 
  
 ICS 97.140  
 
Reference number  
DRS 434: 2019  
© RSB 2019  
  
 RWANDA 
STANDARD  DRS 
434  
 
1st edition  
2019 -11-dd 
 
Furniture — Tables — Test methods for 
the determination of stability, strength and 
durability  
   
DRS 434: 2019  
©RSB 2019  - All rights reserved                  ii 
 In order to match with technological development and to keep continuous progress in industries, 
standards are subject to periodic review. Users shall ascertain that they are in possession of the latest 
edition  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
© RSB 2019  
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized 
in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without 
prior written permission from R SB. 
Requests for permission to reprodu ce this document should be addressed to : 
Rwanda Standards  Board  
P.O Box 7099 Kigali -Rwanda  
KK 15 Rd, 49  
Tel. +250 788303492  
Toll Free: 3250  
E-mail: info@rsb.gov.rw  
Website: www.rsb.gov.rw  
ePortal: www.portal.rsb.gov.rw   DRS 434:2019  
iii                ©RSB 2019  - All rights reserved  
 Contents  Page 
Foreword  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  v 
1 Scope  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  1 
2 Normative references  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  1 
3 Terms and definitions  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  1 
4 Symbols (and abbreviated terms)  ................................ ................................ ...............................  2 
5 General  test conditions ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  2 
5.1 Preliminary preparation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  2 
5.2 Application of forces  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  3 
5.3 Tolerances  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 3 
6 Test equipment and apparatus  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 3 
6.1 Vertical impactor  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........................  3 
6.1.1  Circular body  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................  4 
6.1.2  Springs  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  4 
6.1.3  Striking surface  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  4 
6.2 Floor  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  5 
6.3 Stops  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  5 
6.4 Loading pad  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 5 
6.5 Foam  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  6 
6.6 Steel test tube  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............................  6 
6.7 Test surface for castor durability test  ................................ ................................ ........................  6 
6.8 Obstacles for castor durability test  ................................ ................................ ............................  6 
7 Test procedures – Strength and durability  ................................ ................................ ................  6 
7.1 General  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  6 
7.2 Horizontal static load test  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  6 
7.3 Vertical static load tests  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  12 
7.3.1  Vertical static load on main surface  ................................ ................................ .........................  12 
7.3.2  Additional vertical static load test where the main surface has a length > 1600 mm  .........  13 
7.3.3  Vertical static load on ancillary surface  ................................ ................................ ...................  14 
7.4 Horizontal durability and stiffness test  ................................ ................................ ....................  15 
7.4.1  General  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  15 
7.4.2  Horizontal durability test  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  15 
7.4.3  Stiffness of the structure  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  19 
7.5 Vertical durability test  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  21 
7.6 Vertical impact test  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  21 
7.6.1  General  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  21 
7.6.2  Vertical impact test for table tops  ................................ ................................ .............................  21 
7.7 Deflection of table tops  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  22 
7.8 Durability of tables with castors  ................................ ................................ ...............................  22 
7.9 Drop test  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 23 
8 Test procedures – Stability  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 23 
8.1 General  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  23 
8.2 Stability under vertical load  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 24 
8.2.1  General  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  24 
8.2.2  Test for tables that are or can be set to a height of 950 mm or less  ................................ ..... 24 
