Goverment of TamilNadu Electrical Inspectorate- CEIG

The Chief Electrical Inspector to Government (CEIG) is responsible for enforcing safety provisions under the Electricity Act 2003 and the Central Electricity Authority (Measures relating to Safety and Electric Supply) Regulations, 2023. This includes overseeing compliance with safety standards for electrical supply and systems. Additionally, the CEIG manages the levy and collection of taxes on electricity consumption and sales as stipulated by the Tamil Nadu Tax on Consumption or Sale of Electricity Act & Rules, 2003. The CEIG also enforces regulations concerning lifts and escalators under the Tamil Nadu Lifts and Escalators Act & Rules, 1997, and ensures adherence to fire safety and electrical installation standards in cinemas as per the Tamil Nadu Cinema (Regulation) Rules, 1957, framed under the Tamil Nadu Cinematograph Act, 1955.

The Chief Electrical Inspector to Government (CEIG) ensures the safety of lift and escalator installations by issuing erection permissions, conducting inspections, and providing licenses for their operation. The CEIG also performs periodic inspections every three years to renew these licenses and manages the issuance and renewal of authorizations for companies responsible for the erection, maintenance, inspection, and testing of lifts and escalators.

CEIG recognizes competent electrical contractors for designing and installing high-tension (HT) systems (voltage over 11 kV) and low-tension (LT) systems, with specific grading: 

  • A Grade Contractors: Qualified to design and install both HT and LT systems, as well as generators and elevator infrastructure, including in industrial buildings. They must adhere to procedures, submit required documents, and apply for licenses online. They will also demonstrate the system to CEIG authorities. If the installation meets regulations, CEIG will issue a certificate of fitness. If not, the contractor will need to make corrections and arrange for re-inspection. Once everything is compliant, the certificate of fitness is issued, allowing the State Electricity Board to provide connections.
  • ESB Grade Contractors: Competent for LT installations.
  • C Licensed Operators: Operate and maintain HT infrastructure, supported by B Grade operators.

For small elevator lifts and backup generators, inspections are handled by the Assistant Engineer cadre.

Experience and trust with CEIG can expedite the process for A Grade contractors. CEIG inspections are ongoing, requiring post-installation checks and annual license renewals.

We have provided contact details for A Grade contractors and CEIG authorities, as well as procedures, application forms, and additional information to support the process.

The Electrical Inspectorate, headed by the Chief Electrical Inspector to Government, operates under the administrative control of the Energy Department. The Chief Electrical Inspector is supported by a team of statutorily appointed Electrical Inspectors, including Senior Electrical Inspectors, Electrical Inspectors, Assistant Electrical Inspectors, and Junior Electrical Inspectors, who handle technical tasks. On the administrative and clerical side, the structure includes Chief Accountants, an Administrative Officer, Superintendents, and other ministerial staff who manage administrative and support functions.

The CEIG (Chief Electrical Inspector to Government) inspection process involves several key steps to ensure electrical installations comply with safety and regulatory standards:

  1. Pre-Inspection Preparation:

    • Design Approval: Ensure the electrical design has been approved by the CEIG.
    • Documentation: Prepare all necessary documents, including design approvals, test reports, and installation records.

  2. Inspection Request:

    • Application: Submit a request for inspection to the CEIG office, including installation details and proposed inspection date.
    • Scheduling: The CEIG office schedules the inspection and assigns an inspector.

  3. On-Site Inspection:

    • Visual Check: Inspect the installation for compliance with the approved design and safety standards.
    • Safety Measures: Verify the installation of safety devices and adherence to safety protocols.

  4. Testing:

    • Electrical Testing: Conduct tests like insulation resistance, earth resistance, and functional testing to ensure the installation’s safety and performance.

  5. Review and Certification:

    • Assessment: Review inspection findings and test results. If the installation meets all standards, a safety certificate is issued.
    • Corrective Actions: Address any issues identified during the inspection before final approval.

CEIG Approval Application Process:

  1. Submit Design Documents:

    • Provide detailed design plans and specifications for the electrical installation to the CEIG office.

  2. Application Review:

    • The CEIG reviews the submitted documents for compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

  3. On-Site Inspection:

    • Schedule and conduct an inspection where CEIG inspectors verify the installation and perform necessary tests.

  4. Certification:

    • If the installation meets all standards, CEIG issues a safety certificate, allowing it to operate.

