RULES AND CONDITIONS FOR THE ISSUE OF LICENSES TO ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS, CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY AND PERMITS TO ELECTRICAL SUPERVISORS AND WIREMEN, 1973

[1][RULES AND CONDITIONS FOR THE ISSUE OF LICENSES TO ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS, CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY AND PERMITS TO ELECTRICAL SUPERVISORS AND WIREMEN, 1973

PART I: LICENSING BOARD

Rule - 1. Appointment of Licensing Board.

For carrying out the purpose of these Rules, a Licensing Board (hereinafter referred to as "The Board") shall be appointed by the Government.

There shall be a President of the Board (hereinafter referred to as "The President").

There shall be a Secretary to the Board (hereinafter referred to as "The Secretary").

Rule - [2. Constitution of the Board.

The Board shall consist of-

(i)       Special Secretary/Secretary to Government (Electricity) as President;

(ii)      Deputy Chief Electrical Inspector as Member and Secretary;

(iii)     One Electrical Inspector working in the Department of Electrical Inspectorate;

(iv)    Head of the Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, Trivandrum or Trichur;

(v)      A representative of the Kerala State Electricity Board;

(vi)    A Member of the Legislature;

(vii)   A representative of major consumers of Electricity in the State;

(viii)  [2][Three representatives of Licensed Electrical Contractors in the State, one for A Class Contractors, one for B Class Contractors and one for C Class Contractors.][3]

Note:- The representative of the above mentioned bodies shall be a qualified Electrical Engineer (preferably a Corporate member of the Institution of Engineers).

Rule - 3. Term of Office.

The term of office of members other than the ex-officio members of the Board shall be three years or such shorter period as the State Government may direct.

Rule - 4. Filling up of vacancies and power to function notwithstanding vacancies.

(1)     If a member of the Board not being an ex-officio member leaves the State or is absent therefrom for a period of more than six months, another person may be appointed in his place for the unexpired portion of his term of office.

(2)     The Board shall have power to act notwithstanding any vacancy in its membership.

Rule - 5. Functions of the Board.

The functions of the Board shall be-

(i)       to grant licenses to Electrical Contractors;

(ii)      to conduct examinations for Electrical Supervisors and for Wiremen;

(iii)     to grant Certificates of Competency and Permits to Electrical Supervisors and Wiremen;

(iv)    to enquire into allegations of incompetence, negligence, breach of the Indian Electricity Rules, 1956 or other cases of malpractice on the part of a Wlreman, Supervisor or Contractor holding a Permit, Certificate or License granted by the Board or breach of a condition of the license on the part of a Contractor holding a license granted by the Board and to take such action in respect of such Permit, Certificate or License as may be considered necessary or to modify the terms and conditions relating to the scope of the licenses or permits according to the circumstances of the case;

(v)      to issue permit or license of restricted category to any person or firm for the purpose of supervision or execution of any particular specialized class of electrical installation if such person has the necessary technical experience and competence for the satisfactory supervision or execution of that particular class of electrical installation;

(vi)    to deal with applications and testimonials found to be incorrect and to take such action as may be considered necessary;

(vii)   to nominate representatives in other centres of the State if considered necessary for the purpose of carrying out local examinations and tests under these rules; and

(viii)  generally to carry out the provision of these rules.

Note:- Any decision given by the Board in the course of execution of its functions shall be final.

Rule - 6. Sub-Committees.

The Board shall have power to appoint sub-committees and delegate such of its powers to these sub-committees as the Board considers fit.

Rule - 7. Meeting of Board.

The Board shall meet atleast once in an year or more often, if considered necessary, at such time and at such place as may be fixed by the President. The Board may also meet for transacting any special business which cannot be disposed of by circulation of papers. Notice of meetings shall be sent to each member by the Secretary.

Rule - 8. Quorum.

The President or in his absence the Secretary together with (Substituted by SRO 737/91.)[five] other members of the Board shall form a quorum at any meeting of the Board.

Rule - 9. Duties of the President.

The functions of the Board shall vest in the President as regards the day to day implementation of these rules.

Rule - 10. Chairman of the Meeting.

The President or in his absence such member as may be elected by the members present for the meeting shall be the Chairman of the meeting.

Rule - 11. Duties of the Secretary.

The duties of the Secretary shall be-

(i)       to assist the President in all matters relating to the day to day functions of the Board;

(ii)      to attend to routine papers including renewal of licenses/permits granted to contractors, supervisors and wiremen by the Board;

(iii)     to notify all Electric Supply Authorities concerned including Kerala State Electricity Board, and the Associations of the Electrical Contractors, if any, of all licenses issued or cancelled;

(iv)    to exercise proper check over accounts of the Board;

(v)      to attend to such other duties as may be specified by the President.

PART II

Rule - 12. Examinations.

Examinations under these rules shall ordinarily be held once in an year on such dates as may be specified by the Board in Trivandrum, Trichur, Kozhikode and such other places as may be notified by the Board from time to time in the Gazette.

Rule - 13. Admission to Examinations.

Examinations are primarily intended for candidates residing or actually working within Kerala State. Candidates from outside the State may however be admitted to Examination on payment of the prescribed fee in the manner specified.

PART III

Rule - 14. Mode of Examinations.

Every examination shall be of such a nature as to test the theoretical and practical knowledge of the candidate and to ascertain his competence and the adequacy of his practical experience to the satisfaction of the Board for the purpose of granting certificates of competency and permits under these rules.

Rule - 15. Place of Examination etc.

