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IS 12435:2022 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for mineral wool thermal insulation materials - specification. This standard specifies the requirements, testing methods, and sampling for factory-made mineral wool products (including rock wool and slag wool) supplied as slabs, blankets, and pipe sections. It is primarily used for thermal and acoustic insulation in buildings and industrial applications.
Specifies requirements for mineral wool (rock wool and slag wool) thermal insulation materials.
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! Ensure the correct density is specified; higher density for compressive strength (e.g., roof insulation), lower density for cavity walls or acoustic panels.
! Mineral wool's performance can be degraded by moisture. Ensure proper weather/vapour barriers are used in the assembly.
! Always check the marking on the packaging for conformity to IS 12435, including density, dimensions, and thermal conductivity group.
mineral woolrock woolslag woolthermal insulationacoustic insulation
International Equivalents
Similar International Standards
EN 13162:2012+A1:2015CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
HighCurrent
Thermal insulation products for buildings - Factory made mineral wool (MW) products - Specification
Specifies requirements for factory-made mineral wool products used for thermal insulation of buildings.
ASTM C612-14(2022)ASTM International, USA
HighCurrent
Standard Specification for Mineral Fiber Block and Board Thermal Insulation
Covers the composition, dimensions, and physical properties of mineral fiber (rock, slag, or glass) block and board for thermal insulation.
ASTM C553-13(2019)ASTM International, USA
MediumCurrent
Standard Specification for Mineral Fiber Blanket Thermal Insulation for Commercial and Industrial Applications
Covers mineral fiber blankets, including batts and rolls, for thermal and acoustical insulation in commercial and industrial settings.
BS EN 13162:2012+A1:2015BSI (British Standards Institution), United Kingdom
HighCurrent
Thermal insulation products for buildings. Factory made mineral wool (MW) products. Specification
The UK's adoption of the European standard EN 13162, covering the same scope.
Key Differences
≠IS 12435 classifies products into types (form) and classes (density), while EN 13162 uses a detailed designation code system that specifies levels or classes for multiple properties (e.g., thickness tolerance, compressive stress, water absorption).
≠Fire performance in IS 12435 is defined as 'Non-combustible' based on IS 3144. EN 13162 uses the comprehensive Euroclass system (A1 to F) as per EN 13501-1, which provides a more granular assessment of reaction to fire.
≠IS 12435 specifies maximum allowable thermal conductivity values for different density classes. In contrast, EN 13162 is based on a manufacturer-declared thermal conductivity (λD) value, which must be met with 90% fractile at a 90% confidence level.
≠EN 13162 requires CE marking and a Declaration of Performance (DoP) for products sold in the European Economic Area. IS 12435 mandates the BIS Standard Mark (ISI mark) for certification within India.
Key Similarities
≈All standards cover mineral wool made from rock, slag, or a mixture thereof, intended for thermal and acoustic insulation.
≈Core physical properties such as thermal conductivity, density, dimensions, and fire resistance are specified requirements in both IS 12435 and its international counterparts.
≈The fundamental test methods for determining thermal conductivity (e.g., Guarded Hot Plate or Heat Flow Meter) are based on the same principles across the standards (referencing ISO 8301/8302, ASTM C518).
≈All standards include requirements for product marking and labeling, ensuring traceability and identification of key performance characteristics.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Fire Performance (unfaced)
Non-combustible as per IS 3144
Euroclass A1 as per EN 13501-1
EN 13162:2012+A1:2015
Thermal Conductivity (λ)
Prescriptive maximum value based on density and temperature (e.g., ≤ 0.038 W/m·K at 50°C for 49-64 kg/m³ density).
Manufacturer declared value (λD) with statistical control (90/90 principle). No prescribed limit.
EN 13162:2012+A1:2015
Thickness Tolerance (Board/Slab)
±3 mm or ±5%, whichever is greater.
Defined by classes. E.g., Class T4: -2 mm / +4 mm.
EN 13162:2012+A1:2015
Length/Width Tolerance (Board/Slab)
±1.5%
Defined by classes. E.g., Class T3: ±1% or ±10 mm (whichever is smaller).
EN 13162:2012+A1:2015
Density Tolerance (Bonded Slabs)
±15% of nominal density.
Not a normative requirement. Apparent density is reported but has no specified tolerance in the standard itself.
EN 13162:2012+A1:2015
Short-term Water Absorption
Max 5% by volume after 24 hr full immersion.
Level WS: ≤ 1.0 kg/m² after 24 hr partial immersion (EN 1609). Test method and units are different.
EN 13162:2012+A1:2015
Max Service Temperature
Up to 750 °C (material dependent).
Type-dependent, e.g., Type V for boards: 1000 °F (538 °C).
ASTM C612-14(2022)
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values6
Quick Reference Values
Maximum Thermal Conductivity at 25°C0.046 W/(m.K) (varies with product type)
Nominal Density Range25 kg/m³ to 200 kg/m³
Maximum Service TemperatureUp to 750 °C (for unfaced products)
Reaction to Fire ClassificationMaterial is Non-combustible
Maximum Water Vapour AbsorptionNot more than 1.0 percent by volume
Maximum Shot Content by Mass15 to 25 percent (varies with density)
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Dimensional Tolerances for Slabs and Lamella
Table 2 - Dimensional Tolerances for Pre-formed Pipe Sections
Table 3 - Dimensional Tolerances for Blankets
Table 4 - Limiting values for Thermal Conductivity
Key Clauses
Clause 4 - Classification and Forms of Supply
Clause 5 - Requirements
Clause 5.4 - Thermal Conductivity
Clause 5.7 - Reaction to Fire
Clause 8 - Packing and Marking
Annex A - Method for Determination of Thermal Conductivity
What is the primary indicator of insulation performance in this standard?+
Thermal conductivity (k-value). A lower value means better insulation. See Clause 5.4 and Table 4.
Is mineral wool specified under this code fireproof?+
The material itself is classified as 'Non-combustible' as per Clause 5.7, when tested according to IS 3808. The overall fire rating of an assembly depends on all components.
What are the different forms of mineral wool covered by IS 12435?+
It covers bonded slabs, lamella (slabs with fibres perpendicular to the face), pre-formed pipe sections, and blankets (Clause 4).
Does this standard cover installation procedures?+
No, IS 12435 is a material specification. Installation is covered in other codes of practice, like the National Building Code (NBC).