Documents Needed for CEIG Approval Application

  1. Design Documents:

    • Detailed electrical design plans, including layouts, circuit diagrams, and specifications.

  2. Compliance Certificates:

    • Certificates from manufacturers or suppliers confirming that equipment meets relevant standards and regulations.

  3. Installation Records:

    • Documentation of installation processes, including materials used and methods employed.

  4. Test Reports:

    • Results from preliminary tests conducted on the installation, such as insulation resistance and earth resistance.

  5. Safety Measures:

    • Details of safety features and protocols implemented in the installation.

  6. Fee Payment Proof:

    • Receipt or proof of payment for any applicable application fees.

Lifts/Elevators

Every lift or escalator shall be operated, subject to the following terms and conditions, namely,-
(1) The licensee shall forthwith report to the Inspector on any defect in the operation of lift or escalator;
(2) The licensee shall not carry out any additions or alterations to a lift or an escalator erected without obtaining permission in that behalf from the Inspector as required under these rules;
(3) The licensee shall not use the lift or escalator which is not in a safe condition and shall be solely responsible for the safe maintenance of lift or an escalator, so that these rules are always complied with;
(4) The maintenance of the lift or an escalator shall be done by a manufacturer of lifts or escalators or company of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers approved by the Inspector;
(5) The licensee shall produce test reports obtained from the competent person authorised under rule 14 for the lift or escalator installation at the end of every year from the date of grant or renewal of licence;
(6) No other person shall wilfully interfere with any mechanism of the lift or escalator;
(7) Every lift or escalator operator, if appointed in case of manually operated lift or escalator, must have attained the age of eighteen years and shall be a person who has been trained in the correct operation of the lift or escalator;
(8) When a lift or escalator erected at any place ceases to be used as such, the owner shall either remove it or maintain it in safe mechanical condition after disconnecting it entirely from the electric supply; all gates and doors shall be securely locked, so as to prevent the accidental entry to lift well or escalator and to prevent inadvertent use;
(9) All electrical works in connection with erection of lift or escalator shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Electricity Act, 2003 (Central Act 36 of 2003) and the rules made there under and the Central Electricity Authority (Measures Relating to Safety and Electric Supply) regulations, 2010;
(10) All apparatus and components of lifts or escalators shall be of sufficient ratings and of sufficient mechanical strength for the duty which they may be required to perform under the environmental conditions of installation and shall be constructed, installed, protected, worked and maintained to ensure safety of human beings and property;
(11) The code of practices prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standards including National Electrical Code shall be followed in respect of the lift or an escalator and their installation and wherever relevant specification of Bureau of Indian Standard does not exist, they shall conform to the relevant International Standards;
(12) The material and apparatus used shall conform to the prescribed specifications of Bureau of Indian Standards and wherever relevant specification of Bureau of Indian Standard does not exist, they shall conform to the relevant International Standards; and
(13) The lift or escalator shall be tested in the manner specified in specifications and Codes of Bureau of Indian Standards and wherever relevant specification of Bureau of Indian Standard does not exists, they shall conform to the relevant International Standards;”

Permission to erect a Lift or an Escalator for making additions or alterations to existing Lift or Escalator