Every examination shall be conducted in a place where the candidate's knowledge can be practically tested and each candidate shall be tested viva voce.

PART IVA

I [4]AWARD OF SUPERVISORY COMPETENCY CERTIFICATE

GRADE 'A'

Rule - 16.

[5][x xxx x]

Rule - 17.

[6][x xxx x]

Rule - 18.[Grant of Certificate of Competency Grade 'A'.].

The Board may grant [7][a certificate of competency] to any person who possesses any of the qualifications mentioned below and who satisfies the Board that his technical qualifications, knowledge of Indian Electricity Act, 1910, Indian Electricity Rules, 1956 and of relevant Codes of Practice and Standards of Indian Standards Institution and these rules as well as practical experience are such as to justify the grant of certificate of competency Grade 'A':-

(i)       a Degree in Engineering from a recognized University or an equivalent or higher qualification;

or

(ii)      an Engineering Diploma or equivalent qualification with a minium of 3 years experience in the erection and maintenance of Electrical Installations after taking the Diploma in an Electrical undertaking recognized by the Board;

or

(iii)     a certificate of competency recognized for the purpose by the Board issued by any other body;

(iv)    any other suitable qualification or practical experience considered satisfactory by the Board.][8]

[9][II AWARD OF COMPETENCY CERTIFICATE GRADE B

Rule - 18A. Grant of Certificate of Competency Grade B.

The Board may grant to any person who possesses any of the qualification mentioned below and who satisfies the Board that his technical qualifications, knowledge of Indian Electricity Act, 1910, Indian Electricity Rules, 1956 and of relevant codes of practices and standards of Indian Standards Institution, of and these rules as well as practical experience are such as to justify the grant of certificate of competency grade 'B':-

(i)       A Degree in Electrical Engineering from a recognized University or any equivalent or higher qualification;

or

(ii)      An Engineering Diploma or equivalent qualification with a minimum of 1 year experience In the erection and maintenance of Electrical Installations after taking the Diploma in an Electrical undertaking recognized by the Board;

or

(iii)     a certificate of competency recognized for the purpose by the Board issued by any other body;

(iv)    any other suitable qualification or practical experience considered satisfactory by the Board.]

PART IVB

[10][ADMISSION OF CANDIDATES FOR EXAMINATION - SUPERVISORS GRADE 'B']

Rule - [19. Examination for Supervisory Grade B.

The examination for supervisory Grade 'B' is generally intended for technicians who do not possess the technical qualifications but have acquired expertise in the works by virtue of experience in the field.

Rule - 19A. Qualifications.

Candidates for the examination for supervisors Grade 'B' shall possess the following qualifications, namely: -

(a)      must have passed S.S.L.C. examination or equivalent examination.

(b)      must possess a wireman certificate issued by the Board.

(c)      must have a minimum of 5 years practical experience, of which not less than 2 years experience shall be after taking the Wireman's permit:

Provided that the Board may in exceptional cases and for reasons to be recorded in writing permit a person who has technical back ground to offer himself for the examination].[11]

(i)       A diploma in Engineering or an equivalent qualification one year's experience in the erection and maintenance of electrical installation after taking the diploma in any electrical undertaking recognized by the Board;

or

(ii)      A Wiremen's Certificate of the Kerala State Electricity Licensing Board with 10 years experience in electrical installation work after the possession of the permit. In the case of permits issued in lieu of permits issued by the erstwhile Madras State Electricity Licensing Board, the experience shall be reckoned from the date of issue of the Wiremen's Permit by the Madras State Electricity Licensing Board;

or

(iii)     National Trade Certificate in the trade of Electrician, Wiremen, Lineman in Electrical Engineering or equivalent qualification and three years experience in Electrical Wiring Works, the period of three years to be reckoned from the date of possession of the National Trade Certificate;

or

(iv)    Kerala Government Certificate Examination in Engineering or an equivalent qualification with a Wireman's permit and 3 years practical experience in Electrical Wiring Works, the period of 3 years to be reckoned from the date of possession of Wireman's permit;

or

(v)      A certificate of competency recognized for the purpose by the Board issued by any other body, or any other qualification or experience which is regarded as satisfactory by the Board.

"Note:- Persons who have been granted Supervisor's Permit under the terms of G.O. MS. 278/PWD., dated 4-7-1961 may be granted Supervisor's Permit and Competency Certificate Grade B".

ADMISSION OF CANDIDATES TO EXAMINATION FOR WIREMAN

Rule - 20. Examination for Wiremen.

The examination for Wiremen is intended for electrical workmen.

Rule - 21. Qualifications.

Candidates for the examination for Wiremen shall be persons-

(a)      who have worked on wiring or electric installation works for at least two years under a licensed electrical contractor;

or

(b)      who have satisfactorily completed the Wiremen's classes at any approved Institution and in addition have served under a licensed electrical contractor for at least twelve months engaged on installation work as an apprentice; or

(c)      who have other electrical training or practical experience or any other certificate issued by any other body recognized by the Board which is regarded as satisfactory by the Board.

Rule - 22. Exemption.

The board may grant exemption from the requirement of sitting for the Wiremen's Examination to any person who possess the qualifications mentioned below and who satisfy the Board that his technical qualifications and practical experience are such as to justify the grant of Wireman's competency certificate without requiring him to sit for the examination: -

(i)       A Diploma in Electrical Engineering or equivalent qualification recognized by the Board; or

(ii)      National Trade Certificate in the Trade of Electrician or Wireman, Lineman or Certificate in K.G.C.E. in Electrical Engineering or equivalent qualification recognized by the Board; or

(iii)     Certificate of competency in refrigeration and air-conditioning; or

(iv)    A certificate of competency recognized for the purpose by the Board issued by any other body, or any other qualification or experience which is regarded as satisfactory by the Board.