8.2.3  Test for tables that are or can be set to a height greater than 950 mm  ................................  26 
8.3 Stability for tables with extension elements  ................................ ................................ ...........  26 DRS 434: 2019  
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 8.4 Stability of tables designed to support a parasol  ................................ ................................ .. 26 
 DRS 434:2019  
v                ©RSB 2019  - All rights reserved  
 Foreword  
Rwanda Standard s are prepared  by Technical Committees and approved by R wanda Standards Board (RSB) 
Board  of Directors in  accordance with the procedures of RSB, in compliance with Annex 3 of the WTO/TBT 
agreement on the preparation, adoption and application of standards.  
The main task of technical committees is to prepare national standards.  Final Draft Rwanda S tandards adop ted 
by Technical committ ees are ratified  by me mbers of RSB Board of Director s for publication and gazettment as 
Rwanda Standards.  
DRS 434 was prepared by Technical Committee RSB/TC 54, Timber, furniture and engineered wood  of TC  54. 
Committee membership  
The following organizations were represented on the Technical Committee on  Timber, furniture and engineered 
wood  (RSB/TC 54) in the preparation of this standard.  
Action pour le Development de l`Artisanat au Rwanda (ADARWA)  
Association pour la défense des d roits des consommateurs au Rwanda (ADECOR)  
Association pour la Promotion des Artisans du Bois (APROAB)  
GIZ Eco — Emploi  
Integrated Polytechnic Regional Centre (IPRC) Kitabi  
Kalka and Partners Ltd  
Manumetal Ltd  
Mass Design Ltd  
Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM)  
National Industrial Research and Development Agency (NIRDA)  
New Forest Company (NFC) Ltd  
REAL Contractors Ltd  
Rwanda Education Board (REB)  
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA)  DRS 434: 2019  
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 Rwanda Public Procurement Authority (RPPA)  
Rwanda W ater and Forestry Authority (RWFA)  
Straw Tech Building Solutions  
University of Rwanda – College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medecine (UR – CAVM)  
University of Rwanda – College of Science and Technology (UR – CST)  
Rwanda Wood Value Chain Association/Private Sector Federation (WVCA/PSF)  
Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) – Secretariat  DRS 434:2019  
vii                ©RSB 2019  - All rights reserved  
 Introduction  
Despite the Rwandan growth trend, the wood sector has not been implemented as required to produce high 
quality wood products and vigorous competitive market. The quality of wooden furniture is highly affected by 
the quality of timber, standardized production chain, quality control mechanism and grading rules. The lack of 
aforesaid factors results into market dominated by poor quality wooden furniture, c ompromised safety and unfair 
competition at the market.  
The emerging market dynamics show that consumer’s preferences have gradually shifted from furniture made 
by local timbers to the imported ones, which is considered as a limiting factor to the developm ent and growth of 
the wood economy in Rwanda.  
To ensure a positive trade balance in wood market there is a dire need to improve and ensure qua lity of domestic 
wood products. This Standard is one of a series prepared on furniture in Rwanda. The series curre ntly consists 
of the following:  
DRS 433  Furniture – Chairs and tables for home furniture - Functional sizes a nd performance requirements  
DRS 434  Furniture - Tables - Test methods for the determination of stability, strength and durab ility 
DRS 435  Timber in joinery — General requirements  
FDRS   413  Furniture — Quality and grading of wooden furniture  
FDRS 423  Furniture – Chairs and tables for office furniture – Functional sizes a nd performance requirements  
FDRS 424 Furniture – Specifications for bedsteads  
FDRS 425  Furniture – Storage units - Functional sizes, sta bility, strength and durability  
FDRS 426  Furniture - Chairs and tables for educational institutions - Functional sizes and performance 
requirements  
FDRS 427  Round and sawn timber – Nomenclature of timbers used in Rwan daDRS 434:2019  
1                ©RSB 2019  - All rights reserved  
 Furniture — Tables — Test methods for the determination of stability, 
strength and durability  
1 Scope  
This Standard specifies test methods for the determination of stability, strength and durability of the structure of 
all types of tables and desks without r egard to use, materials, design/construction or manufacturing process.  
Test methods for the assessment of ageing, degradation, and electrical functions are not included.  
This Standard does not include any requirements. Requirements for different end uses can be found in other 
Standards.  
2 Normative references  
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of  their content constitutes 
requirements of this document.  For dated references, only the edition  cited applies. For u ndated references, the 
latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.  
