered electrodes meet the standards set forth in IS 814:2004. Some key testing methods include:
Chemical Analysis: This is accomplished using approaches such as spectrometry or chromatography in order to find out the chemical nature of the weld metal that is produced by the electrodes.
Tensile Testing: Carried out in accordance with the requirements of the IS 1608 specification, this test is designed to evaluate the ultimate tensile strength, yielding point, and percentage elongation in a material taken from the weldment.
Impact Testing: This determines the measures of the weld meat’s strength at different service conditions, so as not to fail in service.
Diffusible Hydrogen Testing: Maintaining hydrogen content to acceptable levels can be attained by methods such as mercury method or gas chromatography.
These tests are essential for validating that the electrode complies with IS 814:2004 performance criteria before it is marketed in the marketplace.
Testing labs for plastic shoes need to follow certain rules:
Equipment: They must have the right tools that are checked and can do all the tests needed as per IS 814:2004.
Qualified Staff: The people working there should have the right skills and training to do the tests correctly.
These rules are important to make sure the testing process is good and the results are reliable.
Proper labeling and marking are critical for identifying covered electrodes compliant with IS 814:2004. The standard specifies several key labeling requirements:
Electrode Classification: Every electrode should be painted with the corresponding classification, regarding covering type, such as rutile, basic, etc.
Manufacturer Information: The name or trademark of the manufacturer should also appear prominently on any pack and covering used on the patient’s electrodes.
Batch Number: There is a need to provide a number to a batch in a way that it would be possible to trace back.
BIS Certification Mark: Electrodes that carry the BIS Standard mark in relation to IS 814:2004.
Such labeling requirements serve the specific purpose of alerting consumers to products that are in compliance and give necessary information about their origin and specification.
The following are the required documents for BIS certification:
| General Documents | Technical Documents |
|---|---|
| GST Certificate | Raw Material List |
| MSME Or Udyam Certificate (Not applicable for large-scale industries) | Raw Material Test Certificate |
| Manufacturing land details (Lease Deed/ Rent agreement) | Plant Layout (Lab, Office, Raw material area, Finished Goods area) |
| MOA/AOA (If Private Limited) | Machinery List |
| Electricity Bill | Location Layout |
| Authorization Letter | Equipment List |
| QCI Adhaar Card | Process Flow Chart and Description |
| QCI Appointment Letter | NABL approved Calibration |
| QCI Degree Certificate | Product Specific Declaration as per clause no |
| Owner’s Pan Card | |
| Factory License |
The BIS certification process for Covered electrodes for manual metal arc welding of carbon and carbon manganese steel involves several steps:
Application Submission: Applications are filled including relevant documents that outline the production processes of the manufacturers.
A BIS officer pays a visit to the manufacturing company in order to assess the levels of compliance with set regulations.
Product Testing: The samples from the production batches are analyzed at the BIS-accredited laboratories.
As a result of the evaluation of these facilities and products, BIS grants permission to the manufacturers to use the ISI mark on their products.
To sustain the standards practice, normal assertions are carried out.
This is a process that the manufacturers need to understand so that they can get an efficient certification process.
BIS certification is crucial for several reasons:
Market Access: It shall be marked with the ISI mark for it is compulsory for any manufacturer who wants their covered electrodes for manual metal arc welding of carbon and carbon manganese steel to be sold in India. This means that without this certification, manufacturers will not be able to sell their products to the market.
Consumer Safety: Certification means that the products have to conform to given standards in order to prevent the consumer from using dangerous products.
Quality Assurance: The BIS certification process helps ensure the quality standards of the products as it covers quality control aspects of the products.
Regulatory Compliance: The BIS certification acts as an asset to manufacturers since it avails them of the legal standards that are accepted by the government hence saving them from legal troubles.
Brand Credibility: An ISI mark adds value to the business by providing the consumers confidence that they are dealing with products that meet the nation’s quality standards.
Environmental Considerations: The BIS in its regulations has put forward specific measures to restrict the use of some dangerous chemicals when producing products that have to do with environmental effects in the industry.
The government-approved fees for BIS certification of molded solid rubber soles and heels under IS 814:2004 are as follows:
| Category | Fee (INR) |
|---|---|
| BIS Application Fees | 9,000 |
| BIS Marking Fees | Micro Scale - 21,800 |
| Small Scale - 54,500 | |
| Medium Scale - 87,200 | |
| Large Scale - 10,9000 |
NOTE: BIS testing charge fees are subject to changes from time to time depending on the circulating governments’ policies on fee structure.
Thus, it is recommended to visit the official site of BIS or consult with a BIS registration consultant like Professional Utilities.
Conclusion
IS 814:2004 acts as a major pivotal point for the quality standard of covered electrodes used in manual metal arc welding of carbon and carbon manganese steel. By following this standard, the manufacturers will be in a position to develop quality welding consumables that have met the necessary performance tests which are crucial in order to develop workable welds in variegated industrial applications.
The comprehensive testing methods outlined in IS 814:2004 guarantee that only durable electrodes get to the consumer while meeting requirements important for structure stability. Also, the rigorous processes followed to obtain the BIS certification increase customers’ confidence because it provides credibility to promised standards.
At Professional Utilities, we leverage our industry knowledge and expertise to help businesses navigate complex regulations, minimize risks, and optimize operations for maximum efficiency and profitability.
IS 814:2004 has an Indian Standard stating the requirements for covered electrodes used in the manual metal arc welding of carbon and carbon manganese steel.
The fundamental requirements include restrictions in chemical content, tensile strength properties, and diffusible hydrogen restrictions among others.
It is a requirement that laboratories be accredited by NABL or an equivalent body. In addition, the equipment used must be calibrated to an acceptable degree and must be run by competent people.
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