 

 

PART V : PROCEDURE FOR FORWARDING APPLICATION AND TESTIMONIALS FOR EXAMINATION FOR SUPERVISORS AND WIREMEN

Rule - 23. Application for appearing for Examination.

Every candidate for an examination under these rules shall make an application in such form as may be prescribed by the Board, and shall sign the same in the presence of his employer or a Government Officer of Gazetted rank. The candidate shall forward the application duly filled in to the Secretary to the Board so as to reach him on or before the date notified by the Board together with-

(i)       testimonials from employers regarding good conduct and practical experience in the form prescribed or in such form as may be prescribed by the Board from time to time;

(ii)      extract from the S.S.L.C. Book or other documents such as transfer certificate etc., to prove the age and educational qualifications;

(iii)     Wireman's Competency Certificate, if any, and/or Competency Certificate of Supervisor Grade 'B' in the case of applications for Supervisor Grade 'A' examination;

(iv)    [12]"the original chalan receipt for the payment of the prescribed fee in any of the Government Treasuries in the State under the head of account specified by the Board";

(v)      two copies of his latest photograph (size about 5 cms. x 6.25 cms.) with his name on the back duly attested by a Gazetted Officer.

Rule - 24. Examination fee not to be returned.

The examination fee once paid by a candidate shall not be refunded to him on any account and shall not be kept in reserve for any future examination.

Rule - 25. Admission to examinations.

If in the opinion of the Secretary to the Board, the testimonials produced by a candidate are not satisfactory he shall not be admitted to any examination.

Rule - 26. Testimonials to accompany the application.

Original of testimonials other than those relating to experience and conduct need not be forwarded with the application. It would be adequate if copies of documents relating to qualifications duly attested by a Gazetted Officer are forwarded with the application. However, original documents shall be forwarded to the Secretary, whenever called for.

PART VI : SYLLABUS

Rule - 27. Syllabus for examinations.

The syllabus for the examinations of the Supervisors and Wiremen shall be prescribed by the Board and notified in the Gazette when applications for examinations are called for.

PART VII : CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY AND PERMITS

Rule - 28. Classification of Supervisors.

(1)     The two grades of Supervisors shall be-

(i)       Supervisor Grade 'A'; and

(ii)      Supervisor Grade 'B'

(2)     Supervisors Grade 'A' shall normally be competent, unless otherwise specified in the permit, to supervise all classes of electrical installation works, provided that he shall supervise only such category of work as are specified in the Contractor's license issued to his employer.

(3)     Supervisor Grade 'B' shall unless otherwise specified in the permit, normally be competent to supervise only certain classes of electrical installation works such as all Low Voltage Installations and all Medium Voltage Installations upto 15 KW. capacity. However, the Board may, in suitable cases where the candidate satisfies the Board of his ability to supervise and test Medium Voltage Installation of higher capacity suitably relax the restriction of the upper limit of the capacity of the Medium Voltage Installation specified above.

Rule - 29. Grant of Certificate of Competency to Supervisors.

(1)     Every candidate who passes the examination for Supervisors and every candidate who has been exempted shall be granted a certificate of competency in the form prescribed for the purpose by the Board.

(2)     Every candidate who has been found qualified to hold Supervisors Competency Certificate Grade 'B' shall be granted certificate of competency in the form prescribed by the Board:

Provided that the Board may, having regard to the circumstances of each case, impose such restrictions on the nature and category of work or installations, as may be found necessary on the scope of the competency certificate at the time of the issue, or make such modifications in the terms and conditions of the certificate as may be deemed necessary subsequent to the issue of certificate,

Rule - 30. Grant of permit to Supervisors.

(1)     Every candidate who has been granted a certificate of competency Grade 'A' or 'B' as the case may be, shall further be granted Permits Supervisors Grade 'A' and 'B' respectively in the form prescribed by the Board:

Provided that the Board may, having regard to the circumstances of each case, impose such restrictions on the nature and Category of work or installations as may be found necessary on the scope of the permit at the time of issue or make such modifications in the terms and conditions of permits as may be deemed necessary subsequent to the issue of permit.

(2)     The permits shall be renewed every (Substituted by SRO 74/88)[five years] after payment of the requisite renewal fee prescribed in the rules.

Rule - 31. Grant of Certificate and Permit to Wiremen.

(1)     Every candidate who possess the examination for wiremen shall be granted a certificate and also a permit in prescribed forms and the latter shall be renewed once in [13][five years.]

(2)     Every candidate who has been granted exemption from the requirement of sitting for the examination under these rules shall be granted a certificate and also a permit in the prescribed Forms and the latter shall be renewed once in [14][five years:]

[15][x xx x]

Provided further that the Board may impose such restriction on the nature and category of installations or work as may be deemed necessary, on the competency certificate and the permit at the time of issue or modify the terms and conditions subsequent to the issue if circumstances warrant the imposition of any such conditions.

[16][(3) Every candidate who possesses wiremen permit, issued as above and is an applicant for Class 'C' Contractor's license shall be deemed as a Supervisor Grade 'C' for getting Class 'C' Contractor's license and the same shall be recorded in his wiremen permit, provided he satisfies the conditions stipulated by the Board under rule 41A.]