ISO 7619 -2:2004, Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic – Determination of indentation hardness – Part 2:  IRHD 
pocket mete  method  
3 Terms and definition s 
For th e purposes of this standard, the follow ing terms and definitions apply . 
3.1 
structure  
load bearing parts of furniture such as the frame, top and legs  
3.2 
ancillary surface  
surface additional to the main surface intended for occasional use as part of the ta ble top  
3.3 
duty cycle  
length of time the height adjustable table’s drive system may be operated without impairing its useful life   
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 3.4 
levelling device  
device intended to keep the table top horizontal e.g. adjustable feet or similar  
3.5 
suitable  device  
3.6 
stability  
resistance to undesirable movement  
3.7 
strength  
ability to resist deformation  
3.8 
durability  
ability to remain functional without requiring excessive maintenance or repair  
4 Symbols (and abbreviated terms)  
IRHD   International rubber hardness tester  
5 General  test conditions  
5.1 Preliminary preparation  
The furniture shall be tested as delivered. Knock -down furniture shall be assembled according to the instructions 
supplied by the manufacturer. If the instructions allow the furniture to be assembled o r combined in different 
ways, the most adverse combination shall be used for each test. Knock -down fittings shall be tightened before 
testing. Further tightening shall not take place unless specifically required by the manufacturer.  
Unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer, the sample for testing shall be stored in indoor ambient 
conditions for at least 24 h immediately prior to testing.  The tests shall be carried out at indoor ambient 
conditions but if during a test the temperature is outside t he range 15 °C to 25 °C the maximum and/or minimum 
temperature shall be recorded in the test report.  DRS 434:2019  
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 5.2 Application of forces  
The test forces in durability and static load tests shall be applied sufficiently slowly to ensure that not even 
negligible dynamic l oad has appeared . The forces in durability tests shall be applied sufficiently slowly to ensure 
that kinetic heating does not occur.  
5.3 Tolerances  
Unless otherwise stated, the following tolerances are applicable to the test equipment:  
 Forces: ± 5 % of the nom inal force;  
 Velocities: ± 5 % of the nominal velocity;  
 Masses: ± 1 % of the nominal mass;  
 Dimensions: ± 1 mm of the nominal dimension;  
 Angles: ± 2o of the nominal angle.  
The accuracy for the positioning of loading pads and impact plates shall be ± 5 mm.  
NOTE  For the purposes of uncertainty measurement, test results are not considered to be adversely affected when the 
above tolerances are met.  
6 Test equipment and apparatus  
Unless otherwise stated, the tests may be conducted  by any suitable device because the results are not 
dependent upon the apparatus, except in the case of impact tests where the apparatus described in 5.2 shall 
be used.  
The equipment shall not inhibit deformation nor cause unnatural deformation of the unit /component, i.e. it shall 
be able to move so that it can follow the deformation of the unit/component during testing.  
With the exception of the horizontal static, durability and stiffness tests, described in 6.2 and 6.4, all loading 
pads shall be capable of pivoting in relation to the direction of the applied force and the pivot point shall be as 
close as practically possible to the load surface.  
Loading pads for the horizontal static, durability and stiffness tests, described in 6.2 and 6.4, shall not pi vot. 
With the exception of the horizontal static, durability and stiffness tests described in 6.2 and 6.4, if a loading pad 
tends to slide, use a slip resistant material between the loading pad and the surface being tested.  
6.1 Vertical impactor  
A vertical i mpactor is shown in figure 1 and consists of the following :  
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 6.1.1  Circular body  
The circular body shall have a diameter of (200 ± 5) mm separated from the striking surface by helical 
compression springs and free to move relative to it on a line perpendicular to the plane of the central area of 
the striking surface.  
The body and associated parts minus the springs shall have a mass of (17 ± 0,1) kg and the whole apparatus, 
including mass, springs and striking surface, shall have a mass of (25 ± 0,1) kg.  
6.1.2  Springs   
Springs which shall be such that the nominal spring rate of the combined spring system is (7 ± 2) N/mm and the 
total friction resistance of the moving parts is less than 1 N.  
The spring system shall be compressed to an initial load of (1.040 ± 5) N (measur ed statically) and the amount 
of spring compression movement available from the initial compression point to the point where the springs 
become fully closed shall be not less than 60 mm.  
6.1.3  Striking surface  
The striking surface which shall be a rigid circular  object, (200 ± 5) mm in diameter, the face of which has a 
convex spherical curvature of (300 ± 5) mm radius with a 12 mm front edge radius.  DRS 434:2019  
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Key 
 
