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IS 10909 : 1984Specification for expanded polystyrene (EPS) for thermal insulation

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EN 13163 · ASTM C578/C578M · AS 1366.3
CurrentFrequently UsedSpecificationBIMMaterials Science · Insulation Materials
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OverviewValues5InternationalTablesFAQ4Related

IS 10909:1984 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for expanded polystyrene (eps) for thermal insulation. This standard specifies the requirements, classification, sampling, and test methods for rigid expanded polystyrene (EPS) used as thermal insulation material. It classifies EPS into three types based on density (Normal, Heavy, Very Heavy Duty) and outlines mandatory physical properties such as thermal conductivity, compressive strength, and water absorption.

Specifies requirements for expanded polystyrene (EPS) products used for thermal insulation.

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Frequently Used
Domain
Materials Science — Insulation Materials
Type
Specification
Amendments
Amendment No. 1 (July 1989); Amendment No. 2 (March 1993)
International equivalents
EN 13163:2012+A2:2016 · CEN (European Committee for Standardization), EuropeASTM C578/C578M-23 · ASTM International, USAAS 1366.3:1992 · Standards Australia, Australia
Typically used with
IS 3346IS 7888
Also on InfraLens for IS 10909
5Key values1Tables4FAQs

BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.

Practical Notes
! This standard is superseded by IS 4671. Always refer to the latest active standard for current projects.
! Specify Fire Retardant (FR) grade EPS for applications requiring improved fire performance, and ensure compliance with local fire codes.
! Protect EPS boards from direct and prolonged sunlight (UV exposure) during storage and installation to prevent surface degradation.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 3ClassificationCl. 4RequirementsCl. 6MarkingCl. 7Sampling and Criteria for ConformityCl. 8Tests
Pulled from IS 10909:1984. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
Updates & Amendments2 amendments
Amendment No. 1 (July 1989)
Amendment No. 2 (March 1993)
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
expanded polystyreneEPSthermal insulationpolymers

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
EN 13163:2012+A2:2016CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
HighCurrent
Thermal insulation products for buildings - Factory made expanded polystyrene (EPS) products - Specification
Specifies requirements for factory-made EPS boards for the thermal insulation of buildings.
ASTM C578/C578M-23ASTM International, USA
HighCurrent
Standard Specification for Rigid, Cellular Polystyrene Thermal Insulation
Covers types, physical properties, and dimensions of rigid cellular polystyrene for thermal insulation.
AS 1366.3:1992Standards Australia, Australia
MediumCurrent
Rigid cellular plastics sheets for thermal insulation - Rigid cellular polystyrene - Moulded (RC/PS-M)
Specifies requirements for moulded rigid cellular polystyrene sheets for thermal insulation.
ISO 4898:1984ISO (International Organization for Standardization), International
HighWithdrawn
Rigid cellular plastics — Thermal insulation products for buildings — Specifications
Specified characteristics of rigid cellular plastics used for the thermal insulation of buildings.
Key Differences
≠IS 10909 classifies EPS primarily by nominal density (e.g., Normal, High Density), while modern standards like EN 13163 use a performance-based designation code that declares levels for various properties (e.g., compressive strength, dimensional stability).
≠Fire performance in IS 10909 is categorized simply as 'Normal' or 'Self-Extinguishing' based on a specific test. EN 13163 uses the comprehensive Euroclass system (e.g., Class E, D, C) which provides a more detailed reaction-to-fire classification.
≠Modern standards like EN 13163 and ASTM C578 have more extensive and stricter requirements for dimensional tolerances, including classes for length, width, thickness, squareness, and flatness, which are more simply defined in IS 10909.
≠EN 13163 includes requirements for determining long-term performance, such as aged thermal resistance and long-term water absorption, which are not explicitly addressed in the 1984 version of the Indian Standard.
Key Similarities
≈All standards are based on the same fundamental material: expanded polystyrene foam produced from expandable beads.
≈The core physical and thermal properties specified for testing are consistent across the standards, including density, thermal conductivity, compressive strength, and water absorption.
≈All standards cover the product in the form of rigid boards, blocks, or sheets intended for use as thermal insulation in construction applications.
≈The underlying principles for key test methods, such as using a guarded hot plate for thermal conductivity or a compression machine for strength, are conceptually similar even if the specific apparatus or procedure details vary.
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Compressive Stress at 10% deformation (High Density Grade)≥ 1.5 kgf/cm² (approx. 147 kPa)≥ 150 kPa (for level CS(10)150)EN 13163
Thermal Conductivity (at 10°C mean temp, High Density)≤ 0.030 kcal/m.h.°C (approx. 0.035 W/m·K)Declared value, typically ≤ 0.034 W/m·K for comparable densityEN 13163
Water Absorption by full immersion (long term)≤ 2.0% by volume (for HD Grade)≤ 2% by volume (for level WL(T)2)EN 13163
Bending Strength (High Density Grade)≥ 2.5 kgf/cm² (approx. 245 kPa)≥ 250 kPa (for level BS250)EN 13163
Density (Normal Grade)15 - 22 kg/m³Nominal 21.6 kg/m³ (1.35 lb/ft³) for Type IIASTM C578/C578M-23
Dimensional Stability (Linear change at 70°C)≤ 1.5% (after 7 days)≤ 1% (for level DS(70,-)1, after 48 hours)EN 13163
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values5

Quick Reference Values
Nominal apparent density for Type N (Normal Duty)15 kg/m³
Maximum thermal conductivity for Type N (Normal Duty)0.045 W/(m.K)
Minimum compressive strength at 10% deformation for Type N70 kPa
Maximum water absorption by volume for all types2.0 %
Minimum oxygen index for FR (Fire Retardant) Grade24 %

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
Table 1 - Physical Requirements for Expanded Polystyrene
Key Clauses
Clause 3 - Classification
Clause 4 - Requirements
Clause 6 - Marking
Clause 7 - Sampling and Criteria for Conformity
Clause 8 - Tests

Related Resources on InfraLens

Cross-Referenced Codes
IS 3346:2018Thermal Insulation of Buildings - Code of Pra...
→
IS 7888:1996Glazed Stoneware Pipes and Fittings
→

Frequently Asked Questions4

What are the different types of EPS defined in this standard?+
It classifies EPS into three types based on nominal apparent density: Type N (Normal Duty), Type H (Heavy Duty), and Type VH (Very Heavy Duty) (Clause 3.1).
What is the maximum thermal conductivity allowed for Type N EPS?+
For Type N, the maximum thermal conductivity is 0.045 W/(m.K) as per Table 1.
Is this standard still active?+
No, IS 10909:1984 has been superseded by IS 4671:1984 'Expanded polystyrene for thermal insulation purposes - Specification'.
How is the material's fire performance specified?+
The material can be specified as a Fire Retardant (FR) Grade, which must have a minimum Oxygen Index of 24 when tested as per IS 11239 (Part 4) (Clause 4.10).

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