An MCB is a small, cheap-looking part, and that is exactly why fake and sub-standard ones keep turning up in the market. It sits quietly in your DB for years, and you only find out whether it works on the day something goes wrong. Here is how to tell a genuine, certified breaker from a doubtful one.
What the rules say
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) lists low-voltage switchgear and controlgear, including circuit breakers, switches, disconnectors and contactors, among products under compulsory certification. This comes under the Electrical Equipment (Quality Control) Order, 2020, notified by the Ministry of Heavy Industries, and its later amendments. BIS certifies these products under its Scheme X.
BIS explains that once a Quality Control Order applies to a product, no one may manufacture, import, distribute, sell, store or display it for sale without the Standard Mark under a BIS licence.
The order has been rolled out in phases by product category and rating, and some phases have been deferred. We are not quoting specific phase dates here. If you need them for a tender or a compliance file, check the current BIS Scheme X list linked below.
Warning signs of a doubtful MCB
- Price far below the market. If a branded MCB is offered at half the usual rate, ask why.
- Poor printing. Blurry logos, spelling mistakes, missing ratings or stickers instead of printed markings.
- No licence number next to the Standard Mark, or a number that doesn't check out.
- Feels light or loose. A wobbly toggle, a rattle inside, or terminals that don't grip the cable firmly.
- No bill. A seller who won't give a proper GST invoice.
How to verify
- Note the licence number (CM/L-…) printed with the Standard Mark.
- Check it on BIS's official channels. BIS provides licence verification through its website and the BIS Care app.
- Match the rating on the device (current, curve and breaking capacity) to what your electrician specified.
- Buy from the brand's authorised channel and keep the invoice for warranty and traceability.
Why it matters
A breaker that doesn't trip on time can let a cable overheat. That is one of the ways a short circuit can turn into a fire. The few rupees saved on a fake MCB are not worth it.
ATRICL is the C&S Electric Authorised Service Partner for Jharkhand and Bihar and supplies genuine switchgear with proper invoices. Siemens switchgear is available from us on request for quotation. Send us your list and we will help you match the ratings.
This article is general information, not a substitute for a site inspection. Electrical work should always be done by a qualified, licensed electrician. ATRICL is GeM-registered.