1 joint of lifting device not inhibiting free fall .  
Figure 1 – Vertical impactor  
6.2 Floor  
Floor, horizontal, flat and rigid with a smooth surface. For the drop test (6.9) the floor shall be faced with a 2 mm 
thick layer of rubber with a hardness of (85 ± 10) IRHD according to ISO 7619 -2.  
6.3 Stops  
Stops to prevent the article from sliding but not tilting, no higher than 12 mm except in cases where the design 
of the item necessitates the use of higher stops, in which case the lowest that will prevent the item from moving 
shall be used.  
6.4 Loading pad  
The loading pad is a rigid cylindrical objec t, (100 ± 5) mm in diameter, with a flat, smooth face and an edge 
radius of 10 to 15 mm.  
 
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 6.5 Foam  
Foam of (20 ± 5) mm thick layer of flexible with a bulk density of (120 ± 25) kg/m3. 
6.6 Steel test tube  
Steel test tube  of (18 ± 1,5) mm in diameter and (1,5 ± 0,5)  mm in wall thickness with a length such that a force 
can be applied at a distance of (2.200 ± 10) mm above the floor.  
6.7 Test surface for castor durability test  
Test surface for castor durability test, horizontal, flat smooth and rigid steel surface.  
6.8 Obstacl es for castor durability test  
Obstacles for castor durability test , steel strips (50 ± 5) mm wide and (2 ± 0.5) mm high with the top edges 
having a radius of (2 ± 0.5) mm, (500 ± 10) mm apart and parallel on the floor surface and perpendicular to the 
test direction.  
7 Test procedures – Strength and durability  
7.1 General  
Unless otherwise specified, the tests shall be carried out in the configuration most likely to cause failure.  
Where the table top can be extended, and the smallest dimension of the unextended ta ble top is less than  
(300 ± 20) mm, then the extended configuration shall be considered most likely to cause failure. In this case, 
the extended configuration is considered to be the main surface.  
Levelling devices shall be set as near as possible to (5 ± 1) mm from the fully open position whilst ensuring the 
table top is parallel to the floor.  
If a test cannot be carried out as specified in this standard, e.g. because a loading pad cannot be used for the 
application of a force due to the design of a produc t, the test shall be carried out as far as possible as specified.  
Tables supplied with storage features shall be tested with the specified load in the storage item.  
7.2 Horizontal static load test  
Position the table on the test surface, in its normal position  of use without extending, or inserting, ancillary 
surfaces.  
Unless otherwise specified, height adjustable tables shall be set to their highest position. Restrain the base of 
the table by stops placed in all directions at the opposite end to that at which the horizontal test force is first to 
be applied.  DRS 434:2019  
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 Apply the specified mass to an area of (300 ± 50) mm x (300 ± 50) mm, or a diameter of (300 ± 50) mm, to the 
approximate centre of the table top.  
Apply the specified horizontal force by means of the loading pad (5.4) at the table top level in a direction 
perpendicul ar to a line joining the two legs/supports, midway between the legs/supports. See Figures 2a, 2c, 
2e, 2g and 2i.  
If the table top is not secured to the understructure and the top moves when the specified force is applied, 
reduce the force sufficiently to j ust prevent movement. Record the force applied. The applied force shall not be 
reduced below the minimum specified force.  
If the unrestrained base lifts when the specified force is applied, reduce the force sufficiently to just prevent 
lifting. Record the  force applied. The applied force shall not be reduced below the minimum specified force. If 
unrestrained base lifts at this force, the specified mass applied to the table top shall be increased gradually until 
this tendency ceases.  
Leaving the stops in po sition, use the same procedure to determine the force to be applied in the opposite 
direction.  
One application of the force in each direction represents one cycle.  
Repeat the test method applying the specified horizontal force at the work top level along t he line joining the 
two legs/supports. See Figures 2b, 2d, 2f, 2h and 2j.  
Apply the same force in the opposite direction.  
One application of the force in each direction represents one cycle. Repeat this procedure until each unique leg 
design/construction  has been tested.  
 