Rule - 32. Qualification as to the age.

No candidate will normally be eligible for supervisors permit Grade 'A' or 'B' if he has completed the age of 65 years. No permit will also normally be issued if the candidate has not attained 18 years on the date of application. 3lNo permit issued under these rules shall ordinarily be renewed after completion of 65 years of age of the permit holder, unless the Secretary is satisfied of the physical fitness of the permit holder. In case of doubt regarding the physical fitness of the permit holder for the renewal of the permit, the Secretary shall get the opinion of a Medical Officer not below the rank of an Assistant Surgeon in Government Service.]

Rule - 33. Cancellation, withdrawal, suspension or modification of permit.

Every permit granted under these rules shall, at any time, be liable to be cancelled, withdrawn, suspended or modified in scope for such period as the Board may decide if the holder thereof is found incompetent, guilty of malpractice or for contravention of the provisions of Indian Electricity Act, 1910 and Indian Electricity Rules, 1956 or of these rules.

Rule - 34. Grant of Certificate or permit to be recorded.

A Register of certificates and permits granted under these Rules shall be maintained by the Secretary.

Rule - 35. Renewal.

(1)     The Supervisory permits shall be renewed once every [17][five years.]

(2)     The Wireman's permits shall be renewed once every [18][five years,] provided that the Board may permit any Wireman's Permit holder to renew the permit at a stretch for a maximum period of 4 years on remittance of double the requisite fee for [19][five years.]

(3)     On no account the fee for renewal shall be refunded.

(4)     The application for renewal of permits should reach the Secretary at least one month before the date of expiry of the validity of the permit.

(5)     The Board shall levy penalty in addition to normal renewal fee prescribed in the relevant rule in all cases when the application for renewal is received after the due date.

(6)     Permits which have not been received for renewal within a period of three months from the date of expiry of permits shall lapse. The Board may however at its discretion allow fresh permits to be issued in lieu of the lapsed permits after levy of the fees prescribed and obtaining other documents and particulars as may be considered necessary.

(7)     Subject to the limitation of age specified under rule 32 the Wireman's permit issued under the old rules shall continue to be valid and shall be renewed under the new rules on payment of the prescribed fees.

Rule - 36. Grant of duplicate certificate and/or permit.

A duplicate of a Wireman's Permit or Supervisor's Permit and/or certificate of Wireman and/or Supervisor granted under these rules shall be issued on payment of the prescribed fees and on production of satisfactory proof of the loss, damage, defacement, destruction or mutilation of the original permit or certificate and other documents as may be required by the Secretary, provided that the application for duplicate is made before the expiry of the original permit.

Rule - 37. Fees.

(1)     Prescribed fee shall be charged for supplying information about the particular part or parts in which the candidate passed or failed in the examination, together with the actual number of marks he obtained in each part.

(2)     Prescribed fee shall also be charged for checking the addition of the marks of particular part or parts of the written examination. Application from concerned candidates on this behalf shall be preferred within 30 days from the date of declaration of the results of the examination.

PART VIII : LICENSES TO ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS

Rule - 38. Grant of Electrical Contractor's License.

An Electrical Contractor's License shall be granted only to a person or a firm approved by the Board who has in his possession the instruments necessary for carrying out the tests required under the Indian Electricity Rules, 1956, and who has in his sole employ at least one Supervisor holding a valid certificate of competency and permit under whose direct supervision all work undertaken by him is carried out and also at least 2 Wiremen holding valid certificate of competency and permit for executing the work and further fulfills such conditions as to establishment, financial stability and other particulars as may be prescribed by the Board from time to time:

Provided that the Board may refuse to grant such license to any person or firm who or which has been found guilty of malpractice, incompetence or negligence or otherwise found to be not fit to hold such license in the opinion of the Board:

Provided further that the license shall not be granted to a Supervisor/ Wireman who is employed by a licensed contractor or any one else as an Electrical Supervisor/Wireman for carrying out or to supervise electrical installation work under rule 45 of the Indian Electricity Rules, 1956:

[20][Provided also that the Board may grant contractor's license for executing and certifying "L.T. installation works only" to persons possessing National Trade Certificate in the trade of Electrician or Wiremen or Refrigeration and Air conditioning Mechanic or equivalent qualification, recognized by the Board and holding valid Wiremen's permit with three years working experience as Wiremen after obtaining the permit, and in the case of others, who hold valid wiremen's permit and having five years working experience as Wireman after obtaining the permit and the Board is satisfied about such experience gained by the Wiremen].

Rule - 39. Classification of Electrical Contractors.

[21][There shall be three classes of licensed contractors, namely:-

Class 'A' Contractors;

Class 'B' Contractors; and

Class 'C' Contractors.

(i)       Class 'A' Contractors shall be eligible for taking up all types of electrical Installation work unless otherwise specifically restricted in the license by the Board.

(ii)      Class 'B' Contractors shall be eligible to take up only low and medium voltage electrical installation work. Ordinarily Class 'B' Contractors shall undertake work on medium voltage installation of only upto 7.5 KW capacity.

(iii)     Class 'C' Contractors shall be eligible to execute only L.T. Wiring works and to certify only the works directly done by them].

Rule - 40. Conditions for the grant of Contractor's license Class 'A'.

Class A' License shall be granted only to a person or a firm having a registered office in Kerala unless exempted from this requirement by the Board, and shall comply with the following requirements namely:-

(i)       The applicant shall employ solely for the purpose of contract works the following minimum staff on full time basis namely:-

(a)      One Electrical Supervisor holding Supervisory Permit Grade 'A' issued by the Board.

