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IS 14227:2018 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for rigid polyurethane (pur) and polyisocyanurate (pir) foam for thermal insulation - specification. This standard specifies the requirements and test methods for rigid polyurethane (PUR) and polyisocyanurate (PIR) foam used for thermal insulation. It covers essential properties like thermal conductivity, density, compressive strength, dimensional stability, and fire performance for foam supplied in blocks, boards, or other pre-formed shapes.
Specifies requirements for rigid polyurethane (PUR) and polyisocyanurate (PIR) foam boards and blocks used as thermal insulation materials.
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! PIR foam generally provides superior fire resistance and dimensional stability compared to PUR foam, making it preferable for applications with stricter fire codes.
! The thermal conductivity (k-value) can increase over time due to the diffusion of blowing agents. Always consider the aged k-value provided by the manufacturer for long-term energy performance calculations.
! Ensure the insulation is installed with a continuous and properly sealed vapour barrier, especially in cold applications, to prevent interstitial condensation and degradation of thermal performance.
Provides a framework for specifying requirements for all rigid cellular plastic insulation, including PUR/PIR.
AS/NZS 4859.1:2018Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand, Australia/New Zealand
LowCurrent
Thermal insulation materials for buildings, Part 1: General criteria and technical provisions
A general standard for all insulation materials, setting performance criteria that PUR/PIR products must meet.
Key Differences
≠Classification System: IS 14227 uses a type-based classification (Type 1, 2, 3) primarily based on density. In contrast, EN 13165 uses a detailed designation code system where manufacturers declare levels for various properties (e.g., compressive strength, dimensional stability).
≠Fire Performance Testing: The standards reference different, non-equivalent fire test methods and classification systems. IS 14227 uses Indian standards like IS 15061, while EN 13165 uses the European 'Euroclass' system (EN 13501-1), and ASTM C591 uses ASTM E84 (flame spread/smoke developed).
≠Regulatory Framework: Products conforming to EN 13165 require CE Marking and a Declaration of Performance (DoP) for sale in the EEA, a legal requirement under the Construction Products Regulation. IS 14227 requires the ISI mark from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for certified products in India.
≠Thermal Conductivity Declaration: EN 13165 uses a 'declared thermal conductivity' (λD) based on a 90/90 statistical principle, allowing manufacturers flexibility. IS 14227 specifies a single maximum permissible value for λ (e.g., ≤ 0.023 W/(m·K) for Class 1) at a fixed mean temperature.
Key Similarities
≈Core Material and Scope: All standards fundamentally address the same material: factory-made rigid cellular foams based on polyurethane (PUR) and polyisocyanurate (PIR) intended for thermal insulation in buildings.
≈Fundamental Performance Properties: Key physical and thermal properties are assessed across all standards, including apparent density, compressive strength, thermal conductivity, water absorption, and dimensional stability.
≈Basis for Test Methods: Many of the referenced test methods, while nationally codified, are based on the same underlying ISO standards. For example, compressive strength testing (IS 10076, EN 826, ASTM D1621) is derived from principles in ISO 844.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Apparent Density
Type 1: 32 ± 2 kg/m³
Type II: 32 kg/m³ (Nominal)
ASTM C591-17
Compressive Strength (at 10% deformation)
Type 1: ≥ 150 kPa
Level CS(10\Y)150: ≥ 150 kPa
EN 13165
Thermal Conductivity (λ at ~10-24°C mean temp)
≤ 0.023 W/(m·K) at 10°C (Class 1)
≤ 0.029 W/(m·K) at 24°C (Value differs with temp)
ASTM C591-17
Water Absorption (by short-term partial immersion)
≤ 1.0 % by volume (Class 1)
Level WL(T)1: ≤ 1.0 kg/m² (equivalent to ~1% for 100mm board)
What is the primary difference between PUR and PIR specified in this code?+
PIR is a chemically modified form of PUR that exhibits higher thermal stability and significantly better fire-retardant properties, as reflected in the higher minimum Oxygen Index requirement (Clause 3 and Table 1).
What is the maximum thermal conductivity allowed?+
The maximum initial thermal conductivity is 0.021 W/(m.K) when measured at a mean temperature of 10°C (Table 1).
Is this material suitable for load-bearing applications?+
It has limited load-bearing capacity. The minimum compressive strength is 150 kPa at 10% deformation, suitable for floor insulation under screed but not for direct structural loads (Table 1).
What are the fire performance requirements?+
The material must achieve 'Class 1' in the surface spread of flame test. Additionally, PIR foam must have a minimum Oxygen Index of 24% (Table 1).