Figure 2a) Rectangular table – first and second directions  
 
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Figure 2b) Rectangular table – third and fourth directions  
 
 
Figure 2c) Irregular shape table - first and second directions  
DRS 434:2019  
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Figure 2d) Irregular shape tab le - third and fourth direction  
 
Figure 2e) Cantilever table – first and second directions  
 
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Figure 2f) Cantilever table – third and fourth directions  
 
Figure 2g) Round table – first and second directions  
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Figure 2h) Round table – third and fourth directions  
 
Figure 2i) Round table with central column – first and second directions  
 
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Figure 2j) Round table with central column – third and fourth directions  
Key to all figures  
 
F1 force in first direction 1 table  
F2 force in second direction 2 s pecified mass  
F3 force in third direction 3 stop  
F4 force in fourth direction  
 
1 Table  
2 Specified mass  
3 Stop  
7.3 Vertical static load tests  
7.3.1  Vertical static load on main surface  
A table extension added in the centre of the table shall be considered as the main surface. Apply a vertical 
downward force using the loading pad (5.4) anywhere on the top that is likely to cause a failure, but not less 
than 100 mm from any edge (see Figure 3).  
If the table tends to overturn gradually, move the loading point towards  the centre of the table until this tendency 
ceases.  
If there are several such positions, carry out the test at a maximum of four different positions. If deflection 
measurements are required, maintain the last load for up to 30 min in order to measure the maximum deflection, 
d. The deflection, d, is the difference in height at the point of loading, between the initial unloaded state and the 
final state under load.  
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a) Main surface  
 
b) Cantilever support  
Key 
c) d  Deflection  
d) F  Vertical static load  
Figure 3 — Vertical static load test - main surface  
 
7.3.2  Additional vertical static load test where the main surface has a length > 1600 mm  
A table extension added in the centre of the table shall be considered as the main surface. Apply two vertical 
downward forces simultaneously using the loading pad (5.4) at points positioned on the longitudinal axis of the 
table top, (400 ± 20) mm on either side of the transversal axis. See Figure 4.  
 
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Key 
L  Length of top  
F  Vertical static load  
Figure 4 — Additional vertical static load test  
7.3.3  Vertical static load on ancillary surface  
A table extension added in the centre of the table shall be considered as the main surface.  
A part of the main surface in the unextended configurat ion may become an ancillary surface in the extended 
configuration. Apply a vertical downward force using the loading pad (5.4) anywhere on the ancillary surface 
that is likely to cause a failure, but not less than 100 mm from any edge (see Figure 5).  
If the article tends to overturn, load the main table top gradually to prevent overturning. If there are several such 
positions, repeat the test at a maximum of two different positions. If deflection measurements are required, 
maintain the last load for up to 3 0 min in order to measure the maximum deflection, d. The deflection, d, is the 
difference in height at the point of loading, between the initial unloaded state and the final state under load.  
DRS 434:2019  
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Key 
d Deflection                                1 Main surface  
F Vertical static load                   2 Ancillary surface  
Figure 5 — Vertical static load test - ancillary surface  
7.4 Horizontal durability and stiffness test  
7.4.1  General  
Position the table on the test surface, in its normal position of use. Tables with extensions inserted in the centre 
shall be tested in the extended configuration. All other tables shall be tested without extending ancillary surfaces.  
Restrain the base of the table by placing stops around each leg/base (in all directi ons) (see Figure 6). Place the 
specified mass on the table top on an area of (300 ± 50) mm x (300 ± 50) mm, or a diameter of (300 ± 50) mm, 
at the point most likely to prevent the table lifting off the floor.  
7.4.2  Horizontal durability test  
Apply two alternatin g horizontal forces at the table top level by means of two loading pads (5.4), one at one end 
of the table 50 mm from one corner/edge, a, (and one at the opposite end/edge, b, (see Figure 6a)).  
If the table top is not secured to the understructure and the top moves when the specified force is applied, 
reduce the force sufficiently to prevent movement. Perform the test using this reduced force in that direction 
only. Record the value of any reduced force used.  
If the table tends to lift in one direction of l oading at a load less than that specified, reduce the horizontal force 
to the value determined at the beginning of the test process. Perform the test using this reduced force in that 
direction only. Record the value of any reduced force used.  
Repeat the pr ocedure at the other corner positions, c and d, (see Figure 6a)).  
Carry out the test for the number of cycles specified.  
 
