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Your Location：Home > HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTSEN 12520:2015, whose full title is "Furniture - Strength, durability and safety - Requirements for domestic seating", specifies the minimum safety, strength, and durability requirements for all types of domestic seating intended for adults. These test requirements are based on use by persons weighing up to 110 kg.
1. Scope of Application
EN 12520:2015 applies to all types of domestic seating for adults, including but not limited to:
•Domestic dining chairs, lounge chairs, plastic chairs, bar stools, and other household seating.
This standard does not apply to the following types of seating:
•Seating intended for use in public areas (e.g., contract seating, non-domestic seating).
•Office task chairs and office visitor chairs.
•Chairs for educational institutions.
•Outdoor seating (such products fall under the EN 581 series).
•Linked seating for which European standards exist (e.g., rows of seats).
•The standard also does not cover requirements for the durability of upholstery materials, castors, tilt and recline mechanisms, or seat height adjustment mechanisms.
•Furthermore, the standard excludes requirements for electrical safety, ageing, degradation, flammability, and ergonomics.
2. Main Test Items and Limit Requirements
The testing requirements of EN 12520:2015 primarily reference two other standards: EN 1728 (Structural strength and durability) and EN 1022 (Stability). The main test items and requirements are as follows:
1) Safety Requirements
•Edges and Corners: All parts accessible during normal use must be free from burrs, sharp edges, sharp points, and must not have open tube ends (to prevent finger entrapment).
•Shear and Squeeze Points: Must be avoided where possible. If unavoidable, they must meet the following criteria:
•They must not be actuated by a powered mechanism on the furniture (e.g., a spring).
•They must not be actuated by the involuntary movement of the user's own weight.
•They must not be caused by a normal user action (e.g., seat height adjustment, backrest adjustment).
2) Structural Strength Tests (EN 1728:2012)
These tests assess the durability of the seat under static and dynamic loads. Common test items include (specific force values depend on product type and standard specifications):
Test Item | Test Description | Pass/Fail Criterion (Overview) |
Armrest Lateral Static Load Test | A lateral force is applied to the armrest. | No structural breakage, loosening, or permanent deformation. |
Armrest Downward Static Load Test | A vertical downward force is applied to the armrest. | No structural breakage, loosening, or permanent deformation. |
Front Leg Static Load Test | A force is applied to the front of the leg. | No structural breakage, loosening, or permanent deformation. |
Side Leg Static Load Test | A lateral force is applied to the leg. | No structural breakage, loosening, or permanent deformation. |
Seat and Back Static Load Test (Fixed vertical chairs) | A static load is applied to the seat and backrest, separately or simultaneously. | No structural breakage, loosening, or permanent deformation. |
Seat and Back Fatigue Load Test (Fixed vertical chairs) | The seat and backrest are subjected to multiple cycles of loading to simulate long-term use. | No damage affecting structure or safety after testing. |
Seat Front Edge Fatigue Test | A cyclic load is repeatedly applied to the front edge of the seat. | No damage affecting structure or safety after testing. |
3) Stability Tests (EN 1022:2018)
These tests ensure the seat does not tip over when force is applied from different directions. Examples include:
•Forward Stability Test: Applicable to all chairs.
•Sideways Stability Test: Applicable to all chairs without armrests; and all chairs with armrests.
•Backward Stability Test: Applicable to all chairs with a backrest (e.g., the standard may require that a chair must not tip over backwards when a specified force, such as 155 N, is applied horizontally to the top of the backrest).
•Stability Tests for Special Chairs: Such as tilting/reclining chairs, rocking chairs, lounge chairs with/without footrests, and footstools also require corresponding stability tests.
3. Other Important Considerations
•Certification and Compliance: For domestic seating exported to the EU, CE marking is required, indicating the product's compliance with the safety requirements of EN 12520 and other relevant standards.
•Testing Process: Typically involves submitting an application form, providing samples and relevant technical documentation, laboratory testing (cycle is generally around 5-7 working days, depending on the certification body), and issuance of a test report and certificate.
•Market Surveillance: EU member states have the authority to conduct spot checks on products sold in the market. Non-compliant products may be subject to removal from shelves, recalls, or fines.
•Standard Updates: Be aware of standard updates and revisions. For example, BS EN 12520:2015 has been replaced by BS EN 12520:2024. Always ensure you are using the latest applicable version.
•Distinction from Other Standards: Note the differences in scope between EN 12520 (domestic), EN 1335 (office seating), EN 581 (outdoor seating), EN 14988 (children's highchairs), and other seating standards.
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