(b)      Two Wiremen holding Wiremen's Permit issued by the Board:

Provided that if the applicant is himself a supervisor Grade 'A' Permit holder, he need not employ a supervisor Grade 'A'.

[22][(i) The applicant shall have other organizational strength by way of skilled man power and other infrastructural facilities for carrying out High Tension installation jobs and a minimum of 3 years experience as a Class 'B' contractor;]

(ii) The applicant shall possess at least the following instruments, namely:-

(a)      One number 500 V megger;

(b)      One number 1000 V megger;

(c)      One number ammeter with range up to 800 Amps, or such capacity as specified by the Board;

(d)      One number phase sequence tester;

(e)      Voltmeter with range upto 600 V;

(f)       One number of earth tester;

(g)      Two numbers of neon tester;

(h)     All wiring tools; and

(i)       Any other instruments which may be considered necessary by the Board.

[23][(j)] Fabricating facility;

(k) A 5 K.V. motorized megger.

Note:- In the case of Extra High Tension contractors, in addition to the equipments mentioned above; facilities for oil filtering and testing, Relay testing and high pot testing shall also be available.]

(iii)   The applicant shall have adequate drawing office facilities for the preparation of drawings, blue prints, etc:

Provided that the Board may grant exemption to an applicant from the operation of this provision for such time as may be specified, having regard to the circumstances of the case.

(iv) The applicant shall possess copies of Indian Electricity Act, 1910, Indian Electricity Rules, 1956 as well as copies of relevant codes of practice and standards of Indian Standards Institution relating to electrical installation and Kerala State Licensing Board Rules as amended up- to date.

[24][(v) The applicant shall produce Bank Solvency certificate for Rs. 10,000 in the case of High Tension licenses and Rs. 25,000 in the case of Extra High Tension licenses.

Rule - 41. Conditions for the grant of Contractor's License Class 'B'.

Class 'B' Contractors License shall be granted only to a person or firm having a registered office in Kerala, unless exempted from this requirement by the Board, and shall comply with the following requirements, namely: -

(i)       The applicant shall employ solely for the purpose of contract works the following minimum staff of one Supervisor holding permit Grade 'B' issued by the Board and one Wireman holding valid permit issued by the Board. If the applicant himself is a supervisor/Wireman, he need employ only either one Supervisor or Wireman, as the case may be: provided that the Board may, in exceptional circumstances, relax the minimum requirement with regard to staff, if the applicant for contractors license class 'B' is himself a holder of Supervisor's permit Grade 'B' granted by the Board and holder of Wireman's permit granted by the Board, and the quantum of work does not in the opinion of the Board justify the employment of additional staff:

Provided further that this relaxation shall be limited to one year only and that the contractor undertakes only low voltage installation work.

(ii)      The applicant shall possess the following instruments namely:-

(a)      One number 500 Volt megger;

(b)      One number earth tester;

(c)      One ammeter 100 Amps. range;

(d)      One number of neon tester;

(e)      Wiring tools;

(f)       One number voltmeter-600 Volt range;

(g)      Any other instruments that may be considered necessary by the Board.

The Board may however relax the condition regarding the possession of earth megger in the case of contractor class 'B' who has not been authorized to take up Medium Voltage installations, provided that the contractor shall arrange to the satisfaction of the Board to procure the earth tester from other source for testing purposes.

(iii)     The applicant shall possess copies of Indian Electricity Act, 1910, Indian Electricity Rules, 1956 and Kerala State Licensing Board Rules as amended up-to-date as well as relevant codes of practice and standards of Indian Standards Institution relating to electrical installations.

Rule - [41A. Conditions for the grant of Contractor's License Class 'C'.

[25][(1) Class 'C' contractors license shall be granted only to a person holding a valid Wiremen permit and having three years working experience as wiremen after obtaining the permit in the case of persons holding National Trade Certificate in the trade of Electrician or Wiremen or Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic or equivalent qualification as recognized by the Board and in the case of others who are holding a valid wiremen permit and having five years working experience as wiremen after obtaining the permit.][26]

[27][(2) The applicant shall possess the following instruments namely: -

(a)      One number 500 V megger;

(b)      One number neon tester;

(c)      Wiring tools;

(d)      Any other instrument that may be considered necessary by the Board.

The instruments should be tested once in two years in the meter testing and Standards Laboratory of the Electrical Inspectorate or in any of the recognized Laboratory of the Kerala State Electricity Board or in Government Engineering Colleges.

(3)   The applicant shall possess copies of Kerala State Electricity Licensing Board Rules as amended upto date as well as relevant codes of practice and standards of Indian Standards Institution relating to L.T. Electrical Installations.

(4)   The applicant shall be actively engaged in wiring works and shall satisfy the Board about his actual experience.]

Rule - 42.

The Electrical Contractor's license for [28][Class 'A', Class 'B' and Class 'C'] shall be in such forms as maybe prescribed by the Board and the holders of licenses shall comply with the instructions or directions contained therein.

Rule - 43. Maintenance of instruments, registers and records.

(1)     An Electrical Contractor to whom license is granted shall keep the instruments necessary for carrying out the tests required under the Indian Electricity Rules, 1956 in good order. The instruments shall be got tested in the Electrical Standards Laboratory or such other Laboratory specified by the Board, initially before the issue of license and thereafter at specified intervals. The test reports thereof shall be produced before the Board for the issue and renewal of such licenses:

Provided that in the initial stages, the Board may waive this condition.