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 The test may be carried out in a one stage cycle a, c, b, d or in a two stage cycle a, b followed by c, d.  
For table tops with a cantilever support at one end, carry out the test as shown in Figure 6b).  
For table tops attached to another table top at one end, carry out an additional test as shown in Figure 6c).  
If measurements of the horizontal movement are required, this shall be m easured at the beginning and end of 
the test, when the load is changed from one end to the opposite end.  
For tables with round tops, direction a, b shall be through the longitudinal axis. Direction c, d shall be on a line 
perpendicular to the direction a, b and (50 ± 5) mm from outermost edge of the table (see Figure 6d)).  
For tables with curved table tops special loading pads may be used.  
For tables with a triangular base or three legs, direction a, b shall be perpendicular to one side of the base or to 
the line joining two legs and passing throughout the third corner of the base or the third leg. Direction c, d shall 
be parallel to one side of the base or the line joining two legs. For tables with round tops, and featuring a 
triangular base or three legs, a, b shall be through the longitudinal axis. Direction c, d shall be on a line 
perpendicular to the direction a, b and (50 ± 5) mm from outermost edge of the table (see Figure 6e)).  
For tables with round tops, and featuring a cross leg support, direction a , b shall be through the longitudinal 
axis. Direction c, d shall be on a line perpendicular to the direction a, b and (50 ± 5) mm from outermost edge 
of the table (see Figure 6f)).  
 
Figure 6 a) Main surface  
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Figure 6 b) Cantilevered tables  
 
Figure 6 c) Additional tops  
 
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Figure 6 d) Round and elliptical tops  
 
Figure 6 e) Round and elliptical tops with three legs  
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Figure 6 
Key to all figures  
 
Fa    Force applied at point a                              1 Main table top  
Fb    Force applied at point b                              2 Specified mass  
Fc    Force applied at point c                              3 Stops  
Fd   Force applied at point d                              4 Additional top  
 
7.4.3  Stiffness of the structure  
Apply the test forc e by means of the loading pad (5.4), at the table top level in a direction perpendicular to a line 
joining two legs/supports and midway between the legs/supports, or midway between the outermost legs for a 
table with more than two legs in a straight line.  
Maintain the force for (10 ± 1) s and record the position of a point D on the length of the table. Remove the force 
and repeat it in the opposite direction and record the distance of the horizontal travel of the point. The total 
distance that point D moves , from its location when the force in one direction is applied, to its location when the 
force is applied in the other direction, is defined as D 1 (see Figure 7a)). Measure and record D 1. 
Repeat the procedure using horizontal forces along the transverse ce ntreline. The total distance that point D 
moves, from its location when the force in one direction is applied to its location when the force is applied in the 
other direction, is defined as D 2 (see Figure 7b)). Measure and record D 2. 
 
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 If the table top is no t secured to the understructure and the top moves when the specified force is applied, 
reduce the force sufficiently to prevent movement. Perform the test using this reduced force in that direction 
only. Record the value of any reduced force used.  
 