(1) Every owner of a place intending,
(a) to erect a Lift or an Escalator in such place; or
(b) to make additions or alterations to existing Lift or Escalator, shall make an application in Form “A” to the Inspector.
Every such application shall be accompanied by one set of drawings duly signed by the applicant showing the following particulars, namely:-
(i) Layout of the lift or escalator erection;
(ii) Plan;
(iii) Sectional elevation;
(iv) Arrangement of car and landing doors for lifts;
(v) Lift well enclosures;
(vi) Size and position of the machine relating to the lift well;
(vii) Position of hoisting machine for the lift or escalator;
(viii) Number of floors to be served and total travel by the lift;
(ix) Wiring diagram of the complete electrical installations with all wiring, light points, switch-fuses, control panels and other electrical apparatus, size of wires, earthing scheme with size of earth leads, method of construction of earth electrodes, laying of cables for lift or escalator equipment duly signed by the manufacturer of lift or escalator or company of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers to whom the lift or escalator erection work is entrusted and also signed by the licensed electrical contractor to whom the electrical erection work is entrusted;
(x) Angle of inclination for an escalator;
(xi) Type of balustrading in an escalator;
(xii) The width between balustrades in an escalator;
(xiii) Details of handrails, step treads, landing, comb plates, trusses or girders and step wheel tracks in escalator;
(xiv) The rated load in kilograms on escalator;
(xv) The factor of safety based on the static loads in the lift or escalator;
(xvi) The additions or alterations proposed to be made in existing Lift or
Escalator installation shall be shown by distinct colour;
(xvii) Copy of approval obtained from the Urban Local Body concerned for the Building Plan;
(xviii) A chalan remitted into Government Treasury or by means of electronic payment through the website https://www.tnei.tn.gov.in for a fee of, –
(a) Rs.2,500/- (Rupees Two Thousand and Five Hundred only) in case of lift having 5 landings;
(b) Rs.5,000/- (Rupees Five Thousand only) in case of lift having  more than 5 landings;
(c) Rs.10,000/- (Rupees Ten Thousand only) for each Escalator.
(xix) Structural Stability Certificate obtained from the registered Structural Engineer for the buildings which are constructed before the formation of Urban Local Body where additions or alterations are proposed to be made in the existing lift or escalator installations or where new Lifts or escalators are proposed to be erected in those buildings.
(2) On receipt of an application under sub-rule(1), the Inspector shall, after making such inquiries and requiring, the applicant to furnish such additional information in Form “A” either grant permission in Form ‘’B” or refuse the permission applied for, within one month from the date of receipt of the application.

(1) Every owner of a place who is permitted to erect a Lift or an Escalator in such place under rule 3 shall, on completion of such erection of Lift or Escalator, shall give a notice to the Inspector and shall make an application to him for a licence. The notice of completion of the erection of Lift or Escalator and the application for licence shall be in Form “C” along with the following enclosures,-
        (a) a work completion report of the erection of Lift or Escalator in Form “D” as obtained either from the manufacturer of Lifts or Escalators or a Company of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, as the case may be;
        (b) a completion report in Form “E” from the licensed electrical contractor;
        (c) A chalan remitted into Government Treasury or by means of electronic payment through the website https://www.tnei.tn.gov.in for a fee of. –
   (i) Rs.5,000/-(Rupees Five Thousand only) in case of lift having 5 landings;
  (ii) Rs.10,000/-(Rupees Ten Thousand only) in case of lift having more than 5 landings;
  (iii) Rs.10,000/- (Rupees Ten Thousand only) for each Escalator.
       (d) Copy of insurance policy taken by the owner of the Lift or Escalator, covering insurance for the persons using such lift or escalator;
(2) On receipt of an application under sub-rule (1), the Inspector shall arrange for inspection of the Lift or Escalator within fifteen days and on getting himself satisfied that all the requirements of the Act and these rules are complied with, he may grant licence in Form “F” within fifteen days from the date of receipt of compliance report of rectification of defects, if any.

Renewal of Licence.-

(1)(a) An application for renewal of licence to work a Lift or an Escalator shall be made in Form “G’’ to the Inspector three months prior to the date of expiry of the licence along with a challan remitted into Government Treasury or by means of electronic payment through the website https://www.tnei.tn.gov.in for a fee of,-
         (i) Rs.5,000/- (Rupees Five Thousand Only) in case of lift having 5 landings;
        (ii) Rs.10,000/- (Rupees Ten Thousand Only) in case of lift having more than 5 landings;
       (iii) Rs.10,000/- (Rupees Ten Thousand Only) for each Escalator.
(b) if the application for renewal of licence along with fee, copy of Annual Maintenance Contract executed between the owner of the lift or an escalator and the lift/escalator company, test reports obtained from the authorized competent person for each year after the issue or renewal of licence, the Structural Stability Certificate obtained from the registered Structural Engineer for the buildings which are constructed before the formation of Urban Local Body (if applicable) and copy of renewed Insurance Policy taken by the owner of the lift or escalator covering insurance for the persons using the lift or an escalator is not produced to the Inspector within the period referred to in clause (a), an additional fee of Rs.500/- (Rupees Five hundred only), for each lift or escalator for a delay of each month or a fraction thereof, shall also be remitted into the Government Treasury or by means of electronic payment through the website https://www.tnei.tn.gov.in by the licensee.
(c) On receipt of an application with the required fee under sub-rule (1), the Inspector shall make an inspection within fifteen days and on getting himself satisfied that the provisions of the Act and these rules are complied with, the Inspector shall renew the licence in Form “F” within fifteen days from the date of receipt of rectification of defects, if any.