(2)     An Electrical Contractor shall maintain such registers and records as may be prescribed by the Board in the form specified for the purpose.

Rule - 44. Cancellation of Contractor's license for under-employment of staff.

(1)     If the holder of a competency certificate on the strength of whose permit license has been granted to an Electrical Contractor, leaves the services of such contractor, thereby reducing the strength of staff below the minimum permissible limit specified by the Board, such contractor's license shall be deemed to have been suspended. In case such contractor fails to employ a person holding a supervisor's/ Wiremen's permit, as the case may be, within one month from the date on which the holder of the competency certificate had left such contractor's service. Contractor's license shall be cancelled.

(2)     If a holder of a Supervisor's permit to whom a Contractor's license has been granted accepts employment in any other firm, the Contractor's License granted to such person shall be cancelled.

[29][(3) If a holder of a Wireman Permit to whom a Contractor's License Class 'C' is granted, accepts employment in any other firm or with any other Contractor, the Contracor's License granted to such a person shall be deemed to have been cancelled.

Rule - 45. Notice of termination of service of Supervisor/Wiremen.

If a holder of a Supervisor's or Wiremen's Permit in the employment of a licensed Electrical Contractor leaves his service, the termination of the service of the permit holder shall be intimated to the Secretary both by the Contractor and the Permit holder. The Contractor shall also intimate the name and certificate number of any Supervisor or Wireman newly engaged. Failure to furnish intimation as mentioned above to the Secretary by the Contractor, Supervisor or Wireman as the cause may be shall render the license or permit of the person responsible for non-intimation liable to be cancelled without further notice.

Rule - 46. Inspection of instruments.

The testing equipments in the possession of every Electrical Contractor shall be made available for inspection by Electrical Inspector or officers appointed to assist him whenever the Contractor is asked to do so.

Rule - 47. Staff of Contractor.

[30][(1) The entire staff of every licensed Contractor shall consist of bona fide licensed full time employees:

Provided that Class A and Class B Contractors may engage apprentices for training purpose, in which case, the total number of apprentices employed by a contractor shall be limited to one apprentice for each wireman employed under such contractor/and that the contractor shall not permit such apprentices to carry out any electrical installations work including additions, alterations, repairs and adjustment to existing installations covered by rule 45 of the Indian Electricity Rules, 1936 except under the direct supervision of a person holding a certificate of competency and under the guidance of one certified wireman:

Provided further that the maximum number of wiremen employed under a contractor shall be limited to 5 wiremen for each supervisor employed by such contractor and that the contractor shall not permit such wiremen to carry out any electrical installation works including additions, alterations, repairs and adjustments to the existing installations covered by rule 45 of the Indian Electricity Rules, 1956 except under the direct supervision of a person holding a Certificate of Competency of Electrical Supervisors and only under the direct supervision of an Electrical Supervisor having supervisory permits:

Provided further that a Class 'C' Contractor may engage two apprentices and that the contractor shall not permit such apprentices to carry out any electrical installation works including additions, alterations, repairs and adjustments to existing installations covered by rule 45 of the Indian Electricity Rules, 1956 except under the direct supervision and guidance of a person holding the Class 'C' Contractor's license.]

(2)   Every Contractor shall maintain a register in the prescribed form of all Supervisors, Wiremen and Apprentices, such register shall be obtained from the Secretary to the Licensing Board and shall be kept up-to- date. It shall be available for inspection at any time by Electrical Inspectors or officers appointed to assist him or an officer of the supplier not below the rank of an Assistant Engineer in the case of Kerala State Electricity Board or Resident Engineer in the case of licensees. No person whose name is not entered in such a register shall be considered to be a bona fide employee on the Contractor's wiring staff and no work shall be carried out under any circumstances except by those whose names are entered in the register.

Rule - 48. Application for Contractor's License.

Application for Contractor's License shall be made to the Secretary in such forms as may be specified by the Board.

Rule - 49. Mode of Contract.-

(1)     Every contract for electrical installation work undertaken by licensed Electrical contractor shall be in writing and the licensed Electrical Contractor shall be held responsible for the quantity and quality of all materials used. The Supervisor and Wiremen shall be held responsible jointly or severally for the quality of workmanship.

(2)     The Contractor shall maintain a Permanent Work Register listing out all the works contracted for or under execution in the form prescribed by the Board and shall produce the same whenever called for by the Board, Electrical Inspector or Officers appointed to assist him.

Rule - 50. Commencement of work.

(1)     No electrical installation work including additions, alterations, repairs and adjustments to existing installations, except such replacement of lamps, fans, fuses, switches and other component parts of the installation which in no way alters it capacity or character shall be commenced by a licensed Electrical Contractor without giving notice in writing in the prescribed form to the Electrical Inspector or other officer appointed to assist the Electrical Inspector, deputed for the purpose, having jurisdiction over the area and the representative of the supply authority namely the Junior Engineer in the case of work falling within the jurisdiction of Kerala State Electricity Board or the Resident Engineer of the Licensee in the case of works falling within the jurisdiction of the Licensee.

(2)     No work on any High Voltage or Extra High Voltage installation including Low Voltage and Medium Voltage extension or alteration forming part of or fed from the consumer's High Voltage or Extra High voltage installation, on Neon Sign installations, on X-ray installations and on power generating sets shall be commenced by an Electrical Contractor unless the scheme has been got approved in writing from the Electrical inspectorate for commencement of the work. For this purpose, all necessary particulars of the scheme shall be forwarded to the Inspectorate under seal and signature of the Contractor as well as the signature of the owner of the installations sufficiently early before the expected date of commencement of the work.