Figure  7a Longitudinal direction  
 
 
Figure 7b Transverse direction  
Key 
Fa force applied at point a                        1 main table top  
DRS 434:2019  
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 Fb force applied at point b                        2 specified mass  
Fc force applied at point c                        3 stops  
Fd force applied at point d  
D measurement point  
D1 distance travelled by point D  
D2 distance travelled by point D  
7.5 Vertical durability test  
Position the table on the test surface in its normal position of use. Tables with extensions inserted in the ce ntre 
shall be tested in the extended configuration. All other tables shall be tested without extending ancillary surfaces.  
Apply the vertical force specified in the requirement document by means of the loading pad (5.4), on  the table 
top at the most advers e position, (100 ± 10) mm from the table top edge.  
If the article tends to lift, load the centre of the main table top with a mass sufficient to prevent overturning.  
Carry out the test for the number of cycles specified.  
7.6 Vertical impact test  
7.6.1  General  
Positi on the table on the test surface, in its normal position of use. Tables with extensions inserted in the centre 
shall be tested in the extended configuration. All other tables shall be tested without extending ancillary surfaces.  
7.6.2  Vertical impact test for ta ble tops  
Place one layer of foam (5.5) on the table top.  
The height of drop shall be measured from the position where the impactor is resting on the surface of that layer 
of foam. Place a second layer of foam (5.5) between the striking surface and the tabl e top.  
Allow the vertical impactor (5.1) to fall freely from the height specified in the requirement document onto the 
foam surface at the following positions:  
 As close as possible to one point of support of the top but not less than 100 mm from any edge;  
 (100 ± 10) mm from the edge of the top as far away from the supports as possible;  
 (100 ± 10) mm from the edges at one corner.   
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 7.7 Deflection of table tops  
Position the table on the test surface, in its normal position of use. Tables with extensions inserted in  the centre 
shall be tested in the extended configuration. All other tables shall be tested without extending ancillary surfaces.  
Testing of the deflection of table tops that are not made of metal, glass, shall be carried out in a relative humidity 
as spec ified in 4.1.  
The greatest deflection shall be measured and recorded with reference to a straight line to an accuracy of ± 0,1 
mm. Place the table being tested on the floor surface (5.2). Load the table top with a uniformly distributed load 
as specified an d apply for:  
 One hour for table tops made of metal, glass and stone;  
 One week for all other table tops  
With the load remaining on the top, measure and record the deflection at a point (50 ± 5) mm from an edge 
where the deflection is greatest, with referenc e to a straight edge placed along and extending the entire length 
or diameter of the table top. The deflection is the difference in height between the initial unloaded state and the 
final state under load.  
7.8 Durability of tables with castors  
This test is onl y applicable to tables that have castors fitted to all legs/supports.  
Tables shall be tested without extending or inserting ancillary surfaces.  
Place the table on the floor surface (5.2).  
Apply the specified load, centered  on the table.  
The castors shall b e free to rotate and swivel.  
The operating force shall be applied not lower than 50 mm from the top surface of the table.  
At least one castor shall be run over obstacles (5.8) at a mean speed of 0,2 m/s for a distance of at least one 
metre.  
At the end of ( 1 ± 0.05) metre the direction of travel shall be reversed and the castor shall return to the starting 
point. This cycle shall be repeated until the castors have been running for at least 2 min.  
There shall be a cooling period of at least 2 min before the n ext test run is started. 1500 cycles shall be run, one 
cycle consisting of one movement forward and one backward.  
Inspect the castors and the structure for damage affecting the function.  DRS 434:2019  
23                ©RSB 2019  - All rights reserved  
 7.9 Drop test  
Place the table unloaded on the floor surface (5.2), in it s normal position of use, without ancillary surfaces 
inserted or extended, but with ancillary surfaces in their normal stored position. Height adjustable tables shall 
be set to their lowest position.  
Determine the drop height as a percentage of the specifi ed nominal drop height in accordance with Table 1.  
The vertical force is determined as the lowest upwards vertical force to lift at least one leg/support off the floor 
(10 ± 5) mm off the floor.  
For tables that have a single leg/support the vertical force  is determined as the lowest upwards vertical force to 
lift the edge of the support (10 ± 5) mm off the floor.  
Table 1 – Determination of drop height  
Vertical force  % of specified nominal drop height  
0 N - < 200 N  50 
200 N – 400 N  100-[ 70 𝑥 [𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒  𝑡𝑜 𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑡  𝑜𝑛𝑒  𝑒𝑛𝑑  𝑜𝑓 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 −200 ]
200] 
> 400 N  30 
Determine and record the most likely lifting point(s).  
Lift the table at the point used to determine the vertical force to the drop height and let it drop freely onto the 
floor surface (5.2).  
Carry out the test 100 times. Height adjustable tables shall be tested three times at the lowest position and three 
times at the highest position.  
8 Test procedures – Stability  
8.1 General  
Unless otherwise specified, the  tests shall be carried out in the configuration most likely to cause overturning.  
Where the table top can be extended, and the smallest dimension of the unextended table top is less than 
300 mm, then the extended configuration shall be considered most lik ely to cause failure. In this case, the 
extended configuration is considered as the main surface.  
Levelling devices shall be set as near as possible to 5 mm from the fully open position whilst ensuring the table 
top is parallel to the floor.  
If a test cann ot be carried out as specified in this standard, e.g. because a loading pad cannot be used for the 
application of a force due to the design of a product, the test shall be carried out as far as possible as specified.   
©RSB 2019  - All rights reserved                  24 
 With the exception of 7.3, tables suppl ied with storage features shall be tested with no load in the storage item.  
8.2 Stability under vertical load  
8.2.1  General  
Tables that can be set to heights both above and below 950 mm shall be tested to both 7.2.2 and 7.2.3.  
8.2.2  Test for tables that are or can be set to a height of 950 mm or less  
The table shall be set to the height most likely to overturn the table, but not more than 950 mm.  
Measure the longest dimension of the table top (L). Apply the specified vertical load (V), determined from  Table 
2. 
A graph ical representation of Table 2 is shown in Figure 8.  
The vertical load shall be applied (50 ± 5) mm from the outer edge of the table top (see Figure 9) on that side 
where the load is most likely to cause overturning as far away from the supports as possibl e. 
Where there are multiple positions that may cause overturning the test should be repeated at each position.  
Table 2 — Determination of vertical load  
Longest dimension, L, of the table top in  
 the overturning direction  Vertical load V  
0 mm - < 800 mm  V1  
800 mm – 1 600 mm  V2 –(V2 –V1) x(1600 −𝐿)
800 
> 1 600 mm  V2 
All dimensions in millimetres  DRS 434:2019  
25                ©RSB 2019  - All rights reserved  
  
