Let's answer some
frequently asked questions from our customers.
This month's topic:
tables
- Taking tests is compulsory?
- Which standard applies at my table?
- If I decide to have a table tested for “non-domestic” intended use, will it be covered for “domestic” use as well?
- When a new version of the standard comes out, are test reports according to the previous version still valid?
- Could you first carry out the most critical test and then all the others?
1. Taking tests is compulsory?
The standards for tables are voluntary, therefore not compulsory.
In the case of tables for office use, carrying out tests becomes basically compulsory, since you have to comply with Legislative Decree 81. In fact, in this case, it will be necessary to perform tests according to EN 527-1 and EN 527-2, and it is also necessary to have test reports for surface gloss, according to EN 1372.
2. Which standard applies at my table?
I It depends exclusively on the intended use of the table.
Here is the list of intended uses with the related reference standards:
- DOMESTIC TABLES: EN 12521
- NON-DOMESTIC TABLES: EN 15372
- OFFICE TABLE: EN 527-1 and EN 527-2
- OUTDOOR TABLES: EN 581-1 and EN 581-3
- SCHOOL TABLES: EN 1729-1 and EN 1729-2
- LABORATORY TABLES: EN 13150
- TABLES FOR THE AMERICAN MARKET: ANSI/BIFMA X5.5, X6.5
Most probably they could also ask you about EN 1730: this standard is simply the method standard, i.e. it explains how the tests must be performed, while all the standards above, excluding the one for American use, provide the requirements, i.e. loads and cycles to be applied.
3. If I decide to have a table tested for “non-domestic” intended use, will it be covered for “domestic” use as well?
Indeed, the tests are essentially the same, with the exception that the standard for “non-domestic” use is more severe.
So, in concept, it might be said that as soon as the tests for “non-domestic” are passed, the product would also be compliant with “domestic”, but unfortunately, in order to fulfill and to be sure that the table is covered by both, the tests must be carried out according to both the standards
4. When a new version of the standard comes out, are test reports according to the previous version still valid?
They certainly have objective validity, since they comply with a standard. However, when an institution /customer requests them, they usually refer to the version in force.
When a new version of the standard is issued, it would therefore reasonable to start arranging for the tests to be updated.
5. Could you first carry out the most critical test and then all the others?
The table standards require a predetermined order for the execution of the tests, so it is not possible to carry out a test first, if it does not fulfil the order of the tests as quoted.
If necessary, you are allowed to perform only the critical test on one sample, issuing the test report and then to perform the entire test list on another identical sample, following the order required by the standard.
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