Rule - 51. Test Reports.

For all electric installation work carried out under rule 45 of Indian Electricity Rules, 1956 a test report shall be submitted in the form prescribed by the Licensing Board by the licensed Electrical Contractor to the Electric Supply Authority concerned. The test report shall be signed by the Supervisor under whose supervision the work has been carried out and countersigned by the licensed Electrical Contractor. The Supervisor, Wireman and the Contractor connected with the work shall be held responsible jointly and severally for the due execution of the electrical installation work. The Supervisor shall be present at the time of testing.

Rule - 52. Register of Contractors.

A register of all licensed electrical contractors shall be maintained by the Secretary.

Rule - 53. Renewal of Contractor's License.

(1)     Every Electrical Contractor's License granted under these rules shall be renewable [31][once in three years]. Application for renewal together with the license and the prescribed fee should reach the Secretary, at least one month before the date of expiry of the license. The Board shall levy penalty in addition to the normal renewal fee in all cases where the application for renewal is received after the due date.

(2)     Licenses which have not been received for renewal within a period of three months from the date of expiry of licenses shall lapse. The Board may, however, at its discretion allow fresh licenses to be issued in lieu of the lapsed licenses after levy of the fees prescribed and obtaining other particulars and documents as may be considered necessary.

Rule - 54. Grant of duplicate Contractor's License.

A duplicate of an Electrical Contractor's License granted under these rules shall be issued on payment of the prescribed fee and on satisfactory proof of the loss, damage or destruction of the original license, provided the application for duplicate is made before the expiry of the original license. For the purpose of ascertaining whether there has been any mutilation or defacement, the Secretary may require the production of license before him for inspection and on such requisition the license shall be produced by the holder thereof before the Secretary for inspection.

PART IX : MISCONDUCT OP LICENSED CONTRACTORS, SUPERVISORS AND WIREMEN

Rule - 55. Report of negligence.

(1)     Where in the opinion of an officer of the Electric Supply Authority not below the rank of Sub-Divisional Officer in the case of the Kerala State Electricity Board and the Resident Engineer in the case of a licensee, or of a person for whom any electric installation work is being or has been carried out, such work carried out by a contractor licensed under the rule is not In accordance with the Indian Electricity Rules, 1956, and such licensee or other person desires to bring the facts to the notice of the Board he shall make a report in writing to the Board.

(2)     A report made to the Secretary under this provision by a person other than supply authority shall be accompanied by a fee prescribed by the Board. If in the opinion of the Board the charge contained in the report is not substantiated, the Board may direct that the deposit shall be forfeited.

(3)     The Board, on representation from the consumer or Contractor may take up, for settlement disputes arising out of the terms and conditions of written agreement between consumer and contractor. The decision of the Licensing Board shall be binding on the Contractor in such disputes.

Rule - 56. Malpractice or infringement of rules.

(1)     Where any person holding an Electrical Wireman's permit, or a Supervisor's permit or a Contractor's License issued by the Board is found to be guilty of negligence, incompetence or breach of provisions of these rules or central enactments like Indian Electricity Rules, Indian Electricity Act or Codes of Practices of the Indian Standards Institutions or of the conditions of permit or license, the Board may suspend, withdraw, cancel or modify the terms of the certificate, permit or license of that person for such period as the Board may specify, or indefinitely. The decision of the Board in such matter shall be absolute and final.

(2)     Malpractice, misrepresentation of facts or production of false testimonials, or other documents or furnishing of particulars which are materially incorrect, for the purpose of securing of, or continuing in possession of license, certificate of competency or permit by Electrical Contractor, Supervisor or Wireman shall be deemed to be malpractice within the meaning of this rule and shall render the license, certificate or permit, as the case may be, to be suspended, withdrawn or cancelled.

Rule - 57. Unauthorized entries, mutilation defacement of certificates, permits or licenses.

Any mutilation or defacement or any unauthorized entry in any Wireman's competency certificate or permit or Supervisor's Certificate of competency or permit or Electrical Contractor's license shall make the certificate, permit or license, as the case may be liable to cancellation, withdrawal or suspension by the Board. The holder of the certificate, permit, or license shall make the certificate, the permit or the license available to the Board, whenever called for.

Rule - 58. Inspection by Electrical Inspector.

(1)     Any Electrical Inspector or Officer appointed to assist him, shall have the right to enter, inspect and examine in any place, carriage or vessel in which he has reason to believe that any electrical installation work has been carried out or is being carried out.

(2)     Every consumer, owner, occupier or contractor shall render necessary facilities; at all reasonable times to any Inspector or officer appointed to assist him to make such examination and tests as may be necessary to satisfy himself as to the due observance of the provisions of Indian Electricity Act, 1910, Indian Electricity Rules, 1956 as well as these rules.

(3)     Any person aggrieved by the order of the Electrical Inspector issued under these rules in respect of maintenance of records, testing instruments, verification of fact, etc., may prefer an appeal to the President of the Board, whose decision thereon shall be final.

Rule - 59. Investigation by Electrical Inspector.

The Board may authorize the Electrical Inspector in whose jurisdiction the violation has taken place to conduct the investigation on its behalf and to forward the final report of investigation to the Board. The permit or license holder shall furnish the particulars called for by the Electrical Inspector or officer appointed to assist him in connection with such investigation within the time specified in the letter issued by the Electrical Inspector. Failure to do so shall be treated as violation of the Rules.