Key 
 
1 Vertical force (V) in N  
2 Longest dimension of the table top in mm  
V1 Minimum vertical force  
V2 Maximum vertical force  
Figure 8 — Determination of vertical load  
All dimensions in millimetres  
 
Key 
 
L longest dimension of table top  
V vertical load  
 
©RSB 2019  - All rights reserved                  26 
 Figure 9 — Vertical stability test  
8.2.3  Test for tables that are or can be set to a height greater than 950 mm  
The table shall be set  to the height most likely to cause overturning, but not less than 950 mm.  
The table shall not overturn when tested according to 7.2.2 using 50 % of the specified vertical load (V) 
determined from table 2.  
Where there are multiple positions that may cause overturning the test should be repeated at each position.  
8.3 Stability for tables with extension elements  
Load each extension element with the load specified.  
For tables with extension elements not fitted with interlocks, open all extension elements in the least favourable 
combination. For tables with extension elements fitted with interlocks, open the two extension elements with the 
largest loads without overriding the interlock. If an interlock device prevents any two of the extension elements 
from being o pened simultaneously, open the extension element with the largest load.  
The table shall not overturn when the specified vertical force is applied at the centre of the front of the table, 
through a loading pad (5.4), (50 ± 5)mm from the edge.  
8.4 Stability of t ables designed to support a parasol  
This test does not apply if the table shall be used with parasols that are fitted with their own bases.  
Secure the test tube (5.6) in the table's fixture for holding parasols.  
Apply the specified horizontal force F at a height h of (2.200 ± 20) mm. Figure 10 shows an example of a table 
where the structure is intended to support a parasol.  DRS 434:2019  
27                ©RSB 2019  - All rights reserved  
  
Key 
 
F horizontal force  
h height  
Figure 10 — Stability of tables where the structure is intended to support a parasol  
 
©RSB 2019  - All rights reserved                  28 
 Bibliography  
[1] ISO/DIS 19682, Furniture — Tables — Test methods for the determination of stability, strength and 
durability, 2015  
[2] EN 1730: 2012, Furniture – Tables – Test methods for the determination of stability, strength and 
durabilityDRS 434: 2019  
 
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