Strength

The furniture strength test applies the static loads and impacts a product will meet in use, in a controlled way in the laboratory. Loads are applied separately to areas such as the seat, backrest, armrest, leg, shelf and table top, in the directions defined in the standard, then the product is examined for breakage, permanent deformation and joint loosening.

The purpose is to determine whether the furniture carries the expected in-use loads and whether it collapses hazardously under a sudden overload. A significant share of furniture injuries stem from sudden collapse.

• Chairs, armchairs and stools
• Tables and worktops
• Cabinets, shelves and storage units
• Beds and bed frames
• Office and contract-use furniture

• TS EN 1728 (seating — test methods for the determination of strength and durability)
• TS EN 1730 (tables — strength, durability and stability)
• TS EN 16121 (non-domestic storage furniture — test methods)
• TS EN 16122 (domestic and non-domestic storage furniture)
• TS EN 12520 / 12521 (domestic chairs and tables — requirements)
• TS EN 14749 (storage furniture and worktops — requirements)

Conditioning

At the temperature and relative humidity defined in the product standard

Load level

From the product standard; varies by use class

Application points

Areas and directions defined in the method standard

• Furniture strength test rig and loading pads
• Load cells and deformation gauges
• Drop impact rig and impact masses
• Conditioning room

• A fully assembled, ready-for-sale product is required
• Assembly instructions and fasteners must be supplied with the product
• The tests are destructive, so the specimen is not returned
• The declared use class must be provided

Static and impact tests are completed within days. If durability (cycling) tests are also required on the same specimen, the duration increases markedly.

1. 1The product is assembled per the instructions and conditioned.
2. 2Pre-test dimensions and joint tightness are recorded.
3. 3Static loads are applied at the defined areas and directions.
4. 4Impact tests are performed with the defined height and mass.
5. 5After each step, breakage, cracking and permanent deformation are examined.
6. 6At the end of the test, the product is assessed for whether it retains its function.

The product standard requires no breakage, cracking or joint separation at the end of the test, and that the product retains its intended function. The method standard defines how the force is applied, not how much. Force levels and cycle counts come from the product standard (such as EN 12520, EN 12521, EN 14749, EN 527) or from the contract; different levels are defined for domestic, office and contract use.

The type and location of damage are recorded: joint loosening points to the assembly design, material breakage to the section chosen. Permanent deformation is not always a non-conformity; the limit permitted by the product standard governs.

• Product identification, material and assembly information
• Method and product standards applied
• Declared use class and load levels
• Observations and measurements for each test step
• Photographs

EUROLAB holds internationally recognised accreditation obtained from accreditation bodies party to the IAF and ILAC multilateral recognition arrangements, under ISO/IEC 17025 for laboratory testing, ISO/IEC 17020 for inspection and surveillance, and ISO/IEC 17021-1 and ISO/IEC 17065 for system and product certification. This chain ensures the reports and certificates issued are accepted worldwide.

Whether this test can be offered within accredited scope depends on your product and the standard applied; since accreditation is method-based, the scope is confirmed in writing at the quotation stage.

• 2001/95/EC General Product Safety Directive
• (EU) 2023/988 General Product Safety Regulation

The section below describes the field that the Strength test belongs to; the conditions and acceptance criteria of this particular test are given in the sections above. The scope specific to your product is confirmed in writing at the quotation stage.

• Stability
• Durability
• Fatigue
• Surface Resistance
• Load Test
• Bunk Bed Safety
• Chair Test
• Table Test
• Cabinet Test
• Impact
• Flammability
• Formaldehyde