Rule - 60. Electric Supply Authority on the business of Electrical Contractors.

No electrical installation work shall be carried out by an electric supply authority including the Kerala State Electricity Board or other State Electricity Boards, on a consumer's premises beyond the point of commencement of supply unless such supply authority has obtained an Electrical Contractor's License and employ a staff of Supervisors and Electrical Wiremen in compliance with the rules:

Provided that when the services of a licensed Electrical Contractor are not available to the public in the area of supply of an electric supply company, the Licensing Board may exempt such electric supply company from the obligation of appointing a separate staff of Electrical Supervisors and Wiremen for a period of one year at a time:

Provided further that in case the supply authority takes out a license as mentioned above, they shall be liable for all the obligations and responsibilities of a licensed contractor as laid down in these rules.

Rule - 61. Cancellation of license granted to supply companies.

An Electrical Contractor's License granted to an Electric Supply Company shall be liable to be withdrawn by the Board if to its opinion, it is found that preferential treatment is being given to consumers with a view to gaining an unfair advantage in competition with local Contractors or for other reasons.

Rule - 62. Production Units or Manufacturing firms to obtain Contractor's license.

No Electrical Contractor's License shall be issued to production units or manufacturing firms unless the staff to be provided in compliance with this rule and the staff provided for routine operations in the factories are segregated to the satisfaction of the Board. Staff employed under this rule and rule 45 of the Indian Electricity Rules shall not on any account be mixed up with staff employed under rule 3 of the Indian Electricity Rules. Failure to keep the staff separate shall be deemed to be a violation for the purposes of these Rules and shall result in the suspension, withdrawal or cancellation of the License.

Rule - 63. Power to prescribe forms and registers.

For the purpose of proper implementation of these rules, the Board may prescribe forms or registers for various purposes as may be found necessary from time to time.

Rule - 64. Cancellation, withdrawal, suspension and modification of certificates, permits or licenses.

The Board may, after giving one month's notice in writing, withdraw, suspend, modify or impose restrictions, for such period as it deems fit or cancel the certificates, permit or licenses issued under these rules to Wiremen, Supervisors or Contractors, if in the opinion of the Board the party has violated any of the rules or found to be incompetent to supervise or to execute electrical installation work to the satisfaction of the Board. [32][A contractor whose license has been cancelled as a disciplinary measure shall not be granted another license before the expiry of a period of five years, from the date of such cancellation.]

Rule - 65.

The Wiremen/Supervisor/Contractor shall produce the certificates/permits/ licenses and other documents whenever demanded to do so by the Board or officers of the electrical Inspectorate. They shall also produce their permits/licenses and registers giving details of staff whenever demanded to do so by the Board or by the Electrical Inspector or officers appointed to assist him or an officer of the electric supply authority.

Note:- For the purpose of the rule, office of Electric Supply Authority shall mean the officers of the Kerala State Electricity Board not below the rank of an Assistant Engineer and the Officers of licensees not below the rank of Resident Engineer.

PART X: Fees

Rule - [66. Fees.

The fees payable under these rules shall be as Shown in the Schedule given below, namely: -

The following fees shall be levied under these rules:-][33]

SCHEDULE

 

Explanation:- All fees payable under the above items shall be remitted into a Government Treasury in Kerala under the Head of account specified by the Kerala State Electricity Licensing Board and the original chalan should be produced in proof of remittance.

Rule - 67. Remuneration for Examiners.

An examiner nominated by the Board shall receive such fees as the Board may from time to time approve and such assistance in the conduct of the examination as may be determined by the Board.

PART XI

Rule - 68. Transitional provisions.

The Contractor's Licenses and Supervisor's Permits issued under Notification No. EL1-500/57-4/FW/Public Works Department (Electricity) dated the 6th February, 1958 shall continue to be valid under these rules for the period for which they were issued or till they are renewed or till a new license or permit is obtained or till 31st March, 1974 whichever is earlier,

Rule - 69.

In the case of Electrical Contractors and Supervisors who held valid licenses or permits on 31st May, 1973 the initial fee paid by them shall be adjusted against the fee due for the issue of Contractor's licenses or Supervisor's permit subject to the following conditions:-

(1)     Application for Contractors license and/or Supervisors Certificate and permit under the new rules shall reach the Secretary, Licensing Board not later than 31st March, 1974.

(2)     The licenses and permits shall not have been cancelled at the time of application.

Rule - 70.

The fee paid towards the renewal of Contractor's License and Supervisor's Permits issued under the old rules shall be adjusted against the initial fee due from the applicants subject to the following conditions:-

(1)     The fee should relate to the renewal of the license and/or permit for the period subsequent to 31st May, 1973.

(2)     The license and/or permit and the renewal fee shall reach the Secretary, Licensing Board not later than 31st March, 1974.

(3)     The Contractor's license and Supervisor's permit shall be valid on the date of remittance of the renewal fee.

(4)     The application for renewal shall reach the Secretary, Licensing Board before the date of expiry of the License/permit.

Rule - 71.

The fees remitted in the treasuries for the issue and/or renewal of licenses and permits shall be treated as fees paid by way of demand draft till 31st March, 1974 within the meaning of rule 66.

Rule - 72.

Where the Government are satisfied that the operation of any rule under these rules causes undue hardship in any particular case, the Government may dispense with or relax the requirement of that rule to such extent and subject to such conditions as they may consider necessary for dealing with the case in a just and equitable manner.