Window air conditioners are one of India's highest-volume home appliance categories and have been under BIS mandatory certification for years. QCO 2026 reinforces requirements under IS 302 (Part 1):2024.
Window ACs fall under IS 1391 Part 1 (room air conditioners: unitary type) for performance, and IS 302 Part 1 for general electrical safety. Both apply. Additionally, BEE star rating is mandatory for ACs under the Energy Conservation Act — separate from BIS ISI mark certification.
The compressor is the heart of the AC — an electric motor in a sealed refrigerant circuit. It draws significant current on startup (6-8× running current) creating a startup surge. The wiring, fuses, and capacitor sizing must handle this surge without failure. Motor thermal protection activates if the compressor overheats or is subject to locked rotor condition.
Window ACs use refrigerant (currently R32 in most new models, transitioning from R22 and R410A). The refrigerant circuit must be leak-tested before factory dispatch. An AC with a refrigerant leak operates less efficiently and the refrigerant may be flammable (R32 is mildly flammable) — containment and leak detection are evaluated.
AC units use run capacitors for the compressor and fan motors. Capacitors must be X- or Y-rated for mains applications and must have discharge resistors that prevent dangerous voltage accumulation after power-off. Capacitor failure modes are evaluated — a failing capacitor must not cause fire or electrical hazard.
The AC's control panel — terminals, contactors, printed circuit boards — must be housed safely. Terminal covers must prevent accidental contact with live terminals during installation. The PCB must have appropriate insulation distances for the 230V mains circuit.
ACs must display BEE energy star rating (1-5 stars). The star rating system requires ISEER (Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measurement. Higher ISEER = higher star rating = lower electricity consumption. BEE star rating testing is separate from IS 302 safety testing but must be completed alongside it.
Large enterprise: 1 October 2026. HOT handles IS 302 window AC testing.